As more patients turn to ASCs for care, these facilities are forced to reallocate resources to improve care while simultaneously reducing costs.
A key area laden with hidden fees is the supply chain, namely shipping costs, said Jennifer Ludowise, director of customer operations for OptiFreight Logistics, a division of Cardinal Health, during a presentation at the Becker's ASC Review 16th Annual Future of Spine + The Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference June 14 in Chicago.
A freight manager helps ASCs negotiate lower shipping costs and avoid hidden fees, such as unnecessary overnight deliveries. Companies like OptiFreight can help ASCs generate 30 to 50 percent savings on their supply spend and note an immediate impact on their bottom line, Ms. Ludowise said.
"In a time when cost demands are very, very high, freight management, we feel, is a really simple way to help you realize significant savings," she said. "And who is not looking for that in today's climate?"
Here are three key considerations for ASCs looking to save on their shipping costs via freight management:
1. No change to existing material flow. Be sure to choose a freight manager that works with your existing suppliers.
2. Scale is critical. The more suppliers accessible for your ASC, the more saving opportunities available, so it is vital to work with a freight manager that has a vast supplier pool.
3. Implement quickly. OptiFreight Logistics takes an average of 30 days to establish its program at an ASC, and it handles nearly everything from there, meaning ASCs can free up resources and realize savings almost immediately.
With no impact on patient care, "partnering with a freight management partner can provide you almost immediate savings with minimal effort," Ms. Ludowise said. "It is a quick and easy way to cut your spend and have real time dollars back in your budget for other things."
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