Uncovering hidden waste and discovering areas of savings can be achieved by re-evaluating internal processes. The key is knowing where to look and how to act.
1. Improve OR supply utilization
A typical ASC only utilizes 12% of the items in its master.1
• Start with updating your preference cards. If they aren’t up to date, your staff could pick unnecessary product and waste significant time and supplies.
• Routinely review your pack program - We suggest reviewing it every 12 – 18 months for newer programs and less often for mature programs. Neglecting to routinely review your pack program can lead to poorly supplied high-volume procedure packs, particularly when new procedures have been added to the case mix and staff are left to “make do” with what they have.
2. Reduce SKU count
ASC supply costs are between 17-25% of net revenue.2
• Free up shelf space by eliminating SKUs (from the shelf and the item master) your ASC no longer uses.
• Look for duplication of supplies from different vendors (especially those that are clinically equivalent).
3. Standardize product
34% of surgery centers use product standardization as a supply chain strategy.3
• By carefully comparing and reviewing supplies, you can eliminate product duplication and drive down waste.
• Use rating levels, such as AAMI ratings for surgical gowns, to help standardize multiple types of the same product.
Sources:
1. Becker’s 100 ASC benchmarks to know – 2014: http://www.beckersasc.com/lists/100-asc-benchmarks-to-know-2014.html
2. Becker’s 100 ASC benchmarks to know – 2014: http://www.beckersasc.com/lists/100-asc-benchmarks-to-know-2014.html
3. 110 ASC benchmarks 2015: http://www.beckersasc.com/asc-turnarounds-ideas-to-improve-performance/110-asc-benchmarks-2015.html