The Big Picture
Experts agree that patient safety is a broad concept, but one that must be addressed. Editor’s Note: The participation of those in the following articles…
Articles by Laura Thill
Stand-alone Provides Saving Grace
Sister emergency center relieves hospital overload and extends care across county. When a hospital emergency room is consistently overloaded beyond capacity, the last thing it…
Financial Finesse
From accountant to financial analyst to healthcare chief procurement officer, Donna Drummond has managed to keep spending down and satisfaction up. When Donna Drummond joined…
MS-DRGs: Winners and Losers
New payment system is designed to compensate providers for taking care of severely ill patients. Not everyone can be a winner. It remains to be…
A Common Front
One surgeon’s perspective of physician preference items. People can change, even physicians who prefer certain products. But, it’s up to contracting professionals to help bring…
Vendor’s Choice
Payment-cap approach to cost containment can be complex, but worthwhile. Editor’s Note: The participation of those in the following articles on Physician Preference Items does…
Child-proofed and Kid-friendly
New emergency and trauma department is designed especially for children. Children are not little adults, at least not at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando…
Make or Buy
IDNs focus on healthcare and leave other services to the experts. “Outsourcing services is not a luxury for IDNs,” says Tom Strudl, director of resource…
A Private Space
Hospitals recognize the importance of individualized space for newborns and their families. The nurses at Meriter Hospital (Madison, Wis.) were apprehensive when a steering committee…
Proper Care
Caring for obese patients can be expensive. But, careful planning and management can limit additional expenses. In spite of widespread attention to nutrition, fitness and…