Ann Geier, senior vice president of operations at Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, provides several supply changes ambulatory surgery center can make to immediately improve profits. She spoke in a 90-minute workshop with two other ASCOA executives at the 9th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain-Management Driven ASC Conference in Chicago.
Control inventory. Inventory costs are controllable, but "I see centers that do not have any handle on their inventory," Ms. Geier said. ASCs should continually review current prices to look for increases. The ASC's inventory software module needs to be fully utilized. Assign one person to enter data and use standardized language, starting with general categories, such as sponges, then getting more specific in subcategories, such as 4x4 sponges. Scanning materials as you are using them helps reduce the amount of inventory needed.
Reduce OR storage. The amount of supplies on hand will grow to fill the space for them. Consider pulling out cabinets in the ORs or procedure rooms. "You do not need extra supplies in your OR," Ms. Geier said. "They are sitting there and not getting used." Put prices on supplies in the storage area so that staff members know what each item costs.
Implement case costing. Centers need to implement case costing to understand profits or losses per case. This involves adding together the total cost of supplies and labor for the case and subtracting that from reimbursement.
Learn more about Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America.
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