Medical groups and the metaphor of manufacturing.
Medical groups are vitally interested in achieving better operating margins in view of diminishing revenues and cost increases. The answer to this dilemma is heightened productivity. However, raising the productivity of medical care providers does not just automatically happen. It requires innovative thinking and the courage to instill change in the face of resistance. This article examines several medical manufacturing strategies that might be used by medical groups to improve productivity. These strategies are based on proven approaches in business that have been translated for the health care context.
Smith
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HL
Anderson Schools of Management, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131, USA.
Piland
N F
NF
Burchell
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RC
D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006123:Group Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007221:Industry; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010934:Planning Techniques; D014481:United States