In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

The administration of the hospital where you are employed has made the decision to open a series of clinics across the city to provide ambulatory care to patients in their neighborhoods. As an experienced medical assistant, you have been asked to plan for the purchase of expendable items for stocking in the new clinics.

What a task! How will you determine what items to provide for each clinic and the amount to order? Do you know where to go to get the best price for the best products? Who is the best vendor in each area? What about discounts for volume buying? Where do you start? You need a plan or a system to help organize your thoughts and then your actions.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. What is an expendable item? What items would you list on the expendable administrative supply list? The clinical supply list? The general supply list?

2. What factors would you consider about each office as you determine the appropriate supplies?

3. How would you recommend that the supplies be stored with inventory management in mind?