Hospitals changing their buying habits. Overhauled technology-acquisition processes help equip facilities to make...

As hospitals face increasing pressure to rein in costs, equipment spending faces stiff competition for limited funds. When facilities replace aging or outdated equipment, they're often replacing the entire technology assessment process as well. One hospital facing a $4 million bill to equip a new building is revamping its purchasing process based on department "wish lists." And an Ohio system has formed a special division to speed assessment and implementation of new technologies and procedures.