Optimizing Your Benefits

Tips to Maximize MEDISISS’ Value and Your Savings

The following encompasses the guidelines and methods used by our most successful customers:

• They put forth a concerted effort to increase device submission every year in order to experience greater annual savings.
• There is a commitment to results (and any reservations their staff may have about reprocessing are immediately addressed and resolved).

Each month they do their best to completely fill the MEDISISS bin knowing this will generate the greatest cost benefit to their center. If there is any doubt about a device, they will conduct the quick cleaning and toss it into the bin. They also understand that they will achieve the best results (and fewest device rejections) by completing this "brush and flush" on their devices immediately or shortly after use.

1. For "Open / Unused / Expired" devices, they follow our suggestion to double bag these items and place them on top of the Used devices in the bin so that they never come in to direct contact with used devices.
2. If their facility utilizes Sequential Compression Devices (SCD Sleeves) they request the separate SCD Collection System from us and reprocess those devices as well.
3. Our bin is placed in a location that’s convenient for everyone who’ll be putting devices into it; and everybody knows where it is.
4. Signage is used to remind everyone to reprocess devices; posters are placed in the break room, the OR, and near our bin.

They avoid reprocessing companies that:
• Do not guarantee customers will receive back their own devices.
• Are unable to produce 510k documentation proving they’ve met all FDA requirements to reprocess specific devices.

1. Two people, with established credibility with the doctors and staff, are assigned to be in charge of the reprocessing effort; this way there is always a back up available. Ideally one (or both) is involved with the OR. The facility benefits because these individuals are, in essence, “goodwill ambassadors" pointing out the value of reprocessing and the benefits generated for the organization. As part of their responsibilities in championing reprocessing they will:
   
   • Monitor the progress being made and take appropriate action to maintain a focus on the program
   
   • Remain in communication with MEDISISS personnel to:
   
   

   1. Analyze their case mix and how they match up to industry standards to identify new device opportunities
   
   2. Conduct quarterly business reviews to set goals and create action plans to help maximize their savings
   
   

   • Maintain a binder with reprocessing information (i.e. FDA registration, liability insurance, etc.) that could be needed for internal audits or inspections
   
   • Ensure that new staff members are trained on the reprocessing program (using the MEDISISS “Virtual In-Service” DVD to help educate them)
   
   • Assign an individual to oversee when the bin is full and should be shipped (this person then becomes the primary point of contact for Fed-Ex)

They embrace the fact that teaming with MEDISISS is contributing to a healthier environment.

1. Everyone in the facility supports reprocessing and understands how important it is to keep this commitment in mind. This is accomplished by:
   
   • Involving facility decision makers, including surgeons and administrators, and establishing an “executive sponsor” who strongly encourages department heads to review the facility's reprocessing results in staff meetings.
   
   • Educating staff and generating their support for the program.
   
   • Utilizing the Virtual In-Service training tool (located on the MEDISISS web site or available in DVD format):
   
   

   1. On a quarterly / monthly basis as a reprocessing "refresher" aide for their staff
   
   2. As a staple of their employee orientation when new staff members are hired on
   

   • Offering incentives for dedicated efforts which lead to positive results that maximize savings and increase operating capital for patient care.

In summary, less expense, more operating capital for patient care and reduced environmental waste. Customers nationwide are experiencing significant value with MEDISISS, so why not you and your surgery center?

Click here to review a recent excerpt from the 6/30/08 “Practice Greenhealth” newsletter which describes the guidelines used by an organization that actively supports reprocessing: - Case Study: Catholic Healthcare West.