SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the demands of caring for patients with chronic colorectal conditions including colon cancer, the second-leading cancer-killer in the U.S., hospitals are scrambling to find new and better programs to ensure cost-effective approaches while improving surgical outcomes. To assist hospitals in this endeavor, iSurg Corp. has introduced OptiTrack, a comprehensive new colorectal surgery care program. Designed for physicians, nurses and other providers involved in treatment of chronic colorectal diseases, the innovative new service improves the quality and efficiency of colorectal procedures while enhancing patient health and productivity following surgery.
Each year millions of Americans suffer from colorectal diseases. These conditions can greatly impact the health and overall quality of life of those affected and range from hemorrhoids to colorectal cancer, with more than 55,000 mortalities annually. While not always a cure, surgery is often the best way to stop the spread of the disease and/or alleviate pain and discomfort. When surgical intervention is required, hospitals are often challenged to provide the critical ingredients for program success including: minimal operating room and ancillary consumption levels, effective management of length of stays (LOS) and quality outcomes.
“Clinical studies have shown that the use of protocols for treating colorectal surgery patients shortens the length of stay, reduces readmissions and improves overall outcomes,” said Steve Sedlock, founder of iSurg Corp. “However many hospitals are not aware of this research and do not have the time or staff to develop the programs to ensure proven guidelines are fully utilized. As a result, many hospitals across the U.S. experience cost overruns and large variances in their outcomes for colorectal surgery.”
Based on the 2004 results submitted to Medicare for Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) 148, Small & Large Bowel Procedures with Complications, Sedlock estimates that there are more than 500 hospitals in the U.S. that are underperforming as measured by a number of indicators including average LOS, mortality rate and total cost. “These hospitals could immediately benefit from the OptiTrack solution and move to a profitable colorectal surgery program with enhanced outcomes and improved patient satisfaction,” continued Sedlock.
OptiTrack was developed over a five-year period by surgeons, nurses and other providers at high-volume tertiary care institutions using best-practice guidelines. The program includes a series of training sessions for hospital care-givers using proven protocols for pre-, peri- and post-operative care. iSurg provides templates and training materials including descriptions and explanations of a proven clinical pathway along with patient education materials as the basis for delivering efficient, best practice colorectal surgery care. iSurg expects to announce a number of OptiTrack implementations at leading hospitals by the end of the year.
About iSurg Corp.
iSurg Corp. is dedicated to improving the quality and efficiency of colorectal surgery through our iSurg branded offerings. We provide operational consulting, surgical training and program management services enabling hospitals to enhance the health and productivity of patients suffering from chronic colorectal diseases. Our approach imparts skills and best practices to the key areas of surgery, patient care, marketing, finance, information technology and proactive patient screening, allowing hospitals to achieve a profitable colorectal service line while gaining a competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.isurgcorp.com.
Contact: Steve Sedlock iSurg Corp. 760.415.1635 ssedlock@isurgcorp.com
iSurg. Corp.
CONTACT: Steve Sedlock of iSurg Corp., +1-760-415-1635,ssedlock@isurgcorp.com
Web site: http://www.isurgcorp.com/
