Controlling costs in cataract surgery

A study was done of the supplies used in cataract surgery by the 13 highest-volume surgeons at our hospital. A task force of administration, operating room management, business management, and cataract surgeons, over a 4-week period, developed a standardized list of surgical supplies for all cataract surgeons to use in the operating room. By standardizing the supplies and educating the surgeons about the changes we were able to control costs, to maintain high-quality care, and to position ourselves for the managed-care market through cost-competitive strategies.