SAVE Award 2011 Ideas

Currently throughout the VA, When a patient needs a CPAP mask he is given one every 6 Months. Most of the time the mask is replaced becuase the pad that fits around the nose has lost it firmness and makes it uncomfortable to wear. The replacement pads can be purchased at a third of the price of the mask. My suggestion is to require federal hospitals to keep the pad in stock and issue the pads to patients after the... more »

Each year the VA wastes 10's Millions of dollars replacing CPAP/BIPAP supplies that are not worn out or broken. At the VA Maine facility we implemented a new oversight program and we saved $400,000 the first year by only replacing supplies that are worn out or broken rather than routinely. Imagine how much could be saved if all VA Hospitals did this? Medicare Guidelines which we used as a reference allow routine replacement... more »