Οργάνωση και λειτουργία εργαστηρίου εξωσωματικής λιθοτριψίας
Organization and function of an extracorporeal lithothripsy laboratoty
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Abstract
In the present paper, we are presenting the organization and operation of a private center installed in a big private hospital and applying the technique of extracorporeal lithotripsy. The therapeutic contribution of extracorporeal lithotripsy is unique and essential in medicine; extracorporeal lithotripsy is a true salvation for patients suffering from urolithiasis. For the completion of the project we have visited private and public hospitals that maintain laboratories using the method of extracorporeal lithotripsy and we have noted that there is no sufficient number of public hospitals to cover the needs of patients of this category; therefore there is an increase in such laboratories in big or small private hospitals, creating thus a high level of competition in the specific market. The extracorporeal lithotripsy center shall operate with a latest generation machine, using electrodes, with particular characteristic advantages in comparison with other competing centers. It shall be a model laboratory with specialized users, urologists and specialized staff. It shall enter into contracts with social security agencies and private insurance companies (based on Governmental Gazette Paper and agreements) and its price list shall be set freely (based on competition) for the patients who are not insured by any social security agency or private insurance company. From the financial analysis of the center’s first five years operation, it results that the center will make small (marginal) profits. A reason for that is that social security agencies offer a low price for extracorporeal lithotripsy and that competition does not leave big margins for setting freely a price list. Nevertheless, the operation of such a center is considered necessary because the method of lithotripsy is dynamic, has only advantages and constitutes the only solution for the majority of patients of this category.