With increased transparency, patients will have a better understanding of their bills. This is a great start; but to really drive down hospital cost, this visibility must go deeper to also give the information to providers so that cost-conscious decisions can be made.

This article highlights the pivotal role of the surgeon preference card in cost savings opportunities for healthcare systems. Digitizing the lean methods applied in this article to streamline the process can provide a means to recapture the $5 billion per year that is lost due to inefficiencies in the supply chain.

Healthcare is caught between a complex, archaic system and cutting-edge technology. New technologies should focus on improvements in patient care, safety, and experience. Technology should also find ways to increase hospital staff efficiency and communication, while providing better value.

What can you do to have better communication, faster turnover times, and cost savings in the OR?

Great article out of Virginia Mason demonstrating what's possible with performance improvement projects in the OR.