Clinical Resource Management Utilization Initiatives
Healthcare Cost Solutions (HSC) is uniquely qualified to assist you with developing a clinically integrated supply chain. Clinical Resource Management focuses upon working collaboratively with physicians and other clinicians, and supply chain executives to focus on process improvements that deliver quality outcomes while reducing overall costs. We have been involved in clinical resource management for over 15 years, leading initial initiatives, including case studies and educational presentations (one was even written up in Newsweek magazine).
We believe actions and process improvements are best accomplished through education of key hospital staff in their respective roles under our proven process model. This process includes: collecting, analyzing and sharing appropriate clinical and financial data; promoting cost-saving methodologies and process improvements; and attaining participation and buy-in from clinical teams.
Major components may include:
Value Analysis and Product Standardization Committees or Project Teams – The development and involvement of clinical stakeholders, including physicians, is critical to ensure understanding; participation; and adoption of overall plan through consensus building; prioritization; communication; implementation and results reporting. HCS works with senior executives to develop; revise and implement value analysis and product standardization teams that are data driven; results oriented; and empowered to make decisions that improve the overall organizational outcomes both financially as well as operationally. This process includes new technology review; analysis and decision making. By analyzing the cost impact of new technologies and service lines, the organization will be better equipped to project budgetary impacts and develop utilization strategies in advance of implementation.
Physician Preference Items and Utilization Programs – The development and implementation of programs to target high cost physician preference products are key in providing the highest quality of patient care while doing so at minimum cost to achieve the desired outcomes. Specific items or categories are selected and prioritized based upon the overall mission of the organization; physician involvement and agreement; financial impacts; and organizational goals. Areas usually include orthopedic implants; spine; cardiovascular implants; and cardiac rhythm products but may include others.
Procedural Cost and Outcomes Enhancement Process (PCOE) – PCOE is a well developed process that can be implemented successfully in the clinical setting. HCS works with the executive team to develop and implement (in conjunction with any existing internal programs) a process for determining resources consumed and costs per procedure as well as the clinical outcomes produced; identifying opportunities for improvement and working with physicians and other clinicians to develop consensus on resources required to achieve desired clinical outcomes. The process includes development and implementation of results tracking and reporting as well as key implementation tools, such as protocols. >>More information
Clinical Contracting – Based upon the organizational goals and financial priorities, clinical contracting is a tool for developing and selecting contracting strategies focused upon major physician preference categories which often represent the majority of supply expense. HCS works with supply chain executives to implement contracts, through Group Purchasing Organization(s) where they exist or individually to support achieving optimal pricing and other value added services for the organization.
Clinical Supply Chain Education – Clinicians can assist the organization if they understand the supply chain and how to work with executives to improve outcomes. HCS provides education developed by clinicians who have a supply chain background who can “talk the talk” and “walk the walk”. By providing enhanced education on inventory management; cost data review and tracking; vendor procedures; negotiation rules of thumb; and other key categories; the organization improves collaboration resulting in an improved financial outcomes.
Project Management – By providing overall expertise in project management and implementation, including clinical resource programs and system selection and implementation, we provide additional resources who can concentrate on meeting the administrative teams objectives in a timely manner and within budget.