Utilization Review means never having to say UR sorry

Dangerous Hospitalizations and Alarm Fatigue

Being in the hospital is a dangerous thing. ECRI Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization that researches the best approaches to improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. In a recent publication they listed the top ten technology dangers patients face when hospitalized. Three apply directly to hazards faced by all patients, whether work comp or group medical.

First is alarm fatigue! Who knew? Apparently so many pieces of equipment have alarms on them that staff begins to become numb to the sounds of alarms. Next is excessive exposure to radiation from CT scans and radiation therapy. Not the norm but when mistakes are made as to dosage, the results can be critical. And then there are medical errors when using infusion pumps. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others contribute to this with illegible orders, improper delivery and mixing up patients.

Unnecessary hospitalizations can be expensive and deadly. Good utilization review can make sure that only those who need the intense services of in-patient care are exposed to this environment. This saves both money and lives.

OMCA is accredited by URAC for both health and workers’ compensation utilization management. Call us. We can do better. 502-495-5040

William V. Faris, JD
President and CEO

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