21/07/2023
Dr. Hiebert’s VetOR Takeaway: Economic Complications of Hypothermia.
This is not a high-level financial analysis but a reminder that Hypothermia is not without economic consequences.
Previous Intra-operative and Post-operative Complications of Hypothermia Takeaways reference the consequences of prolonged blood clotting, prolonged post anesthesia recovery and impaired wound healing with post-operative wound infections.
Standard overhead costs in every Veterinary facility using the 2019 Well Managed Veterinary Practice Benchmarks Study:
- Clinic overhead costs per DVM - $3 to $4 per minute
- In hospital procedure costs:
- Soft tissue surgery - $5 to $6 per minute
- General surgery - $8 to $9 per minute
- Orthopedic and specialized surgery - $9 to $10 per minute
- Post anesthesia recovery costs - $150 to $200 per hour
Practical Clinical Scenario:
An orthopedic procedure ($9 to $10/min) in which the patient is 2 to 3 Deg F below body temp.
Consequences:
- Poor blood clotting extends the case by 30 minutes - Facility cost - $300 - Anesthesia recovery extended by 1.5 to 2 hours ($150 - $200/hour) - Facility cost - $400
Increased procedure related costs - $700
- Impaired wound healing and wound infection requiring
two extra 30 minute visits with Veterinarian ($3 to $4/ minute) - Facility cost - $240
plus supplies and antibiotics Minimum Extra Costs to the facility - $940 plus supplies and antibiotics
Any profit from the procedure has been quickly dissipated by the increased overhead.
- Quick Takeaway -
Preventing Hypothermia costs significantly less than treating the adverse outcomes of Hypothermia
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www.VetORSolutions.com
