Worth Repeating

“I always figured that as they grew, IDNs would move completely away from GPOs – but that didn’t really happen and I’ve always wondered why because they could provide manufacturers with a more committed program. Most likely it hasn’t happened because of the costs associated with creating infrastructure. Under the model being put forward now, GPOs appear to be modifying their positions and being more flexible with IDNs.”

-David Kaczmarek, vice president of McFaul & Lyons Group, a materials management consulting group

“Hospitals should have the freedom to select products based on the needs of the patients and doctors without worrying about being financially penalized for those decisions.”

-Mark Leahey, executive director, Medical Device Manufacturers Assn.

“GPOs are critical mechanisms for the most efficient and effective introduction of innovative medical devices into the hands of doctors, nurses and other clinicians. Because of their broad-based membership, GPOs have the ability to bring together the brightest medical minds in the country before purchasing decisions are made.”

-Robert Betz, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Health Industry Group 
Purchasing Association

“We need systems that allow nurses, technicians and physicians to become more productive and efficient.”

-Gary Earl, senior marketing manager of clinical systems for GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, on the need for improved patient monitoring equipment in light of a shortage of nurses and other caregivers 

“Because the customer is controlling the market, companies are realizing that if they fail to meet customer needs, they will lose business to a competitor that will.”

-Alex Vrancich, general manager, Spectrum Surgical Instruments

HPN

June