I do a lot of our supply shopping on several different Web sites, so I'm a proponent of using the technology. There are obvious advantages to shopping online: It's generally faster and more convenient. It's the you-can-shop-in-your-pajamas idea that non-healthcare online retailers push. But healthcare supply sites' features go beyond those that, say, Amazon.com offers. Ideally, they can help you make better purchasing decisions. Here's what you should be looking for if you're thinking of putting down the phone and picking up the mouse.

Speeding ahead
There are six strong advantages and features to look for on supply-buying Web sites that I've found helpful.

• Product info beyond descriptions. As soon as you pull up a product's page, you should be able to see availability and pricing. When you submit an order, you should immediately receive an automated confirmation so you know that it's been submitted. Compare this with a bad customer service phone call: You get put on hold, the customer service rep's computer is slow and you have to repeat product numbers because he got behind or he inputted the wrong number. Further, human error comes into play, because of the number of steps between your getting the product number and the rep's submitting it. Online, you just click the product number you want, which can cut down substantially on errors. Plus, you can't be put on hold when you're online. While site downtime is a possibility, I've never experienced it.
• Your stats. Two of the wholesalers I use regularly show me my current balance and a recent order history with dates and order numbers when I log in. Simply by clicking the order links, I can see what was in each one. Your accounts should also let you view a longer history (at least the past year) and perform tracking and trending on individual products. My inventory software, which is separate, lets me do the same thing, but this feature lets me see the information without opening another program and acts as a double-check.
• Bonuses. Look for a site that lets you know when you reach bonuses such as free-shipping thresholds. If I order a couple items and my total is at $195, my sites let me know that I need $55 to get free shipping, for example, and I can decide whether to pick up something else we'll soon be needing. If you're calling customer service, it's unlikely they'll give you a running update of what you need to qualify for free shipping, if they tell you about such a bonus at all.
• One-click ordering. A must-have feature is what I call an order pad. It's a list of the items I frequently order (at least once a month), and the sites I shop on let me set up such a list to allow for quick selection and buying. I can get the vial size, strength and number of vials I want without having to figure out which option I want among 16 different types of Anzemet, for example.
• Simplified comparisons. Look for a site that automatically shows you all other options for a product if the one you put in your virtual cart is backordered. Just as you don't want to listen to a customer service rep spend five minutes telling you the other sizes and formulations, you don't want to waste time searching for a replacement. You should be able to see alternatives at a glance, so you can quickly and easily pick the one that is most cost-effective and similar to your usual choice. In addition, make sure the site you use tells you that there's a backorder when you put the product in your cart, so you know when you have to go for plan B. One negative, however: You might not get information on how soon the product will be available, which is information you can usually get this information from a customer service rep when doing a phone order.
• Less legwork. You shouldn't have to page through a catalog to look for an item you're interested in buying - your site should do the work for you. If you don't know the manufacturer, but know the brand name or a description, you should be able to type what you know into a search box and get results based on that. Say I'm looking for an ankle brace and I know it's made by Darco. The search will return all the Darco products, and I'll find the model and color I want. Or say I just do a search for "ankle brace." It's going to return a lot of results, but it's more efficient to see them on the screen than to try to order another way. If you're faxing in an order based on what may be an outdated catalog or talking to a customer service rep, you may never know about all your options.

Some cautions
While the pros outweigh the cons in my mind, there are some things you should try to avoid, or at least be aware of going in.

• Doubling up. My inventory software and my supply sites can't be integrated, which means I still have to cut a purchase order from the inventory system because it's tied to my inventory and receiving. Sometimes it's like doing double the work. But I try to think of it this way: If I do my purchase order first, I can use it as a shopping list or worksheet that I check items off of. That way, when I go online, I can be more efficient.
• Impulse-buy inducements. I'll say this for phone and fax ordering: There aren't as many temptations to overbuy. Online, you may see a product that triggers an "Oh, I need this other product, too" reaction, and that can set you wandering around the Web. Not good, time- or budget-wise. And this wandering isn't always unintentional. One site I use shows you a side screen with gloves, needles and other high-use items as you try to check out, in an attempt to get you to impulse-buy - kind of like the candy and magazines in supermarket checkout lanes.
• Security constraints. If you take too long to enter an order, the site will often log you out before you've finished. Then, when you're ready to submit, you find out your order's been erased. It can be really frustrating to lose the work you've done just because you were called away to handle something that needed your immediate attention.
• Social implications. Speaking of getting called away, I find that I get interrupted more often if I'm buying supplies online than if I do it by phone. People tend to think you're not "doing anything" if you appear to be just looking at your computer. Also, you do lose personal contact with online ordering. Occasionally, I do miss the individual attention and the friendly voice of a good rep.

An ophthalmic microscope with a more natural view
With a new, more sophisticated optical system yet a simple set up, Leica Microsystems's new ophthalmic scope is said to be specially designed to meet the needs of the surgeon and OR staff in order to help them meet the needs of patients. The Leica M820 F19's dual-beam illumination creates a more natural, three-dimensional view by allowing for fundus reflex in all positions. Coupled with Leica's APO OptiChrome M820 optics, which provide high contrast and brilliant red reflex, the surgeon gets the best clarity and greater light gathering for better viewing under low light conditions, the company says. Other key features for surgeons: UltraLow II binocular tube for better eyepiece-to-field distance, regardless of accessories used; APO 6:1 motorized zoom with four beam paths; fixed objective lenses with motorized 54mm range; direct halogen illumination with halogen back-up; two-in-one control unit/live video display; and hand switch and foot pedal that provide 12 or 16 functions. Nurses may like the ease of use and setup associated with manual counterbalance; motorized, speed-adjustable tilt mechanism; quick-change lamp mount; adjustable friction brakes with motorized XY; automatic and manual reset function; and asepsis for all controls. OptiChrome M820 optics are also available on the F40 electromagnetic floor stand. The Leica M820 F19 lists for $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the specific application and accessories purchased with the microscope. For more information, call (800) 248-0123, visit www.leica-microsystems.com or circle number 167 on your Reader Service Card.

Make obese patients more comfortable
To make transporting obese patients throughout your facility easier, Stretchair has introduced the first motorized stretcher-chair with riding platform: the Crosstown 1200 (top photo). Complimenting the convertible transporter is the Versatile Hygiene-Chair, which is a combined commode, transport and shower chair. The Crosstown 1200 is a self-contained transportation system capable of functioning in both chair and stretcher modes. It has a 1,200-pound weight capacity, 36-inch-wide seat and Tempur-Med pressure management cushions to help make patients more comfortable. Features that can make healthcare workers' tasks easier include an integrated handset controller for all powered functions, including sit-to-stand seat assist; chair-to-stretcher articulation; and independent swing legs and vertical lift. Constructed of stainless steel, the Hygiene-Chair has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, 36-inch seat and powered sit-to-stand seat assist. It can be used over a standard toilet, at bedside or to transport the patient to the restroom and back without their leaving the chair, the company says. The company would not give pricing. For more information, call (800) 237-1162, visit www.stretchair.com or circle number 168 on your Reader Service Card.

To protect and clean rigid scopes
The Scope Protection Sleeve is a new way to protect rigid scopes 5mm in diameter and smaller from shaft and lens damage, says Spectrum Surgical Instruments. Compatible with Storz scopes, the protection sleeve is completely reusable and made of an autoclavable blue polymer; to accommodate longer scopes, attach two (or more) sleeves to one another. The company also has a Rigid Scope Lens Cleaner designed for both the distal and proximal lenses. The formula, which is applied using a cotton- or foam-tip applicator, is said to remove spots, dirt and sterilization build-up to help prevent cloudy images. Scope Sleeves list for $13.31 each; bottles of cleaner list for $17.69 each. For more information, call (800) 444-5644, visit www.spectrumsurgical.com or circle number 170 on your Reader Service Card.

Modular open-storage system can add flexibility
Combining the advantages of an accessible open-storage system with high-density, modular systems, the QuickStore line of storage accessories from InnerSpace Corp. let you store large and small items alike with ease, says the company. QuickStore units are composed of a durable powder-coated frame with adjustable cell rails that accept the full line of InnerSpace storage accessories. Cell rails snap into place, letting users configure systems for procedure-specific applications or general bulk storage. QuickStore units accommodate the same interchangeable optional accessories that fit most InnerSpace cabinets and carts, which allow you flexibility if you already have other InnerSpace products in place. Accessories include plastic trays and dividers, wire baskets, smooth trays and lids, metal shelves, Cath Managers and gravity feed trays for suture storage. Cart covers are also available. QuickStore units are available in stationary and mobile configurations. The company would not disclose pricing. For more information, call (800) 467-7224, visit www.innerspacecorp.com or circle number 169 on your Reader Service Card.