Hospitals can realize cost savings and potentially save lives by taking a "less is more" approach to blood transfusions and use of red blood cell, platelet and plasma products, according to Joseph Thomas, BSN, RN, national director of clinical optimization at Accumen.
Mr. Thomas shared the following tip with Becker's Hospital Review.
"Nationally, the acquisition cost of blood products is approximately $4 billion each year with additional costs for testing, processing, administration and adverse events driving a true cost of transfusion at an estimated $15-20 billion in healthcare. Within 18 months, one large health system realized a $4.4 million reduction in blood acquisition costs (patient volume adjusted) that was accomplished by implementing a comprehensive patient blood management program with active participation from hospital departments and specialties as well as support from executive leadership, medical staff, nursing, pharmacy and the laboratory.
"Less is more for transfusions — a more restrictive approach not only saves blood but, also saves lives."
If you would like to share your RCM best practices, please email Kelly Gooch at kgooch@beckershealthcare.com to be featured in the "RCM tip of the day" series.
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