Cutting Costs, Not Corners: A Guide to OR Efficiency for the Otolaryngologist

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Surgical care commands a substantial one-third share of all healthcare spending in the United States. With healthcare reaching a staggering $6 trillion annually and a projected increase of nearly 5.5% each year over the next 5 years, cutting costs becomes pivotal, exerting a severe influence over our medical practices. Amid a burgeoning body of literature surrounding cost-saving interventions in surgery, varying estimates of dollars spent and dollars saved present a challenge. How can we navigate this data maze and improve efficiency without compromising on quality in our operating rooms (ORs)?

This panel seeks to provide multi-faceted insight into the role of Otolaryngologists in optimizing OR resource utilization. First, we will delve into existing comprehensive evaluations of OR operations and supply chain management, reviewing the latest cost-saving methodologies described in the literature. Second, we will discuss an Otolaryngologist’s hands-on approach and experiences in maximizing value across practices. Here, we will showcase real examples of targeted cost reductions without sacrifice of patient care quality. Finally, we will provide an overview of the intersection of medical education and value. In this section, we will discuss the impact of Resident education on healthcare costs, describe the effect of purposeful educational changes on Physician-in-Training competencies, and emphasize a goal of empowering future generations of Otolaryngologists to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. In essence, our panel provides a roadmap to not only navigate the complexities of surgical cost dynamics, but also to empower the next generation of physicians to continuously seeking the tools needed to optimize healthcare value.