An Alternative Model of Surgical Staffing: Improved Outcomes, Decreased Length of Stay, and Increased Hospital Profits – The Surgicalist Model


The Surgicalist Group evaluated the effect of implementation of a Surgicalist staffing model at a community hospital.

Under the Surgicalist staffing model, they were able to increase the urgent case volume from 0.8 to 1.83/day. Index cholecystectomy capture rose from 0.26 to 0.8/day and their LOS decreased from 2.1 to 1.7 days. Complications requiring a readmission were decreased by over 30%. ED physicians satisfaction was drastically improved with the Surgicalist model regarding their interactions with the surgeon on-call as well as their confidence patients were getting proper care.

Over $2.4 million additional hospital income was captured off cholecystectomies alone because of the Surgicalist model.

Learning Points:

  • The Surgicalist staffing model can increase the volume of surgical case captured via the Emergency Department
  • Simply having “call coverage” does not guarantee good patient care
  • The Surgicalist model significantly decreases length of stay for the most common urgent surgical procedures
  • A dedicated team of Surgicalists improve Emergency Department Physician satisfaction and confidence in regarding patient care


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