I hope this edition of the practice support newsletter finds you well and enjoying the start of summer. As I am sure you are aware, we have recently released our new ligator and it has been great to hear the positive feedback from everyone so far. If you have any questions or comments about it, please let us know.
Some groups block out banding days, some see patients as they come and some groups do a combination of both. Every practice has a different way of scheduling their banding patients and while there is no “best way”, we can certainly provide you with some ideas that might make things more efficient.
One of the models that a number of our partners use is to band the first patient in the ASC after their colonoscopy and bring the patient back to the office for their 2nd and 3rd bandings. This model can work quite well if you find that a number of your patients who are diagnosed with hemorrhoids never end up getting treatment. They often fear the worst when it comes to hemorrhoid treatment and when they see how quick and easy the first procedure is, you can easily book them for their 2nd and 3rd visits before they leave.
BUT, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Because it is a secondary procedure, the reimbursement rate will be cut by 50%
• It is not recommended to band patients after colonoscopy if you are using conscious sedation as the patient needs to be alert and able to feel any pinch or pain before the band is placed
• It is recommended to keep the patient around longer before you discharge them. Since they are still coming out of their sedation, some patients will need a band adjustment when the physician has already moved onto the next procedure
Some groups may have a few skeptics among them when it comes to the efficacy and complication rate associated with hemorrhoid banding. Other practices may want to collect data in order to do their own internal reporting. Whatever your reason, getting feedback about the procedure from your patients can be quite helpful. Here is an example of something you could have patients fill out approximately 4 weeks after their final banding:
1. Are you still experiencing hemorrhoid related symptoms?
a. Yes
b. Yes, but improved
c. No
2. If you are still experiencing symptoms, what are they?
3. Did you experience any complications associated with the procedure?
a. Yes
b. No
4. If you experienced any complications, what were they?
5. Would you recommend this procedure to a friend or family member?
a. Yes
b. No
You can certainly add additional questions about the procedure, the physician, staff, facility etc. Through our own clinics and from working with 2,200 physicians around the country, we really do expect the effectiveness of the procedure to be over 99% with a complication rate of 1%. If you are not seeing these results, please let us know and we would be happy to return to your practice for an advanced training session.
As always, thanks for your continued support and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!
