Introduction: Several studies in the literature have demonstrated that physicians are often unaware of prescription drug, laboratory, diagnostic, and surgical supply costs. Other studies have suggested that increased physician awareness of supply cost contributes to reduced overall cost. In this study, we investigated the effects of such increased awareness on neurosurgical cost containment.
Methods: Within the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, physicians were informed of the prices of various ventricular shunt brands, such as the more expensive Medtronic shunts versus the more economic fixed Integra shunt. In addition, the costs of DuraGen versus alternative materials used during craniotomy such as Gelfoam were reviewed with faculty neurosurgeons.
Results: The total supply cost of ventricular shunts in fiscal year 2015 was $383,026 and the estimated total supply cost of shunts in fiscal year 2016 based on fiscal year 2015 volume was $273,553. Supply costs of ventricular shunts decreased from $1,916 per procedure in fiscal year 2015 to $1,375 per procedure in fiscal year 2016. The total supply cost of DuraGen in fiscal year 2015 was $344,689 and the estimated total supply cost of DuraGen in fiscal year 2016 based on fiscal year 2015 volume was $195,021. Supply costs of DuraGen decreased from $279 per procedure in fiscal year 2015 to $159 per procedure in fiscal year 2016.
Conclusions: Physician awareness of surgical supply costs within our department of neurosurgery successfully resulted in significant cost savings.
Patient Care: Our research demonstrates the effects of increased awareness on neurosurgical cost containment. We strive for our outcomes to serve as a model for other institutions.
Learning Objectives: "By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1) Describe the ability of physician awareness, rather than mandatory intervention, to effect change 2) Discuss, in small groups, strategies to reduce surgical supply costs, 3) Identify an efficacious changes that are possible through improved physician awareness.