Medical Supplies And Rapid Strep Tests: 5 Tips To Make Your Office Money by Anthony Mishik, MD
CHI Publishing
October 02, 2008
www.DocSavings.com
Many doctors and office managers think ordering and buying medical and surgical supplies is just about spending less money. Yet all medical practices need to have certain supplies and products on hand. What are smart docs and savvy managers to do? Follow these 5 tips and you will not only save money but add it to the bottom line.
1. Overpaying for medical supplies. Is your present supplier giving you his best price on rapid strep tests? Can you see the actual prices and comparison shop before you buy? There is no incentive for medical supply companies to show you anything. A good salesperson who wants your business will encourage you to compare medical supply and surgical products.
2. Paying for brand name, instead of quality and value. How many doctors know just the brand name product in a particular category of surgical sutures or diagnostic tests? Is it really the best product or best value? Is that reputation based on research and experience or just boastful claims in advertising? Rival brands can be of equivalent or superior quality and efficacy yet cost much less. A good vendor will usually let you sample different products if you ask.
3. No volume discounts. When you place a larger order for drug screens or rapid pregnancy tests, is your vendor rewarding you with a better price? Can you see where price discount cutoffs are or is it a guessing game? Never be afraid to ask where discounts kick in or what rebates can be given on medical supplies.
4. Paying for overnight or "just in time" delivery. Do you order at the last second because your salesperson said, "We can get it there tomorrow!" or "We guarantee 24 hour delivery"? Is it worth the high mark up and expedited delivery fee you are charged for this "service"? And do does your medical supply company really get it to you that fast? You can get better prices by checking around and being a smart shopper. Take your time in ordering and don´t "rush" your supplies to your office. Get the best price on both the medical products AND getting your order delivered.
5. Lack of planning. You have only so much space and money for office supplies. So why do you buy without knowing what to order and plan what you should (and should NOT) buy. Like any other business, doctors should know how many rapid mono tests, how much chromic gut suture and table paper and table gowns they will use in their office over the next few months. Rapid strep tests and flu kits are used more in the winter than the spring. Think ahead and plan your medical supply budget.
Ultimately, turning a profit and getting paid for what doctors and their staff should be paid is as much about following smart business practices as it is practicing good quality medicine. There is nothing that says good medicine and business cannot work hand in hand.
You can contact Dr. Mishik thru our website www.DocSavings.com or EMail
DrTony@DocSavings.com
Phone: 888 DOC-SAV2 (888-362-7282)
Many doctors and office managers think ordering and buying medical and surgical supplies is just about spending less money. Yet all medical practices need to have certain supplies and products on hand. What are smart docs and savvy managers to do? Follow these 5 tips and you will not only save money but add it to the bottom line.
1. Overpaying for medical supplies. Is your present supplier giving you his best price on rapid strep tests? Can you see the actual prices and comparison shop before you buy? There is no incentive for medical supply companies to show you anything. A good salesperson who wants your business will encourage you to compare medical supply and surgical products.
2. Paying for brand name, instead of quality and value. How many doctors know just the brand name product in a particular category of surgical sutures or diagnostic tests? Is it really the best product or best value? Is that reputation based on research and experience or just boastful claims in advertising? Rival brands can be of equivalent or superior quality and efficacy yet cost much less. A good vendor will usually let you sample different products if you ask.
3. No volume discounts. When you place a larger order for drug screens or rapid pregnancy tests, is your vendor rewarding you with a better price? Can you see where price discount cutoffs are or is it a guessing game? Never be afraid to ask where discounts kick in or what rebates can be given on medical supplies.
4. Paying for overnight or "just in time" delivery. Do you order at the last second because your salesperson said, "We can get it there tomorrow!" or "We guarantee 24 hour delivery"? Is it worth the high mark up and expedited delivery fee you are charged for this "service"? And do does your medical supply company really get it to you that fast? You can get better prices by checking around and being a smart shopper. Take your time in ordering and don´t "rush" your supplies to your office. Get the best price on both the medical products AND getting your order delivered.
5. Lack of planning. You have only so much space and money for office supplies. So why do you buy without knowing what to order and plan what you should (and should NOT) buy. Like any other business, doctors should know how many rapid mono tests, how much chromic gut suture and table paper and table gowns they will use in their office over the next few months. Rapid strep tests and flu kits are used more in the winter than the spring. Think ahead and plan your medical supply budget.
Ultimately, turning a profit and getting paid for what doctors and their staff should be paid is as much about following smart business practices as it is practicing good quality medicine. There is nothing that says good medicine and business cannot work hand in hand.
You can contact Dr. Mishik thru our website www.DocSavings.com or EMail
DrTony@DocSavings.com
Phone: 888 DOC-SAV2 (888-362-7282)
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