Dear Colleagues:

We understand that there lies a challenge in reducing LOS when we are expanding the services that typically bring about longer lengths of stay to patients with higher and higher acuity. As we look to recruit more clinicians in the areas of cardiac, thoracic and neurosurgery, we need to maintain our work in driving down the average LOS at BWH. Thanks to a team effort over a year’s time, LOS has declined despite an increase in severity of illness overall.

The BWPO is committed to working collaboratively with the hospital care improvement efforts on LOS reduction. The focus will be on a team approach within the continuum of providers on issues that impact both medical and surgical teams in a specialty area. This includes a close partnership with care coordinators and other inpatient staff. We will also include LOS reduction as part of our managed care risk contracts and use our decreasing patient stays for more optimal management of the HVMA risk patients at BWH.

Your continued diligence in bringing about a reduced LOS is appreciated and necessary.

Sincerely,

Lawrence H. Cohn, MD
Chairman, BWPO