Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Introduction: Compression therapy is the standard of care for the treatment of lower extremity edema. However, compression therapy systems can be time-consuming to apply, which adds costs to the health care system and further strains human resources.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess time and labor costs associated with the application of a 2LB versus 4LB compression therapy system.
Materials and Methods: Time and labor cost data associated with the application of a 2LB system for the treatment of lower extremity edema of all etiologies were collected from a single high-volume wound care center located in Dayton, Ohio. The time and labor costs were compared to a 4LB system over the course of a single day (n = 38).
Results: The application time and associated costs were 50% lower for the 2LB system. The expected savings of a 2LB compression system over the course of a month was 16:27 hours and $427 compared to a 4LB compression system, and the revenue gain was estimated at $15 210 revenue per month over the course of the month for the practice.
Conclusion:The use of a 2LB compression system may be associated with substantial time and cost savings compared to a 4LB system.
