With many procedures and patient care needs continuing to shift out of the hospital, group purchasing organizations (GPOs) remain an essential component in managing costs and maintaining a steady supply chain. However, there are several things ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) should consider to ensure they are making the most out of their GPO partnership.
Creating value for ASCs
Many independent ASCs do not have a dedicated supply chain professional, making it essential to lean on a GPO for expertise, support and resources to reduce internal workload. GPOs like AdvantageTrust are the connector between healthcare providers and vendors to help ASCs focus their purchasing in a more dedicated and cost-efficient manner.
Specifically, GPOs provide an infrastructure that eliminates the time and effort needed for healthcare providers to write their own contracts, secure the best terms and conditions, track potential supply disruptions and communicate with the vendor community for informed decision-making and value creation. No matter the size of the ambulatory surgery center (ASC), AdvantageTrust's position within the HealthTrust portfolio and its $51.9+ billion purchasing power allows it to typically offer the same benefits as those afforded to its acute care provider members. This includes the same pricing and vendors as the largest hospital systems on most contracts.
Part of a GPO’s infrastructure should also include operator expertise. AdvantageTrust, for example, employs a diverse staff with experience across the non-acute industry. Having a unique team of dedicated experts who innately understand an ASC’s business means that the GPO can offer solutions for a wide array of problems, including problems that ASCs may not realize they have – whether it is researching vendors for new procedures approved by CMS or standardizing products for cost savings.
Gaining the benefits
To maximize the benefits of a GPO partnership, surgery centers should actively engage with their GPO and not shy away from asking questions. On the flip side, they should ensure their GPO is responsive and readily available to support. ASCs should challenge their GPO to think creatively and bring them solutions to problems they may not be currently working on.
ASCs should also understand that a quality GPO goes beyond basic purchasing assistance for surgical products. They should lean on their GPOs for other categories to create comprehensive cost efficiencies across the facility – this includes purchasing for categories such as medical devices, office supplies, facility maintenance and more.
By prioritizing these factors, ASCs can establish lasting and fruitful partnerships with GPOs, leading to improved patient care and operational excellence in the ever-evolving world of healthcare. As care continues to shift out of hospitals and into surgery centers, it’s more important than ever for ASCs to depend on their GPO to help reduce costs, secure strong contracts and build vendor partnerships.
To learn more about the unprecedented savings, support and expertise AdvantageTrust can offer your non-acute care facility, visit www.advantagetrustpg.com.