Equipment & Supplies

Supplies are a necessary cost of doing business and can affect your bottom line. Here are some tips to help you keep cost under control.

1. When shopping for supplies, you can often find "generic" products at substantial discounts...even as much as 50% less than you'd get them at a medical or specialty supply houses. For example: toilet paper, tissue and paper towels (yes, even those for wall dispensers) are available at Costco. Also look for your cleaning supplies. You'll pay a premium at medical supply houses.

2. eBay: I often get supplies/equipment on ebay. For example, I have a Braun Ear Thermometer which I paid about $40.00 less than I could have purchased it from a medical supplier. I continue to get the probe covers for about 50% less on eBay.

3. Often used medical equipment can be purchased directly from offices that are closing. They are often in great condition, a good price and you are helping out a fellow provider. Check eBay and Craig's list.

4. Shop carefully at medical supply liquidators. You will need to make sure the item is in good working order, and it's something that will give you significant value for the money. I nearly purchased two exam tables when I first opened. But when I compared them to new tables, including my chipping cost, I was only going to save about $200.00 per table. Instead, I purchased new, which included a table better suited to my patient population, free delivery and set up, and a warranty. Take all your cost into consideration - it's not just about money.

5. Office furnishings can come from you state surplus program if they have one. I found excellent waiting room chairs for about a quarter of what I would have paid purchasing them new. Bargains can be had on file cabinets, desks, tables, bookcases and more.

Watching cost directly impacts the survival and profitability of your business. In today's economic climate it makes sense to spend money wisely, both at home and in your business.

You'll find more articles like this in the Business & Practice Mgmt section