A few simple rules for managing block time in the operating room.

lock time is a huge issue for surgeons because it affects how they manage their most precious resource—time. How satisfied surgeons are with an OR has a lot to do with how well they think the OR's leaders manage this valuable resource, specifically, their block time. More than ever, block time is a strategic issue. In today's competitive environment , surgeons have more options if they're unhappy with their block time. They can take their cases to an ambulatory surgery center. They can move to a competing hospital or even a specialty hospital. " The market is changing, and block time becomes part of the strategy for responding to that, " says William J. Mazzei, MD, a veteran medical director of perioperative services. Block time can be used as a way to entice new surgeons, ideally those who will bring cases that contribute to the organization's bottom line. and Dr Blasco is director of perioperative services at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Ill. Both are with Surgical Directions, LLC, a Chicago-based consulting firm. Managing block time is as much a political art as a science, they say. Surgeons like block time because it's like a reservation at a restaurant, says Dr Mazzei: " A surgeon knows that if he shows up at the appointed time, there will be space for him—and that's a major satisfier. " Here's their advice: Block vs open time How much OR time should be blocked and how much should be left open? Strive for 80% of OR time blocked. There is no perfect number. But 80% probably is about right for a 10-OR suite in a mature market, Dr Mazzei notes. If more than 80% of time is blocked, new surgeons can't get on the schedule. But if only 50% of time is blocked, patterns are not well enough established to allow surgeons to work with the same staff and anesthesiologists consistently. Strategy also enters in. " For younger hospitals in growing markets that are trying to attract business, we have sometimes recommended adding block time even with as low as 50% utilization so it's easier for new surgeons to get on the schedule, " says Dr Blasco. " It's an art in progress—you've got to constantly keep your eye on maximizing your revenue, keeping your customers satisfied, and working on your volume. " Have at least 2 open rooms. A general-purpose OR needs …