Optimization of surgical referrals to minimize cost

Abstract

One facility is located in Tucson, which serves patients in Arizona and one in Albuquerque, which serves patients in New Mexico and West Texas. Patients who live in Southern or Northern New Mexico and West Texas who require non-emergency surgery are referred to the Albuquerque Medical Center surgical department. All emergency surgeries are referred to the nearest clinic or hospital with surgical capability for the procedure provided fee-care availability.