One of the biggest problems in ASC supply chain management is the tendency to manage inventory based on fill capacity, according to Rheaply CEO and Co-Founder Garry Cooper, PhD.
Dr. Cooper explained common ASC supply chain challenges to Becker's ASC Review.
Note: Responses have been lightly edited for style.
Question: What are the most common mistakes ASCs make when it comes to inventory management?
Dr. Garry Cooper: Healthcare is seen as one of the greatest opportunities for supply chain improvement, but in order to avoid the deterioration of patient care, there needs to be a bigger focus on supply chain fundamentals. Proper inventory management should start with ASCs spending more time on building efficiencies in the procurement of resources. Medical supplies in perfect condition are often disposed of by healthcare facilities. There needs to be better collaboration so that ASCs can thrive in [a] shared economy where these surplus supplies are reused.
Q: What are the key differences between ASCs and hospitals when it comes to equipment selection and purchasing? How do these differences pose unique challenges?
GC: ASCs often have trouble locating the right equipment at the right time, resulting in product shortages, whereas hospitals often try to reduce the cost per item with larger volume purchases. Procurement of resources in an ASC setting needs better assessment in the preprocurement stages and much better collaboration in order to reduce unnecessary costs.
Rheaply is an online asset exchange manager that allows R&D facilities to buy, sell, trade, donate and rent resources that might otherwise go to waste.
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3 Ways to cut operating room inventory in an ASC