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O U T S O U R C I N G
ASSESSING THE OPTIONS
Partner With the Right Outsourcing Firm
D
oing your homework is key to
making outsourc-
ing work, says Mark
Vandersnick, RN, operating
room manager at Sanford
TEAM PLAYERS Techs employed by outsourcing firms expertly assist your cataract surgeons
and often fit seamlessly into your staff.
Worthington Medical Center in Worthington, Minn. Ask around to other
facilities in your area that use the service to ensure you're dealing with a
reputable firm. Evaluate the exact equipment the outsourcing company
will bring to your center. Is it state of the art? Where do they get the lenses that will be implanted in your patients? Most secure them from major
players in the marketplace, but it doesn't hurt to confirm that they do.
Inquire about the education, experience and expertise of the technician the company will send to assist your surgeons, suggests Mr.
Vandersnick. The bedside compatibility between the two is vital. "It'll be
obvious to see how well they work together," he says. More importantly,
make sure outsourcing techs practice sterile technique and follow your
facility's protocols. If they continually mess up, it's up to you to demand
more and straighten them out. "Outsourcing companies are providing a
service to your facility, not your surgeons," points out Mr. Vandersnick.
"You're the one who's paying for it."
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— Daniel Cook
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2012