title: Just what the doctor ordered.
abstract: Healthcare organizations can improve quality and reduce supply costs by engaging physicians in standardizing supplies. Hospitals should take an active role in managing relationships with physicians and suppliers. To minimize supply selection based primarily on physician preference, hospitals can take several actions, including providing data support for change and identifying appropriate incentives.
authors.affiliation: VHA, Inc., Irving, Tex., USA. sbaker@vha.com
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smithson
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schaefer
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reichert
mesh_terms: D003132:Commerce; D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D018578:Hospital-Physician Relations; D008421:Materials Management, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D010819:Physician's Role; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011682:Purchasing, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States