The primary sources of bacteria transmitted to the surgical site through the air are squames, or skin scales. The Center for Healthcare Design (CHD) estimates that more than 30 percent of SSIs are caused by airborne pathogens. On average, the cost to hospitals per SSI is $25,546, according to the CDC and HHS, resulting in an additional $7.4 billion in annual health care costs that Medicare will no longer reimburse.Īn estimated 40 to 60 percent of SSIs are considered preventable based on current medical practice and technology, as reported in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Since October 1, 2008, Medicare no longer reimburses if a selected condition is listed on the claim and was not present on admission 2, placing the financial burden of SSIs on hospitals. When SSIs do occur, the impact on healthcare costs can be significant. Of the incidences in 2009, 13,088, or 4.5 percent, resulted in death. Impacts on quality of care include morbidity, extended hospital stays and, in extreme cases, mortality. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports an estimated 290,485 incidences in 2009 alone. The CDC reports that SSIs represent 20 percent of all health care acquired infections (HAIs) – the U.S. result in surgical site infections (SSIs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Despite advancements in surgical techniques and infection-prevention methods, two out of every 100 surgeries in the U.S. Surgical procedures increase patient vulnerability to pathogens transmitted from surgical personnel, surgical equipment, the air and a patient’s own skin flora. Hospital operating rooms are among the most infection-sensitive environments in health care facilities. By Kevin Schreiber, Global Director of Healthcare Products for Huntair, Inc.
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