What is the Best Method to Keep on Top of Your Medical Consumables?

To say medical facilities are busy would be a massive understatement. There is usually no way of predicting exactly how many patients you see a day or that every procedure will go smoothly. It's just not how life works, especially for medical professionals. Medical consumables are a staple to effectively keep your facility running smoothly. Medical consumables can typically be defined as single-use items for the aid and protection of medical personnel to carry out their duties. But if you can't control the flow of your workday, how are you going to keep track of the inventory of your consumables? Here are some tips on how to make sure you stay on top of your medical needs. 

Many medical consumable suppliers have a subscription system that ensures that you can have a standing order delivered at the same time each month. This is a great way of making sure you are always well prepared for whatever the day has in store for you. Make sure that the subscription allows you to adjust your order, should you have a busier month than the usual, or organise additional deliveries if you need more supplies than your usual amount. It’s a pretty easy way to literally ‘set and forget’. This way you can focus on getting on with providing the best care possible. 

If you’d like to have a little more control over your monthly medical consumable amounts, a scheduled phone call from your supplier might just be for you. A phone call can mean that you can go through the inventory list while on the phone and also learn of any special deals for that month which may save you money. It also means that you can have someone reminding you to check your stock rather than having to add it to your already full to-do list. You can also get your order list ready ahead of time, so your phone call is quick and pleasant, and you can get on with your day to day duties. 

If at all possible, a representative from the medical consumable company in question should visit you on-site. If you have a standing appointment, all the better. A great relationship can be built up with your representative and they can let you know any great deals that are on offer. If the situation allows and you trust your company representative, they can possibly do inventory for you and place the order with your approval. They will make sure to go through the order with you piece by piece in case you have any questions. 

This is a very standard operation for the procurement of medical consumables. Having an order form on hand is a great way to quickly and easily fill out your order and return it. Most order forms will also have the standard unit sizes and amounts so you will know exactly how much you are ordering. You will also have a record of exactly what was ordered and when so if you run out quicker than expected you can adjust accordingly. 

All of these options can make it much easier to stay on top of your medical consumables and get on with providing the best care for your patients.