Which approach is recommended for managing an expensive specialty drug used by a single patient?

Which approach is recommended for managing an expensive specialty drug used by a single patient?

• A. Just-in-time ordering about 10 days before the next refill
• B. Maintaining a 90-day safety stock on hand
• C. Daily ordering from multiple suppliers
• D. Stockpiling all medications for every patient

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to balance availability with cost by keeping minimal on-hand inventory for a high-cost, low-volume item. Just-in-time ordering about 10 days before the next refill ensures the patient has the drug when needed without tying up capital in a large stock or risking expiration. This relies on reliable supplier lead times and a predictable refill schedule. Keeping a 90-day safety stock would lock up capital and increase the chance of expiration for an expensive drug used by a single patient. Daily ordering from multiple suppliers adds unnecessary administrative burden and complexity without adding value for one patient. Stockpiling all medications for every patient is simply inefficient and wasteful. So, ordering close to the refill date provides the best balance of availability and cost control for an expensive specialty drug used by one patient.

The main idea is to balance availability with cost by keeping minimal on-hand inventory for a high-cost, low-volume item. Just-in-time ordering about 10 days before the next refill ensures the patient has the drug when needed without tying up capital in a large stock or risking expiration. This relies on reliable supplier lead times and a predictable refill schedule.

Keeping a 90-day safety stock would lock up capital and increase the chance of expiration for an expensive drug used by a single patient. Daily ordering from multiple suppliers adds unnecessary administrative burden and complexity without adding value for one patient. Stockpiling all medications for every patient is simply inefficient and wasteful.

So, ordering close to the refill date provides the best balance of availability and cost control for an expensive specialty drug used by one patient.