American College of Physicians issues recommendations for doctors, and avenues for further research on ‘direct patient contracting practices’ Medical practices that charge patients a retainer fee – so-called “concierge medicine” – should consider its impact on their patients and local community, particularly, lower-income and other vulnerable patients. That is the opinion … [Read more...]

It’s not too late to help your accounts protect their patients The time to target flu is before any patients succumb to it. Influenza can be introduced into a long-term care or post-acute care facility by newly admitted residents, healthcare workers and visitors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One outbreak of flu can lead to any number of … [Read more...]

Thirty-three certified value analysis healthcare professionals – the inaugural class of CVAHPs – were recognized this fall at the 12th Annual Education Conference & Supplier Showcase of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP). It’s a sure sign that the value analysis profession continues to mature. Two years in the making, the newly launched … [Read more...]

Joey Meckley Vice president, enterprise supply chain, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Penn. Geisinger Health System consists of 83 primary and specialty care sites, including seven hospital locations; $4 billion in revenue (FY14); $514 million in supplies, including all medical, non-medical, retail and pharmaceutical supplies for the entire system (FY14). In 2000, … [Read more...]

Bob Hornsby System director, supply chain management, Riverside Health System, Newport News, Va. BOX: Riverside Health System consists of five acute care hospitals, a psychiatric hospital, a physical rehabilitation hospital and the IDN’s Hampton Roads specialty hospital, along with an array of outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities; $1.3 billion net operating … [Read more...]

By Linda Rouse O’Neill Medicaid Basics Medicaid is a health insurance program for the poor. Medicaid is a state-run program – in fact, it’s 50 different state-run programs, and they differ considerably. The federal government helps states pay for these programs – the average is 60 percent federal to 40 percent state funds – and sets overall rules and guidelines … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Hilla Whether or not you make a commission directly off your sales, your success depends heavily on the recommendations you make to your customers. Your customer already knows you want to sell them new or more products – that’s your job, after all – but if you make that your sole mission, you’re creating a tug-of-war from which they will want to pull back. If … [Read more...]

Two regional distributors join forces, but not board rooms Their customers might not notice the difference, but behind the scenes, two Southeastern distributors have implemented a plan to maintain their independence while competing more effectively with national players. NDC members Grogan’s Healthcare Supply of Lexington, Ky., and Medical Supplies of America (MSA) of … [Read more...]