On Demand: How to Build a Profitable ECMO Program in 12 Months-Webinar Slides

Webinar Slides

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The document outlines how Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL)—Louisiana’s largest hospital—launched a sustainable ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) program within 12 months by partnering with Integration Health. It frames ECMO as a timely growth and access opportunity: use has risen more than 2,000% since 2009, as many as 1 million Americans could benefit annually, yet only about 10,000 receive it. Modern outcomes are strong (reported 5‑year survival ~71–73%), and ECMO has high DRG reimbursement, though many hospitals still hesitate due to misconceptions about cost, complexity, and survival.<br /><br />OLOL’s main barriers had been the lack of a dedicated physician champion, uncertainty around bedside management, and staffing concerns due to no ECMO-trained specialists—leading to transfers to distant ECMO centers. The catalyst came in summer 2023 when an experienced cardiac intensivist joined, aligning clinical leadership with administrative commitment.<br /><br />A “build vs. partner” analysis favored partnering: faster go-live (as little as 90 days vs. 8–12 months), lower upfront capital, no immediate need to hire a full specialist team, lower risk, and a quicker path to profitability (12 months). OLOL decided to partner first while building internal capability over time.<br /><br />Implementation milestones: decision in Aug 2023, contract signed Dec 2023, build began Jan 2024, go-live Mar 2024, first ECMO patient May 2024. The program foundation included rapid protocol development, EPIC enhancements (flowsheets, navigator, charge capture), staff training, and equipment/supply readiness. Organizational buy-in was built through a multidisciplinary committee and weekly meetings. Integration Health provided 24/7 ECMO specialist coverage plus an embedded coordinator, later hired by OLOL.<br /><br />Revenue cycle planning was emphasized: ECMO charge capture was built into EPIC pre-go-live, with administrative bill-hold review and coding alignment.<br /><br />Year-one results: operational readiness in 90 days, 21 patients treated, 76% survival (above national average), profitability within 12 months, and the first ECMO program in Baton Rouge. Key lessons: partner support accelerates readiness, revenue cycle must be correct from day one, education is continuous, and regional outreach is essential.

Keywords

ECMO program launch

Our Lady of the Lake hospital (OLOL)

Integration Health partnership

extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

rapid implementation timeline (90 days)

build vs partner analysis

EPIC EHR enhancements and charge capture

24/7 ECMO specialist coverage

revenue cycle planning and DRG reimbursement

ECMO outcomes and survival rates