The primary objective of this study was to improve the billing efficiency at Fisiotrauma Clinic by eliminating waste and optimizing the stages before billing. The goal was to reduce average billing time, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure revenue. A secondary objective included process standardization and cultural adaptation of the staff.
A case study was conducted at Fisiotrauma Clinic, with data collection from November 2022 to February 2023. Information was extracted from the clinic's management system and analyzed by a trained single-blind collaborator. The Lean Six Sigma methodology was applied, following the phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), focusing on waste elimination and statistical analysis. Data analysis was performed using Action and Excel software.
The analysis prioritized inputs with the greatest impact and lowest effort, based on the effort/impact matrix. The average billing time was reduced from 26.7 to 13.3 days, representing a 65.3% reduction. The application of Lean Six Sigma resulted in significant improvements in billing efficiency and the patient journey.
The implementation of Lean Six Sigma at Fisiotrauma Clinic proved effective in reducing billing time and optimizing the patient journey. Process standardization and a culture of continuous improvement (Kaizen) were essential to the positive outcomes achieved. The study suggests that the ongoing application of the methodology could bring further improvements in the future.
The results of this project highlight the importance of utilizing methodologies like Lean Six Sigma in physiotherapy to optimize process management, with direct impacts on profitability and patient experience. Replicating this approach in other physiotherapy clinics may enhance service efficiency and quality.
operational efficiency
physiotherapy
