Marge Schillaci, RN, MS, administrative director of Surgery Center of Joliet (Ill.), which performs a high volume of colonoscopies, EGD and upper and lower GI diagnostics and screenings, shares three ways her GI-driven ASC has reduced costs over the last year.
1. Decreased inventory of high cost items. We looked at what we were keeping on the shelf and also specifically how long it took us to get the item. Based on what our volumes were and actually looking at our usage, we no longer kept more on the shelf than we actually needed. The cash flow improved and we had less holding costs.
2. Provide periodic education regarding the care and handling of scopes to minimize damage. We were having some problems with the tips breaking and while they could be repaired, in the lease the repairs are included but only to a certain amount and anything over that we have to pay. We no longer have to pay additional fees because they are being handled and cared for in a much, much better way.
3. Renegotiated better pricing with our primary supplier and took advantage of MedAssets contracts. Our primary supplier came to us and said that their contract with MedAssets was going to be better for us. Because of the relationships we have and because of the fact that we're not cherry-picking so much but we really are working with a primary supplier, you tend to establish a good relationship so you're going to get this kind of information about pricing quickly as we did and we just signed a new contract.
Also, if you have a primary supplier and much of their stuff is on contract but some is not, you can negotiate better pricing on those items not on contract.
Learn more about the Surgery Center of Joliet.
Read more guidance for GI ASCs:
- 4 Things to Know About Impact of Elimination of Consultation Codes on Gastroenterologists
- 3 Steps to Improved Patient Care: Memorial Mission Surgery Center
- Case Study: Direct Access Colonoscopy Program Increases ASC Colonoscopy Compliance Rate