Reducing Infection Risks and Liabilities
The persistent challenge of contamination in reusable bronchoscopes poses a significant risk to patient safety and institutional reputation. Studies have shown that reusable bronchoscopes can have a cross-contamination rate of over 8%, even after following strict cleaning protocols. Single-use bronchoscopes eliminate this risk entirely, providing a sterile, ready-to-use device for every procedure. For hospitals, this translates into reduced liability and greater compliance with infection control standards.
Streamlined Operations
Reprocessing reusable bronchoscopes is a resource-intensive endeavor requiring skilled personnel, specialized equipment, and rigorous quality checks. These demands can create bottlenecks and increase operational costs. Single-use bronchoscopes remove these challenges, simplifying workflows and freeing up staff to focus on other critical tasks. This efficiency is especially valuable in high-volume settings where time is of the essence.
Cost-Effective Solutions
While single-use bronchoscopes may seem costlier at first glance, their long-term economic benefits are notable. Eliminating reprocessing reduces labor, water, energy, and chemical costs. Additionally, avoiding costly repairs and mitigating infection-related expenses contribute to overall savings. Studies have indicated that the cost per procedure for single-use bronchoscopes can be advantageous when considering these factors.
For hospital administrators seeking sustainable and financially sound solutions, single-use bronchoscopes are a strategic choice. Effective January 1, 2024, single-use bronchoscopes received a new transitional pass-through (TPT) payment category and new HCPCS code (C1601) by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This is further evidence of the innovative benefits that single-use scopes provide as the TPT Program is intended to facilitate Medicare beneficiary access to new and innovative medical devices.
Improved Device Availability
Ensuring the availability of functional bronchoscopes can be a logistical challenge. Reprocessing delays, equipment downtime, and unforeseen demand spikes can disrupt workflows. Single-use bronchoscopes are always available, eliminating delays and ensuring uninterrupted care delivery. This reliability enhances both patient satisfaction and staff productivity.
Advancing Healthcare Standards
Single-use scopes can also confer crucial benefits in times of emergency. For instance, when personal protective equipment (PPE) is scarce, single-use bronchoscopes present an advantageous alternative by minimizing reprocessing needs. And in situations where no staff are available to clean bronchoscopes—such as during an “out-of-hours” bronchoscopy or procedures that occur outside of dedicated endoscopy or bronchoscope units—single-use devices ensure continuity of care.
As healthcare systems reach for innovative new solutions to deliver on promises of improved patient care, single-use bronchoscopes represent an easy choice for realizing efficiency, cost-savings and improved safety standards.
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Click here to learn more about the Galaxy System, the only Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB) platform offering a single-use disposable bronchoscope and accessories.
To learn more about the updated device pass-throughs, qualifying procedures, and facility coding information, visit our website’s dedicated Reimbursements page.