Profit opportunities still exist....in the operating room.

This piece is the first in a new series focused on improving profitability in the OR. Subsequent articles will present case studies, tools and best practices to help healthcare organizations improve resource management and increase profitability. The healthcare industry is at a financial impasse. While costs have increased, reimbursement has decreased. And just when the aging baby boomers are at the cusp of needing more care, the current nursing population is retiring, with too few new nurses to fill their shoes. Furthermore, healthcare organizations are experiencing the phenomenon of "profitless growth," a situation in which beds are full and resources appear to be fully utilized, yet profits are stagnant. Where can organizations focus to help close these gaps? The OR remains the single biggest opportunity. This project is a collaboration between McKesson Information Solutions and HFMA. The series will uncover hidden profit opportunities in the OR by focusing on three key areas: streamlining workflow, improving resource standardization and utilization, and integrating information and decision-making.