were closer to $250 (osmag.net/4TRfEu).
"The cost of the disposable element, which is the handheld device,
is much more expensive than standard cautery equipment," says Dr.
Cooper, who adds his plasma scalpel's handpiece can cost somewhere
between $250 and $350. "That's the main disadvantage."
Better outcomes, but at a cost While plasma devices
all operate a little differently, the high price tags are pretty consistent
among models. Ms. Dennis notes when she used the device, costs
could top $500 for the handheld single-use device, though the manu-
facturer is attempting to lower the price. The cost keeps the technolo-
gy out of many ORs, says Ms. Dennis, despite the fact that its gentle
and precise actions would benefit patients across specialties.
"Would it be great for tonsillectomy? Absolutely," says Ms. Dennis.
"But who would pay $500 to use it to do a tonsillectomy when your
reimbursement for the whole procedure is only $500? In health care, it's
all about finding a balance. Plasma technology is very cool. Maybe one
day it will be cost-effective." OSM
E-mail kgapinski@outpatientsurgery.net.
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