Lean Six Sigma Project Improves Medicare Wheelchair Funding Approval Rate by 76%

The organization used Lean Six Sigma process techniques to identify and support improved efficiencies in Medicare wheelchair approval within a durable medical equipment hospital affiliate. The improvement process focused on reducing wait time and creating additional capacity for newly referred patients.

Moving from a paper-based system to a database monitoring system that included electronic signatures, electronic case tracking, global process tracking and reporting made the process timelier, more efficient and more patient-centered. The changes reduced the cycle time and increased the number of patients served, creating a more positive experience for staff, patients and physicians.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/