Physician preference items can make up 30 to 40 percent of a hospital's supply expenses, according to UHC, a Chicago-based alliance of nonprofit academic medical centers.
In a recent study of PPIs at 10 academic medical centers, researchers from UHC identified three key findings.
1. Customized PPIs are not always top-quality.
2. Unused implants can be a source of hidden waste.
3. Match devices to the patient need. Some patients may need advanced components, but some may only require standard components, which cost at least 25 percent less.
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