Supply Chain

The healthcare industry recognizes the need to reduce its impact on the environment, yet sustainability isn't always a high priority among the decision makers at individual U.S. hospitals. Here are some ideas to help your facility get started.

Knee replacements now account for over $6 billion in global sales annually, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages and improved accuracy makes younger patients candidates for therapies.

Late last week, the Health Resources and Services Administration released the results of its FY 2012 audits of covered entity compliance with 340B drug discount program rules. The agency discovered several "recurring critical areas of non-compliance" for healthcare facilities.

When examining the cost of product procurement, delivery and distribution within a health network, executives may only be considering about half of their total supply chain spend.

Americans are paying higher prices for cancer drugs because more patients are being treated by oncologists whose practices have been bought by hospitals, which may charge double or more for the same treatments, according to a new report.

In 2011, total revenue from hip implants in the U.S. was approximately $2.8 billion, and it's projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2016. The growing use of these implants makes the category an important focus for healthcare organizations that are trying to manage their costs.

The opportunity for cost reduction through smart resource and waste management is high. To maximize this opportunity, hospitals and health systems should look for medical waste processing companies that emphasize green initiatives.

Supply chain costs account for a surprisingly high percentage of the overall total operating budget at healthcare facilities, making clear insight into supply chain processes critical to ensuring maximum efficiency and long-term cost savings.

The sourcing process in healthcare is quite strategic; much more than just buying products. Success depends on the right type of clinician involvement and the right high-caliber talent within the sourcing group.

Supply chain costs are the second largest investment for hospitals behind only labor. While many organizations struggle to keep these costs in check, even modest improvements to supply chain performance and inventory management can significantly reduce operating costs.