Improving Operational Efficiency and Profitability in Colombian EPS and IPS Through Innovative DFU Management
Author(s)
JUAN C. FERNANDEZ MERCADO, MBA, MSc, PhD, MD1, Nelson Alvis-Guzman, MPH, PhD, MD2, Lácides José Barrera C, SR.3.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3Gerente de Valor y Acceso, ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3Gerente de Valor y Acceso, ANNAR Health Technologies – Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
OBJECTIVES: To explore how bioimpression-based protocols for managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can enhance operational efficiency and profitability in Colombian EPS and IPS, especially in settings affected by cost overruns and poor clinical performance.
METHODS: An implementation study was conducted across 6 IPSs in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, analyzing pre- and post-intervention metrics in facilities using bioimpression-based care for DFU stages III-IV. Key performance indicators (KPIs) included average length of stay (ALOS), readmission rates, use of surgical procedures, and operating margins.
RESULTS: The implementation of bioimpression care protocols led to a 41% reduction in ALOS and a 30% improvement in clinical productivity (consultations per hour and patient throughput). Surgical interventions were reduced by 35%, and the overall cost of care per DFU patient decreased significantly, improving profit margins by an average of 22%. Administrative leaders also reported increased compliance with clinical practice guidelines and reduced service fragmentation.
CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpression technology facilitates a more efficient and profitable service delivery model for DFU management in Colombia. It supports care standardization, improves KPI performance, and reduces financial volatility for IPSs and EPSs. This innovation is particularly relevant in the context of budget-constrained systems and offers strategic advantages for accreditation and outcome-based payment models.
METHODS: An implementation study was conducted across 6 IPSs in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, analyzing pre- and post-intervention metrics in facilities using bioimpression-based care for DFU stages III-IV. Key performance indicators (KPIs) included average length of stay (ALOS), readmission rates, use of surgical procedures, and operating margins.
RESULTS: The implementation of bioimpression care protocols led to a 41% reduction in ALOS and a 30% improvement in clinical productivity (consultations per hour and patient throughput). Surgical interventions were reduced by 35%, and the overall cost of care per DFU patient decreased significantly, improving profit margins by an average of 22%. Administrative leaders also reported increased compliance with clinical practice guidelines and reduced service fragmentation.
CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpression technology facilitates a more efficient and profitable service delivery model for DFU management in Colombia. It supports care standardization, improves KPI performance, and reduces financial volatility for IPSs and EPSs. This innovation is particularly relevant in the context of budget-constrained systems and offers strategic advantages for accreditation and outcome-based payment models.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
OP12
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Medical Technologies, Organizational Practices
Topic Subcategory
Academic & Educational
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Infectious Disease (non-vaccine), Injury & Trauma, Personalized & Precision Medicine