Using the success of other industries as a model, this book promotes methodologies, indicators, and ideas that health care organizations can use to streamline their practices and maintain strong profit margins. Based on the core principles embodied in lean logistics-the systematic process of removing waste and inefficiency throughout the purchasing, supply, distribution, and business operations chain-Streamlining Health Care Operations shows health care leaders how to fundamentally restructure their organizations and effectively balance costs, quality, and patient access to excellent care.

AUDIE G. LEWIS is president and chief executive officer of Audie Lewis Consulting, Inc., a national research and consulting firm specializing in cost cutting, business improvement, supply chain analysis, and Internet projection and growth for the health care industry. He is the author of the best-seller The Year 2000 Health Care Survival Guide.