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G F Senn

Publications and source records attributed to G F Senn.

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Clinical buy-in is key to benchmarking success.

The effectiveness of benchmarking as a tool for improving the quality of healthcare services and reducing costs depends on the completeness of the data and physician acceptance of the findings. Benchmarking analyses based on cost-center data, for example, do not account for many of the actual costs of performing a procedure and, therefore, may be of limited value. Benchmarking studies should use data that provide a complete, detailed picture of what each procedure entails to facilitate consistent comparisons among actual physician practices so that physicians can see clearly how their practices relate to best practices. The current procedural terminology (CPT) coding system can provide an excellent basis for assembling benchmark data.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

Benchmarking: your performance measurement and improvement tool.

Many respected professional healthcare organizations and societies today are seeking to establish data-driven performance measurement strategies such as benchmarking. Clinicians are, however, resistant to "benchmarking" that is based on financial data alone, concerned that it may be adverse to the patients' best interests. Benchmarking of clinical procedures that uses physician's codes such as Current Procedural Terminology (CPTs) has greater credibility with practitioners. Better Performers, organizations that can perform procedures successfully at lower cost and in less time, become the "benchmark" against which other organizations can measure themselves. The Better Performers' strategies can be adopted by other facilities to save time or money while maintaining quality patient care.

Benchmarking↗

Benchmarking: the key to influencing physicians.

Managing physicians to achieve cost reductions can seem impossible, especially when managed care penetration is low. Physicians feel little pressure to change when asked merely to cut costs, especially when their boat is not rocking. But physicians will respond to benchmarking data on CPT-coded procedures that are directly comparable to their own practices. When surgeons see that others take less time to perform a procedure and/or use fewer and lower cost supplies, their competitive spirits are aroused. They become inquisitive about why this is so and then are eager to change by trying new methods and improving their techniques. Science is the key motivator, not savings. When benchmarking recommendations are implemented in a facility, better practice and substantial cost savings are the positive results.

Benchmarking↗