Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/624121
Executive Briefing: 44 Executive Briefing: How to Benefit From Supply Chain Partnerships One of Acumed's core values is to innovate with a purpose, both clinically and operationally. The company supports collab- oration between engineers, product managers and physicians. They also work with ambulatory surgery centers to collaborate on cost-savings and revenue driving opportunities unique to each center. For example, Acumed partners with United Surgical Partners In- ternational to provide affiliated surgical centers with implants as well as supply chain strategy assistance. "We have several centers located in Texas and Acumed was re- ally able to come in and understand our situation," says Carlos Adame, director of procurement for United Surgical Partners In- ternational. "We have favorable managed care contracts but we still want to form a formal partnership with strategic vendors. We solidified an agreement with Acumed that is based on growth. They understand our position and were able to work with us to positively impact the business." Acumed collaborated with Mr. Adame and his team to develop a press release and promotional booklet for each surgical cen- ter. USPI connected with regional managers to discuss the part- nership and then each manager implemented the new supply strategy at USPI ASCs. "We don't have enough sales people to do this on our own, but Acumed was able to work with use to spread the initiative," says Mr. Adame. "They printed a thick catalogue with the USPI logo on it that included implants and then sent it to the facilities. In the first quarter we increased same-store business by about 300 percent post-agreement." ASC owners and operators that foster a good relationship with vendors and their third-party partners can optimize services and contracts, as well as leverage their relationship, to achieve the best rates possible. The best deals are struck when managers take time to talk with their partners or vendors and communi- cate their needs. The ASC industry — and healthcare in general — is always evolving and as the center's needs change, so will the ways in which partners provide value. The Acumed representatives have a full offering of products and are very knowledgeable about their products. Most company representatives have healthcare administration experience, but Acumed also has negotiating experience and can work with the physicians to help them understand every aspect of the new product. "The more people realize that putting good resources into sup- ply chain function is necessary, the more they'll see success and value in doing agreements and managing functionality," says Mr. Adame. "This will become more important to entities whether it's a thousand-bed hospital or a two-OR ASC. There is a missed opportunity when you don't invest in this particular position." n Acumed® is a global leader of innovative orthopaedic and medical solutions. We are dedicated to developing products, service methods, and approaches that improve patient care. Founded in 1988, Acumed is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, with offices and a distribution network around the world. For more information, please visit www.acumed.net. ASC Materials Manager Supply Chain Checklist 1. Monitoring the schedule for upcoming procedures re- quiring special equipment or supplies not currently stocked and notifying vendors to bring in necessary supplies. 2. Keep track of the sales representatives that visit the cen- ter and make sure they comply with the center's policies and procedures. 3. Check with the operating room schedule each week and noting necessary orders. Develop a guideline for the upcoming supplies needed using previous par levels — the amount of in-stock product to meet demands. 4. Order supplies in strictly maintained schedules, such as once or twice per week. The staff should know the process and fill out requisition forms before the order takes place. 5. Review contracts nearing the expiration and meet with vendors to negotiate possible price changes. 6. Monitor supplies that sit on the shelf for 45 days or lon- ger and make sure you don't order more of those items. Emergency items are the exception.