Perioperative Metrics that Matter: Aligning Surgery with Value-Based Outcomes
Perioperative Metrics that Power Value-Based Care
As care shifts from fee-for-service to value, hospitals must deliver high-quality outcomes efficiently—especially in perioperative care, which can account for 40–60% of revenue and up to 70% of expenses. Aligning perioperative performance with value-based outcomes is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Why Perioperative Measures Matter
Peri-op indicators act as a strategic compass for clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability. Surgical complications cost the U.S. system an estimated $28B annually, with preventable events driving ~20% of post-op costs. Optimising the right measures bends the cost curve and improves experience.
Key Perioperative Metrics Driving Quality & Value
1) Preoperative Optimisation
- HbA1c control (diabetes), BP control, BMI optimisation.
- Nutritional risk screening (albumin/prealbumin), anaemia screen & treatment.
- Smoking cessation rates; infection screening (MRSA/MSSA).
2) First-Case On-Time Starts & Turnover Time
- Target FCOTS ≥ 80%.
- Turnover time: reduce from ~45 to ~30 minutes.
3) Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Rate
- Antibiotic prophylaxis selection/timing; normothermia; glycaemic control.
- Consistent post-discharge surveillance and capture.
4) Length of Stay (LOS) & Same-Day Discharge
- Track LOS by procedure and pathway; remove bottlenecks.
- Expand same-day discharges where clinically appropriate.
5) Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROMs)
- 30-day quality-of-life, pain control, and satisfaction scores.
6) 30-Day Readmissions & Complications
- Analyse triggers (infection, pain, dehydration, medication issues).
- Track ED visits within 30 days; close the loop on follow-up.
| Metric | Target / Direction | Value Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-op optimisation bundle | High adherence | Fewer complications, lower cost |
| FCOTS / Turnover | ≥80% / ~30 min | Throughput, capacity, access |
| SSI rate | Downward trend | Safety, penalties avoided |
| LOS / Same-day discharge | Lower / Higher | Efficiency, patient experience |
| Readmissions / Complications | Lower | Quality, VBP performance |
Aligning Metrics with Value-Based Models
Surgical outcomes now directly influence reimbursement. Winning under value-based contracts requires disciplined prevention, coordination, and cost control—guided by the metrics above.
How Modality Global Advisors (MGA) Helps
- ERAS at scale: Design and implement pathways tailored to local populations; LOS reductions up to ~30%.
- Predictive analytics & risk stratification: Identify high-risk patients pre-op; target interventions to prevent adverse events.
- Operational excellence: Improve FCOTS, turnover, and discharge readiness with OR governance and digital orchestration.
- Outcomes & VBP dashboards: Link clinical, operational, and financial KPIs to value-based contract goals.
Conclusion: The Metrics Behind Better Surgery
Perioperative metrics are more than benchmarks—they’re levers for safer, smarter, and more sustainable surgery. In a value-first era, success in the OR depends on a metrics-driven culture focused on prevention, coordination, and patient-centred outcomes.
Ready to align surgery with value? Partner with Modality Global Advisors to engineer peri-op metrics that improve quality and ROI: hello@modalityglobal.com.
