A rising trend in Czech healthcare is the adoption of same-day surgeries, allowing patients to undergo minor and uncomplicated procedures in the morning and return home on the same day. Hospitals across the country are embracing this approach, as it not only opens up capacity for more complex surgeries but also enhances accessibility to care for a broader population.

The newly opened same-day care center at Beroun hospital, part of the AKESO healthcare group, is one such facility leading the way. Doctors at this center aim to admit several thousand patients annually, with a focus on minimizing complications and postoperative stress for patients. If complications do arise, the clinic has arrangements with other hospitals for treatment.

This type of care is not intended for older patients with numerous health problems but is designed to minimize complications for the patient while improving the overall healthcare system’s efficiency. The care provided is covered by insurance, making it a viable and convenient option for patients.

The introduction of fixed prices for minimally invasive procedures has contributed to the shift towards same-day care. Hospitals previously had an incentive to keep patients in bed for extended periods, even when it wasn’t necessary, due to the reimbursement system. With fixed prices now in place, the focus is on offering patients the opportunity to recover in their home environment, reducing healthcare costs and improving the patient experience.

Procedures like hernia repairs, knee ligament replacements, treatment of hemorrhoids, vasectomy, and curettage are among those performed in same-day care centers. The General Health Insurance Company in the Czech Republic already has contracts with 166 facilities, and since 2021, the number of patients undergoing same-day procedures has increased by one-third.

The trend is expected to expand to include additional minor urological, orthopedic, and gynecological procedures, as indicated in the proposal for reimbursement regulation for the following year. Hospitals stand to receive reimbursement for a variety of procedures, ranging from hernia surgery to reconstructive shoulder arthroscopy and even tummy tucks, all of which are covered by insurance companies, making same-day care an increasingly attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers.

Article by Prague Forum