Improving efficiency and saving money in an otolaryngology urgent referral clinic

Table 1 Summary of data including both initial and subsequent re-audit

Patients perclinic	First cycle		Re-audit
	9.8		7.2
	Percentage	No. of patients	Percentage	No. of patients
Follow ups	32%	158	11%	45
Direct outpatient bookings	12%	59	4%	15
Re-referrals	0.2%	1	4%	15
Inappropriate referrals	18%	89	5%	21
Total patients	490		396

Table 2 Estimated savings and income

Cost of follow up per patient	£190
Income per clinic patient reviewed	£190 + tariffs for procedures performed (discontinued after 2 follow ups)
Re-audit	Savings £29830	Income £2660
Overall	£32490 over 3 mo
	£590 per clinic