Ordering Supplies — Save Money, Time, and Product

CORRelations staff regularly visits with leaders at efficient practices to learn about the innovations, modifications, or upgrades that have made big differences.

This week, CORRelations spoke with Kirsta Gillett, Director of Support Services for the Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. The Slocum Center has a rich history, having served Eugene, Oregon area residents since 1939. They have 22 physicians and over 300 employees.

CORRelations: What’s been the biggest game-changer for your practice in the last year or two?

Ms. Kirsta Gillett: We recently implemented a supply ordering system to track and control supply costs. We looked into a variety of ticketing systems; we believe the one we chose was a standout because it can be utilized by our Information Services department as well.

CORRelations: Why are you so excited about it?

Ms. Gillett: The communication for supply ordering is transparent to both requestor and purchaser. Requests are updated with availability of product, estimated arrival date, and any other pertinent information. All product information lives in the system and can be updated by the Central Supply staff. This has been a time-saving process for not only ordering but also for receiving items and delivering to the requestor efficiently. It works well even when staff members are out. Requests no longer get lost in an individual’s email.

CORRelations: How has it worked out?

Ms. Gillett: We have been able to not only cut costs but reduce redundancy and loss. To highlight just one area of savings — hyaluronic acid supplementation — we realized a saving of $33,585 year over year, which was a 54% variance for that item alone. With the ability to have ticket requests for future medication needs, we are able to spend less overall, have less money sitting on the shelves, and reduce the potential for product to expire. It's an overall win for the practice and employees.

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