For Immediate Release (10/15/09)
Architecture Firm Featured in RSNA News in Article on Radiology Planning and Design
Bernstein & Associates, Architects is pleased that the firm’s principle, radiology architect William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA, has been featured in the latest edition of RSNA News, a monthly publication by the Radiological Society of North America.
The article is entitled “Radiology Architects Forecast the Facility of the Future”, and has been published in the October 2009 edition of RSNA News. To view this article on radiology architects, go to: http://www.rsna.org/Publications/rsnanews/October-2009/RadiologyArchitects_feature.cfm.
Amongst the interesting points made in the article about planning and designing a radiology facility, whether a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center, are the following:
- Radiology facilities of the future will look different from those of the present
- There is a need to look ahead, when planning a radiology facility.
- Amongst the factors driving change in radiology design: “changes in practice, technology, referrals and revenue streams”
- Convergence of surgical and medical imaging, both in full blown OR’s as well as in procedure rooms with less invasive procedures
- Trend towards additional control rooms and additional electronic equipment rooms in surgical suites
- The importance of working with radiology architects: "It is extremely important to work with a radiology architect and facilities management personnel when redesigning or building new spaces," said Dr. Horii, a professor of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia
- Importance of proper reading room design – affects diagnostic speed, accuracy and overall work performance. Focus on reading room ergonomics, as well as how radiologists work today.
- Other key issues for radiology design are good lighting, focus on workflow, and reduction of noise
- Location of radiology equipment , as well as turnover rate, are key factors in efficient utilization of radiology equipment
- Radiology planner William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA, is quoted extensively in the article, on subjects such as timing of radiology equipment selection in the design process, infrastructure support for radiology facilities, universal room design, flexibility in design process, consideration of equipment entry at the beginning of project as well as equipment replacement in the future, and the value that radiology architects bring to the process.
About Bernstein & Associates, Architects: Founded in 1990, this company is an award-winning architectural firm and specializing in the design and planning of radiology departments. The firm’s principle, Mr. Bernstein, is a well-known architect and radiology consultant in radiology department planning and design. Mr. Bernstein is a graduate of the Yale University School of Architecture, who has specialized in healthcare design and construction for over 30 years.
The firm takes pride in providing the highest level of healthcare and hospital design work, with additional expertise in sustainable healthcare facilities, energy saving measures for hospitals, cost reduction strategies for hospitals, hospital safety and patient safety.
For Radiology Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-radiology/
For more information about radiology department planning, design and construction, please contact:
Bernstein & Associates, Architects
59 West 19th Street - 6A New York, NY 10011
Telephone: 212.463.8200
Fax: 212.463.9898
Email: info@bernarch.com
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Architect Selected to Design New Office Based Surgery Facility
Bernstein & Associates, Architects (www.bernarch.com) has been selected to design a new, private medical office suite, to conform to the new office-based surgery regulations.
Many states have adopted the new office based surgery regulations into law. Specific regulations and deadlines vary by state.
New York State office based surgery regulations, as an example, were adapted into law through NYS Public Health Law section 230-d. This law pertains to "Licensees” (physicians, physician assistants and specialist assistants) who perform invasive or surgical procedures using more than minimal sedation.
The deadline for office based surgery facilities to conform to the new regulation occurred on July 14, 2009. So a licensee who fails to practice in an accredited setting after July 14, 2009 may be guilty of professional misconduct. Regulated practices, as defined in the new law, include any "surgical or other invasive procedure, requiring general anesthesia, moderate sedation, or deep sedation, and any liposuction procedure, where such surgical or other invasive procedure or liposuction is performed by a licensee in a location other than a hospital [...] excluding minor procedures and procedures requiring minimal sedation."
In New York State, as in many states, practitioners have the option of conforming to one of three accreditation bodies, each of which has its own set of guidelines: The Joint Commission (JCAHO), the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
About Bernstein & Associates, Architects: Founded in 1990, this company is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in hospital design, healthcare design and medical office design. Within the specialty of medical office design, this healthcare architecture firm has developed an understanding and expertise in design medical offices to meet the new office based surgery guidelines.
For Office Based Surgery Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-office-based-surgery/
For more information about the office based surgery, please contact well known healthcare architect, William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA at:
Bernstein & Associates, Architects
59 West 19th Street - 6A, New York, NY 10011
T: 212.463.8200
F: 212.463.9898
E: info@bernarch.com
W: www.bernarch.com
Many states have adopted the new office based surgery regulations into law. Specific regulations and deadlines vary by state.
New York State office based surgery regulations, as an example, were adapted into law through NYS Public Health Law section 230-d. This law pertains to "Licensees” (physicians, physician assistants and specialist assistants) who perform invasive or surgical procedures using more than minimal sedation.
The deadline for office based surgery facilities to conform to the new regulation occurred on July 14, 2009. So a licensee who fails to practice in an accredited setting after July 14, 2009 may be guilty of professional misconduct. Regulated practices, as defined in the new law, include any "surgical or other invasive procedure, requiring general anesthesia, moderate sedation, or deep sedation, and any liposuction procedure, where such surgical or other invasive procedure or liposuction is performed by a licensee in a location other than a hospital [...] excluding minor procedures and procedures requiring minimal sedation."
In New York State, as in many states, practitioners have the option of conforming to one of three accreditation bodies, each of which has its own set of guidelines: The Joint Commission (JCAHO), the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF), or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
About Bernstein & Associates, Architects: Founded in 1990, this company is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in hospital design, healthcare design and medical office design. Within the specialty of medical office design, this healthcare architecture firm has developed an understanding and expertise in design medical offices to meet the new office based surgery guidelines.
For Office Based Surgery Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-office-based-surgery/
For more information about the office based surgery, please contact well known healthcare architect, William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA at:
Bernstein & Associates, Architects
59 West 19th Street - 6A, New York, NY 10011
T: 212.463.8200
F: 212.463.9898
E: info@bernarch.com
W: www.bernarch.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
New Article on Mail Order Pharmacy Design Published
Bernstein & Associates, Architects is pleased to announce the publication of a new article about mail order pharmacy design. The article was published on Pharmacy Design (www.pharmacydesign.org), the website focused on pharmacy design.
The article discusses the following pharmacy design concepts for a mail order pharmacy:
- an aesthetically pleasing pharmacy environment, combined with a focus on pharmacy workflow and pharmacy functionality
- creation of pharmacy “pod” workstations
- pharmacy pod storage
- pharmacy pod touch screen computer
- use of pharmacy counting machines, located close to each pod for increased prescription workflow
- an efficient pharmacy storage and pharmacy shelving system to house drug overstock
- provision of excess pharmacy shelving to accommodate company and stock volume growth
- custom controlled substance cabinets disguised to look identical to regular cabinets to prevent theft in the event of a break in. These cabinets are located in a central, clear area for constant monitoring and easy access.
- provision for future addition of pharmacy automation technology, as well as the addition of new pharmacist/technician teams.
To view this article: go to www.pharmacydesign.org
About Bernstein & Associates, Architects: Founded in 1990, *Bernstein & Assoc., Architects - PLLC* is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in healthcare and laboratories, with a sub-specialty in the design and construction of USP 797-compliant pharmacy facilities. Over the last three years, the firm has designed over (20) usp 797-compliant pharmacies.
For Pharmacy Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-pharmacy/
For more information about pharmacy design and construction, please contact:
William N. Bernstein, AIA
Principal
Bernstein & Associates, Architects - PLLC
59 West 19th Street - 6A New York, NY 10011
T: 212.463.8200
F: 212.463.9898
E: info@bernarch.com
W: www.bernarch.com
The article discusses the following pharmacy design concepts for a mail order pharmacy:
- an aesthetically pleasing pharmacy environment, combined with a focus on pharmacy workflow and pharmacy functionality
- creation of pharmacy “pod” workstations
- pharmacy pod storage
- pharmacy pod touch screen computer
- use of pharmacy counting machines, located close to each pod for increased prescription workflow
- an efficient pharmacy storage and pharmacy shelving system to house drug overstock
- provision of excess pharmacy shelving to accommodate company and stock volume growth
- custom controlled substance cabinets disguised to look identical to regular cabinets to prevent theft in the event of a break in. These cabinets are located in a central, clear area for constant monitoring and easy access.
- provision for future addition of pharmacy automation technology, as well as the addition of new pharmacist/technician teams.
To view this article: go to www.pharmacydesign.org
About Bernstein & Associates, Architects: Founded in 1990, *Bernstein & Assoc., Architects - PLLC* is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in healthcare and laboratories, with a sub-specialty in the design and construction of USP 797-compliant pharmacy facilities. Over the last three years, the firm has designed over (20) usp 797-compliant pharmacies.
For Pharmacy Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-pharmacy/
For more information about pharmacy design and construction, please contact:
William N. Bernstein, AIA
Principal
Bernstein & Associates, Architects - PLLC
59 West 19th Street - 6A New York, NY 10011
T: 212.463.8200
F: 212.463.9898
E: info@bernarch.com
W: www.bernarch.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Impact of Recession Easing on Hospitals
From a story on Reuters, 19 Aug 2009:
Thomson Reuters Study Finds Impact of Recession Easing on U.S. Hospitals
Total Margins, Liquidity Increase Significantly From Third Quarter of 2008; 30 Percent of Hospitals Remain Unprofitable
Ann Arbor, MI - August 19, 2009 - The median profit margin of U.S. hospitals increased from 0.17 percent in the third quarter of 2008 to 3.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009, according to an analysis of hospital finances published today by Thomson Reuters.
The recovery has been broad-based, with all classes of hospitals - small, medium and large community hospitals, teaching hospitals and major teaching hospitals - showing positive median margins.
The study tracks two dozen key financial indicators, using proprietary and public data to dissect the balance sheets of more than 400 hospitals nationwide. It evaluates trends in revenue and profit, employment levels, closures, inpatient volume, days cash on hand, and charity expenses to gauge the fiscal health of the nation's hospitals.
Following are the key findings of the analysis:
Total Margins Increase: Hospitals' median total margins were near zero the last time this analysis was conducted, which captured data through Q3 2008. In Q1 2009, all classes of hospitals had positive operating margins, reaching an average of 3.1 percent.
30 Percent of Hospitals Still in the Red: In Q1 2009, 30 percent of hospitals had negative profit margins. This is an improvement from Q3 2008, when 50 percent of hospitals were operating in the red.
Liquidity Holding Steady: Amidst fears of a hospital credit crunch, it appears that hospitals' "median days cash on hand" is holding steady. On average, hospitals had 90 days cash on hand in Q1 2009, a decline from the highs seen in early 2007, but an increase from Q3 2008.
Running at 90 Percent Capacity: In Q1 2009, more than 90 percent of licensed beds were in operation in a typical hospital. This number has held relatively steady since 2005.
Labor Costs Down: Hospitals have cut labor costs by approximately 3 percent year-over-year through Q1 2009, while non-labor-related expenses have decreased by approximately 2 percent year-over-year.
"The financial situation has improved dramatically for U.S. hospitals," said Gary Pickens, chief research officer for the Healthcare & Science business of Thomson Reuters and lead author of the study. "When we published our first analysis of hospital economic health in the fall of 2008, hospitals were facing unprecedented economic stress and staring down a real crisis. Through a combination of aggressive cost controls and overall improvement in the economy, we're beginning to see a recovery, but it will be critical to watch these metrics to make sure that recovery is sustainable.
For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com
For Hospital Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-hospitals/
Thomson Reuters Study Finds Impact of Recession Easing on U.S. Hospitals
Total Margins, Liquidity Increase Significantly From Third Quarter of 2008; 30 Percent of Hospitals Remain Unprofitable
Ann Arbor, MI - August 19, 2009 - The median profit margin of U.S. hospitals increased from 0.17 percent in the third quarter of 2008 to 3.1 percent in the first quarter of 2009, according to an analysis of hospital finances published today by Thomson Reuters.
The recovery has been broad-based, with all classes of hospitals - small, medium and large community hospitals, teaching hospitals and major teaching hospitals - showing positive median margins.
The study tracks two dozen key financial indicators, using proprietary and public data to dissect the balance sheets of more than 400 hospitals nationwide. It evaluates trends in revenue and profit, employment levels, closures, inpatient volume, days cash on hand, and charity expenses to gauge the fiscal health of the nation's hospitals.
Following are the key findings of the analysis:
Total Margins Increase: Hospitals' median total margins were near zero the last time this analysis was conducted, which captured data through Q3 2008. In Q1 2009, all classes of hospitals had positive operating margins, reaching an average of 3.1 percent.
30 Percent of Hospitals Still in the Red: In Q1 2009, 30 percent of hospitals had negative profit margins. This is an improvement from Q3 2008, when 50 percent of hospitals were operating in the red.
Liquidity Holding Steady: Amidst fears of a hospital credit crunch, it appears that hospitals' "median days cash on hand" is holding steady. On average, hospitals had 90 days cash on hand in Q1 2009, a decline from the highs seen in early 2007, but an increase from Q3 2008.
Running at 90 Percent Capacity: In Q1 2009, more than 90 percent of licensed beds were in operation in a typical hospital. This number has held relatively steady since 2005.
Labor Costs Down: Hospitals have cut labor costs by approximately 3 percent year-over-year through Q1 2009, while non-labor-related expenses have decreased by approximately 2 percent year-over-year.
"The financial situation has improved dramatically for U.S. hospitals," said Gary Pickens, chief research officer for the Healthcare & Science business of Thomson Reuters and lead author of the study. "When we published our first analysis of hospital economic health in the fall of 2008, hospitals were facing unprecedented economic stress and staring down a real crisis. Through a combination of aggressive cost controls and overall improvement in the economy, we're beginning to see a recovery, but it will be critical to watch these metrics to make sure that recovery is sustainable.
For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com
For Hospital Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-hospitals/
Sunday, August 9, 2009
New Cardiology Business Website Features Equipment, Products & Services
Cardiology Business (http://www.cardiologybusiness.com/) is a new website that has been developed to assist cardiology administrators and cardiologists in creating state-of-the-art facilities for their cardiology department, cardiology clinic and/or cardiology office.
The site features extensive resources for cardiology equipment, cardiology software, cardiology products and cardiology services.
This cardiology website also features articles by cardiology consultants, such as well-known cardiology architect, William N. Bernstein, AIA, principal of the healthcare architecture firm of Bernstein and Associates, Architects.
For Cardiology Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-cardiology/
Additional topics on Cardiology Business include: Cardiology Planning and Facility Design Services, Facility Construction Services, Cardiology Project Management Services, Cardiology Products, Cardiology Equipment, Cardiology Suite Furniture, and Cardiology Software.
The site features extensive resources for cardiology equipment, cardiology software, cardiology products and cardiology services.
This cardiology website also features articles by cardiology consultants, such as well-known cardiology architect, William N. Bernstein, AIA, principal of the healthcare architecture firm of Bernstein and Associates, Architects.
For Cardiology Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-cardiology/
Cardiology Business
CardiologyBusiness.com
59 W 19, NY, NY 10011
P: 212.463.0800
F: 212.463.9898
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Pharmacy Design Website Established
For Immediate Release (08/01/09)
Pharmacy Design Website Features Latest Information for the Hospital Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy.
Looking to design a pharmacy, purchase pharmacy equipment, or hire a pharmacy architect? Then you may be interested in a new pharmacy website which focuses on the all of the components that go into designing, building and maintaining a state-of-the-art pharmacy.
An important component of today’s pharmacy is pharmacy automation. This is one area that Pharmacy Design (www.pharmacydesign.org) features, including the latest pharmacy equipment and pharmacy machines.
Another area of focus is trends in pharmacy architecture, pharmacy layout design, and pharmacy interior design. As an example, a recent article published on the site, written by well-known pharmacy designer William N. Bernstein, AIA --- of the prominent pharmacy design group Bernstein & Associates, Architects --- explores how design for pharmacy can contribute to the efficiency and success of the pharmacy operation.
An additional area of focus is USP 797 design.
For Pharmacy Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-pharmacy/
For further information about pharmacies design, visit the pharmacy design website:
Pharmacy Design at www.pharmacydesign.org.
Pharmacy Design Website Features Latest Information for the Hospital Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacy.
Looking to design a pharmacy, purchase pharmacy equipment, or hire a pharmacy architect? Then you may be interested in a new pharmacy website which focuses on the all of the components that go into designing, building and maintaining a state-of-the-art pharmacy.
An important component of today’s pharmacy is pharmacy automation. This is one area that Pharmacy Design (www.pharmacydesign.org) features, including the latest pharmacy equipment and pharmacy machines.
Another area of focus is trends in pharmacy architecture, pharmacy layout design, and pharmacy interior design. As an example, a recent article published on the site, written by well-known pharmacy designer William N. Bernstein, AIA --- of the prominent pharmacy design group Bernstein & Associates, Architects --- explores how design for pharmacy can contribute to the efficiency and success of the pharmacy operation.
An additional area of focus is USP 797 design.
For Pharmacy Design see, http://bernarch.com/healthcare-design-pharmacy/
For further information about pharmacies design, visit the pharmacy design website:
Pharmacy Design at www.pharmacydesign.org.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Architecture Firm Spins Off Equipment Planning Services into New Firm
For Immediate Release (07/01/09)
Bernstein & Associates, Architects is pleased to announce that it has established a new equipment planning firm to serve its existing hospital, healthcare and laboratory clients. The firm has a history of over nineteen years of equipment planning expertise.
The new company --- Equipment Planning, Inc. --- is dedicated to providing quality equipment planning services to a wide range of facilities around the country. We serve a variety of clients, from large to small, public to private, medical to non-medical. The company prides itself on its ability to combine the best business and design practices available today and on its talented and diverse staff. Having had years of experience in equipment planning and project management, we can guide your facility through the process of re-evaluation and re-installation of equipment, making the job easier and the outcome better.
Catering to Your Needs
Equipment Planning, Inc. is prepared to cover any and all of your equipment planning needs. Our services include, but are not limited to, equipment and facility assessment, budgeting, schematic design, drafting of construction documents, assistance procuring and installing equipment, and planning for improved workflow. We can work with you from beginning to end of a project, or we can help just where you need it most; we can manage and oversee the entire equipment planning process, or we can work as consultants to facilitate it.
A Unique Perspective
As a firm dedicated to seeing the big picture, Equipment Planning, Inc. does not just seek to satisfy its customers: we seek to exceed their expectations. Our knowledge and expertise stretch far beyond equipment planning, so we can help you both meet the necessary expectations and improve your facilities in the process. Better spaces can mean better workflow, so we will do everything we can to acquire and install better equipment as well as design and retool the spaces to meet your ever-changing needs.
Practice Makes Perfect
Without experience, we wouldn’t be able to provide you with the comprehensive services that are available today. Our experience allows us to provide you with some of the most knowledgeable and resourceful techniques available today.
Cost Savings
Equipment Planning, Inc. also seeks to minimize costs and save you money. We benefit from having happy clients, so one of our most important goals is not only to help you acquire the best equipment at the cheapest prices, but to keep your operational costs to a minimum. Our experience with project management and design for improved workflow qualify us to recommend cutting-edge technologies and design options that will save you money in the long-term.
An Objective Approach
Unlike many equipment planning services, Equipment Planning, Inc. seeks only to benefit our clients: Equipment Planning, Inc. team members do not have ties to equipment manufacturers, vendors, or contractors. We do not accept gifts, not even lunch, from these suppliers, which allows us to provide absolute objectivity when selecting equipment and installation services. Our only goal is to make each project as simple and inexpensive as possible for the client.
The president of the company, William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA, is a well known healthcare and laboratory architect. He was educated at the Yale University School of Architecture, where he received a Master of Architecture. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, American College of Healthcare Architects, Construction Specification Institute and Project Management Institute. He is one of the few architects in the United States to receive the American Hospital Association Construction Management Certificate. He has written many articles on hospital and healthcare design and construction, and his healthcare and lab projects have won numerous awards and been published widely.
For further information about equipment planning services for your company or institution, please contact:
William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA –
President
Equipment Planning, Inc.
59 West 19th St. - 6A, NY, NY 10011
P: 212-463-0800
F: 212-463-9898
E: info@EquipmentPlanning.org
W: www.EquipmentPlanning.org
Bernstein & Associates, Architects is pleased to announce that it has established a new equipment planning firm to serve its existing hospital, healthcare and laboratory clients. The firm has a history of over nineteen years of equipment planning expertise.
The new company --- Equipment Planning, Inc. --- is dedicated to providing quality equipment planning services to a wide range of facilities around the country. We serve a variety of clients, from large to small, public to private, medical to non-medical. The company prides itself on its ability to combine the best business and design practices available today and on its talented and diverse staff. Having had years of experience in equipment planning and project management, we can guide your facility through the process of re-evaluation and re-installation of equipment, making the job easier and the outcome better.
Catering to Your Needs
Equipment Planning, Inc. is prepared to cover any and all of your equipment planning needs. Our services include, but are not limited to, equipment and facility assessment, budgeting, schematic design, drafting of construction documents, assistance procuring and installing equipment, and planning for improved workflow. We can work with you from beginning to end of a project, or we can help just where you need it most; we can manage and oversee the entire equipment planning process, or we can work as consultants to facilitate it.
A Unique Perspective
As a firm dedicated to seeing the big picture, Equipment Planning, Inc. does not just seek to satisfy its customers: we seek to exceed their expectations. Our knowledge and expertise stretch far beyond equipment planning, so we can help you both meet the necessary expectations and improve your facilities in the process. Better spaces can mean better workflow, so we will do everything we can to acquire and install better equipment as well as design and retool the spaces to meet your ever-changing needs.
Practice Makes Perfect
Without experience, we wouldn’t be able to provide you with the comprehensive services that are available today. Our experience allows us to provide you with some of the most knowledgeable and resourceful techniques available today.
Cost Savings
Equipment Planning, Inc. also seeks to minimize costs and save you money. We benefit from having happy clients, so one of our most important goals is not only to help you acquire the best equipment at the cheapest prices, but to keep your operational costs to a minimum. Our experience with project management and design for improved workflow qualify us to recommend cutting-edge technologies and design options that will save you money in the long-term.
An Objective Approach
Unlike many equipment planning services, Equipment Planning, Inc. seeks only to benefit our clients: Equipment Planning, Inc. team members do not have ties to equipment manufacturers, vendors, or contractors. We do not accept gifts, not even lunch, from these suppliers, which allows us to provide absolute objectivity when selecting equipment and installation services. Our only goal is to make each project as simple and inexpensive as possible for the client.
The president of the company, William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA, is a well known healthcare and laboratory architect. He was educated at the Yale University School of Architecture, where he received a Master of Architecture. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, American College of Healthcare Architects, Construction Specification Institute and Project Management Institute. He is one of the few architects in the United States to receive the American Hospital Association Construction Management Certificate. He has written many articles on hospital and healthcare design and construction, and his healthcare and lab projects have won numerous awards and been published widely.
For further information about equipment planning services for your company or institution, please contact:
William N. Bernstein, LEED®AP, AIA –
President
Equipment Planning, Inc.
59 West 19th St. - 6A, NY, NY 10011
P: 212-463-0800
F: 212-463-9898
E: info@EquipmentPlanning.org
W: www.EquipmentPlanning.org
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