Rising drug prices can strain ASCs, including staff and patients, according to the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society.
OOSS outlined three ways ASCs can reduce the burden of high drug costs in The Ophthalmic ASC magazine:
1. Eliminating post-operation drops. The rising costs of postoperative drops after cataract surgeries place a burden on patients. As a result, surgeons use alternatives such as povidone iodine and antibiotics.
2. Patient appreciation. When patients know the costs associated with surgery may be reduced due to lower drug costs, they may be more inclined to choose your ASC over another.
3. Work with consulting pharmacists. Consulting pharmacists can help ASCs save money on drugs through establishing a formulary of medications for an ASC to stock, which require approval through an ASC's pharmacy committee when using a non-formulary drug.