DOLLAR SIGNS When surgeons and staff see how expensive supplies can be, they tend to be more frugal.

INFORMED CHOICES
Show Them the Costs

Surgeons and staff are more likely to look for ways to be cost-effective if they truly understand the costs involved in a given procedure. So show them. When we laid out all the consumables for a given procedure — and labeled each with its price — that got their attention. The fact is, surgeons tend to have favorite items, but their favorites aren't necessarily the most economical or the best items. Often there are other, less expensive items that work as well, if not better. With costs per case sometimes running higher than reimbursements, it's important for them to realize that. Seeing it all in black and white helps motivate everybody to keep costs in mind and to cut down on both extras and waste.

Marc Chudow, RN
USF Morsani ASC
Tampa, Fla.
[email protected]