The physician-patient encounter is the critical step required to advance hospital care. The number of patient hours spent waiting for physicians is staggering and has profound implications for hospital capacity management.
A study of 62 patients receiving additional physician rounds showed a reduction in patient LOS for 1 in every 4 patients. These results translate into over $1.4 million in labor savings and additional revenue per year.
Six urologists from Devine-Tidewater Urology in Norfolk, Virginia, performed additional rounds each day from their office or home using the InTouch Health Robot. Advances in patient care occurring during these rounds had a direct impact on patient LOS.
Patient Length of Stay Study
40 patients (65%) received new physician orders during ancillary rounds
12 patients (19%) received discharge orders during ancillary rounds
18 patients (29%) were discharged at least one half day early
Benefits of Remote Presence
For one 42-bed ward, shaving .29 days off patient LOS creates an estimated value of $1.4 million annually.
• $508,000 Marginal cost savings (1270 fewer days for current patients)
• $989,000 Marginal value - 396 new patient admissions into freed-up beds
