November/December 2006 Issue

Publisher’s Letter

News Alert
Consorta (Schaumburg, IL) will become an equity owner of HealthTrust Purchasing Group (Brentwood, TN) and will cease to negotiate contracts on its own.

The Rest of the Story
Following up on some of the stories that made news in 2006.

Doctors’ Perspective
Outside hospital walls, physicians are struggling with increased costs and shrinking revenues – and MGMA President William Jessee explains how IDNs may benefit from offering a hand.

No Time to Lose
Now is the time for hospitals to prepare themselves and their communities for large-scale disasters.

In Sync
Establishing a clear understanding of both parties’ expectations can facilitate a win-win contracting experience for supply chain management and the vendor.

Mirror Image
Why pharmacy, med/surg issues often look alike.

A New Name
The transition from supply chain to “Care Chain.”

Customer Satisfaction
Lawton Burns has some ideas on how GPOs can keep materials managers happy.

View from Washington
What the Democrats’ health policy agenda will look like.

Contracting News

Observation Deck

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