Create a laminated quick reference sheet/online reference sheet (e.g. available via agile MD) of commonly prescribed medications that have comparable efficacy in po/IV forms. For example, in the ER this could be po vs IV antibiotics, narcotics, antiemetics, electrolyte repleatment.

Keflex

costs $x  for IV dose (reference formulary)

po costs $y per dose

po has good bioavailability, concentrations similar to IV but onset is 4 hours rather than 30 minutes. 

Recommendations: for patients with cellulitus that is not rapidly progressing, po can give comparable results to IV at (greater/less/ x % of cost). 

Keep it to top 10 for each area. You could also have people record/log their substitutions or referencing and generate data on cost savings and use this for milestone assessment for residency. 

In addition to reducing hospital costs, this may be able to reduce patients' bills as well!

Many times, patients are given IV antibiotics to "justify" admission, or given IV pain medications when po may suffice.

Raising provider awareness of the actual cost differences on UCSF formularies of these interventions in an easy to access, relevant, high savings yield way, will empower them to make smarter choices about medication useage when clinical efficacy is similar. Making this specific to formularies helps make decisions specific to hospital agreements. Adding a "gaming" or tracking aspect can help the medical center and individuals keep data on cost saving measures and help fulfill new milestone requirements for residents.