Managing an ASC supply chain can be challenging, but there are steps centers can take to streamline the job.
Surgical Information Systems' chief nursing officer, Ann Geier, shared key supply chain insights during a session at the Becker's ASC 26th Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Three supply chain takeaways:
1. Use an electronic inventory system. Instead of using index cards for physician preference items, use an electronic inventory system. Inventory systems can also help with item counts, eliminating the need to count supplies by hand.
2. Use a group purchasing organization. GPOs can help surgery centers get better prices on supplies and save on shipping costs.
3. Know the supply return policy. Before buying supplies from a company, check its return policy to ensure the ASC can be reimbursed if the supplies don't work out. Also, check with surgeons about cost before ordering supplies.