Sam Goldberger, MD, an ophthalmologist who practices in Beverly Hills. Calif., shared five tips to save money on ASC supply costs with Eye Care Leaders, a solutions source for ophthalmology-specific EHR and practice management systems.
Here are the tips he shared:
1. Dr. Goldberger said price-checking smaller items such as masks, shoe covers and surgical trays can save ASCs money. He recommended going over the prices of every item ordered, not just the "important ones."
2. Cutting shipping costs is another way ASCs can cut supply costs. Dr. Goldberger said using an automated inventory management system is one way to maintain the right level of inventory without tying up capital.
3. If surgeons at an ASC can agree to use the same supplies, negotiating the prices of surgical kits becomes easier and more cost effective.
4. Dr. Goldberger said only opening supplies needed for an operation can cut costs for ASCs.
5. Reusable items may be cheaper in the long run, but they're not always the right choice for every ASC, Dr. Goldberger said. He recommended taking an honest look at whether an ASC's facility and staff can safely and efficiently maintain reusable items.