Choosing Wisely campaign encourages doctors to have frank discussions with patients about what tests and procedures they really need – and those they don’t. Daniel Wolfson talks about the “sweet spot” of healthcare. It’s that point where safety, quality and affordability of healthcare intersect. In real-life terms, it’s that point where patient and doctor meet, talk, and … [Read more...]
Generics Mean Business
By Laura Thill As generic devices prove themselves to be as reliable as brand name products, more IDNs will be amenable to using them. The future is in generics, says supply chain consultant Chris Baskel, former system director of supply chain management at Spectrum Health. Particularly as standard devices, such as shoulder anchors and hip replacements, come off patent, … [Read more...]
HIDA Health Reform Update
By Linda Rouse O’Neill, VP Govt Affairs, HIDA Competitive bidding delay garners bipartisan support The effort to delay Medicare’s competitive bidding program for DMEPOS received a significant boost for the supply chain when 39 senators signed on to a bipartisan letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner urging she delay further … [Read more...]
NDC strikes a new chord
President and CEO Mark Seitz unveils strategic rebranding initiative With a new venue at Nashville’s state-of-the-art Music City Center, the tempo of the 2014 NDC International Exhibition was upbeat, according to show organizers. For the first time, NDC University (NDCU) – a two-day sales training event – ran concurrently with the meeting, bringing together the largest … [Read more...]
IMCO connects with members, vendors
Group purchasing, home care are two key initiatives IMCO unveiled several key initiatives and programs at its 2014 Convention, held this spring in Tampa, Fla. They included: SEL, or Sales Emphasis Lines; IMCO’s group purchasing initiative; and changes to IMCO’s home care and primary care programs. “Ultimately, we must not and do not forget that we are in a service … [Read more...]
Practice Points: When business as usual is not good business
By Laurie Morgan, Capko & Morgan Recently, we worked with a primary care practice of nine doctors that had been acquired by a regional healthcare player. The regional group had a corporate culture that was friendly, but still very businesslike and professional. A year into the acquisition, the parent organization could see their new practice was not adapting to the … [Read more...]
Publisher’s Letter: The Ripple Effect
Medtronic recently announced it is acquiring Covidien for $43 billion. Its impact will be felt on many levels. Medtronic will relocate its executive headquarters to Ireland (where Covidien is based) and thus will be subject to the much lower (12.5 percent) Irish corporate tax rates. Medtronic will have easier access to profits it has kept offshore in lieu of paying U.S. taxes. … [Read more...]