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K L Shrake

Publications and source records attributed to K L Shrake.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Benefits associated with a respiratory care assessment-treatment program: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: During the months of July, August, and September 1993, we implemented a respiratory care assessment-treatment pilot study on the orthopedic surgery floor in our hospital. The purpose of the study was to determine feasibility and establish cost-effective treatment plans with quality patient outcomes, while maintaining appropriate communications with physicians and nursing staff. STUDY DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION: The study's Task Force developed protocols for oxygen therapy, aerosolized medication therapy, volume expansion therapy, and bronchial hygiene therapy using the American Association for Respiratory Care's Clinical Practice Guidelines as supporting documents. Meetings were held with the orthopedic surgeons and nursing staff to inform them of the key components of the pilot program. Ten patient evaluators were trained to assess patients and implement treatment plans. EVALUATION METHODS: A reference book was established that contained the protocols and support material. Patient outcomes were evaluated using previously established quality assurance plans. The length of stay, procedural volume, and cost data were collected. EVALUATION RESULTS: More than 50% of the orders received during the pilot program were for "Respiratory Care Protocol." This allowed the patient care evaluator the flexibility to initiate one of the approved protocols if indicated. No changes in patient outcomes were noted and average length of stay remained unchanged during the pilot study compared to the base period. Treatment volumes decreased, resulting in identified cost savings of $5,318 during the study. Nurses and physicians supported protocol implementation, and increased communication among caregivers was documented. We believe that professionalism of the RCPs was enhanced without compromising the ultimate decision-making responsibilities of the physician. CONCLUSIONS: The use of respiratory care protocols is an acceptable method of developing clinically effective and fiscally responsible care plans. RCPs at our hospital were able to implement care plans that resulted in cost savings without a measured change in patient outcomes. Approval has been extended from the Executive Committee of the medical staff to expand hospital-wide.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Therapy evaluation protocol as a management technique.

Two major issues that respiratory care managers must deal with are overutilization of services and cost containment. Using the therapy evaluation program detailed here, respiratory personnel assist the physicians in therapy assessment, communicate suggestions to them, and document the patient care plan on a concurrent patient care audit form.

Concurrent Review↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effective CPT coding: a multi-disciplinary approach.

Billing and reimbursement issues for health care organizations are becoming increasingly complex. There is a great deal at stake in today's environment ranging from inefficiencies, to loss of revenue, to issues of fraud and abuse. By using a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluating the billing and reimbursement process, your organization's ability to avoid the problems associated with filing inaccurate claims will be greatly enhanced.

Abstracting and Indexing↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cardiology trends 2001: reimbursement and cost reduction strategies.

In summary, the profitability of many cardiology programs across the country has declined due to changes in reimbursement, practice patterns and new technology. Hospitals are being challenged to find ways to improve reimbursement and reduce cost without compromising quality of care. These goals can be accomplished by analyzing service line specific data to identify opportunities to partner with physicians to provide high quality, low cost care.

Cardiology↗