As nurse manager, Ms. Ramey is in charge of placing all drug orders. The task used to take a few minutes; now it takes hours, she says. Ms. Ramey must call multiple suppliers to find the right drug, but even if a supplier has the drug on hand, the price can be prohibitive.
For example, a vial of Fentanyl, a typical narcotic, usually costs no more than $80. Ms. Ramey says she has paid up to $880 when the drug is in short supply.
She says the surgery center has not yet had to reschedule any surgeries because of drug shortages.
Related Articles on Surgery Center Drug Shortages:
Dr. John Byers: 4 Priorities for ASC Physician Investors in 2012
Study: Thinner Patients More Likely to Die After Surgery
ASA Calls for Congress to Address Drug Shortage
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