[AVBC 2025] Same-Day Service for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients
Care Process & Redesign
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
SingHealth
3 December 2025
By introducing same-day service for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) patients, the aim is to reduce at least one trip to the. The same-day CTS service has shown potential for significant cost savings and improvement in patient satisfaction.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 03 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Value Based Care, Patient Satisfaction
About this Content
Aims
By introducing same-day service for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) patients, the aim is to reduce at least one trip to the hospital, save consultation and travel costs, as well as time for the patients.
Background
Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) had to make multiple trips for a diagnosis, resulting in delayed treatment. There was a minimum of three trips: one for initial consultation, one for diagnostic tests (e.g., Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)), and one for results review and treatment plan.
Methods
Pre-implementation: CTS patients' workload from 2022-2023 was analyzed. A Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Study (CTSS) Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) form was created and made available to Neurology and Hand Surgery doctors for same-day service at the end of 2023. Post-implementation: CTSS orders from both specialties were reviewed and analyzed on a monthly basis.
Results
Implementation of same-day CTS service has shown its potential for significant cost savings for patients in terms of transport and consultation fees. Over the past year, 131 patients were provided with the option to see their doctor on the same day, and in 8 out of the 12 months, more than half the patients referred managed to save at least one trip. Total savings for patients amounted to $2048.40.
Conclusion
The same-day CTS service has shown potential for significant cost savings and improvement in patient satisfaction. Moving forward, opening this service up to other specialties within the institution can be considered so that more patients can benefit.
Lessons Learnt
The introduction of same-day service reduces physical trips to the hospital, easing caregiver stress and reducing disruptions to their other commitments. It also allows for more timely treatment as patients do not need to wait for the next appointment to discuss treatment plans with their physicians.
Keywords
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Same-Day Service, Cost Savings, Patient Satisfaction
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Neurology |
Project Lead(s) | Ruby Hwang Chuen-Hong |
Project Member(s) | Ruby Poh Li Choo |
Connect with this contributor!
Ruby Hwang Chuen-Hong - ruby.hwang.c.h@skh.com.sg
Project Attachment
1074_SKGH_AVBC_2025_Same_Day_Service_for_Carpal_Tunnel_Syndrome_Patients.pdf