GLP-1-Related Cancellations Cost ASCs Thousands: How Dialog Healths Texting Platform Helps Keep Patients Safe and Cases on Track Brandon Daniell Nov 24, 2025 5 min read Updated: Dec 10, 2025 Key Takeaways on GLP-1-Related Cancellations Costing ASCs Thousands GLP-1 medications cause delayed gastric emptying, creating aspiration risks that force same-day cancellations costing ASCs $500-$3,000 per empty OR hour Traditional pre-op communication fails because phone calls reach voicemail, printed instructions get lost, and patients don't connect their "diabetes medication" to surgical requirements Dialog Health's 10-day automated text protocol screens patients early, with 71% responding in a median of just 13 minutes One facility's case study shows 2,184 cancellations prevented over 18 months after identifying 12% of patients as GLP-1 users who needed specific stop-date instructions Simple screening texts like "Are you taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or another GLP-1?" followed by clear timing instructions protect revenue, OAS CAHPS scores , and patient trust simultaneously The Hidden Risk in Your OR Schedule You've probably seen it happen
Researchers are also looking at their potential use for the treatment of certain types of heart failure and even some cancers
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[DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 38.Nauck M., Rizzo M., Johnson A., Bosch-Traberg H., Madsen J., Cariou B
"You have to provide them access to a registered dietitian, you have to provide them access to a gym membership, you have to provide them access to a fitness instructor or whatever network of services it is that you can provide to make sure that the change is in a lifestyle and not just in taking a medication once a week," he said
