October 2010 Issue

Nailing down the value in the value-add
Today’s distributors aren’t just box-movers. But contracting executives must choose selectively from their suppliers’ value-added offerings.

Market Shift
MedAssets, Broadlane combination will have a major footprint in hospital purchasing

Can we get it right this time?
Some believe that accountable care organizations may success where many HMOs failed, provided they can balance quality and cost.

Extending Accountable Care to Supplier Relationships
As IDNs raise more questions about resource utilization and its effects on outcomes and processes of care, it’s time they bring suppliers into the equation.

AROK Purchasing Coalition
Developing “single entity” thinking

Smart Moves in Pharmacy
Taking time to understand how his pharmacy departments operate has paid off for one manager and his IDN.

Ten years safer. But safe enough?
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was signed into law nearly 10 years ago. Where does the healthcare industry stand today?

View from Washington

HIGPA column

Contracting News

Observation Deck