The Ten People to Watch
Welcome to my favorite issue every year, where we highlight the Ten People to Watch in the healthcare contracting arena. This year we have some great organizations represented, including;
- Geisinger
- UPMC
- Parkland Health (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
- Cambridge Health
- Lifespan
- University of Florida Health Shands
We like to get these leaders’ mindsets on many topics, but I am always excited to hear what these progressive supply chain leaders have to say, especially on where they think things are going in the contracting arena. In fact, the last question we ask all of them is “What is the greatest change we can expect to see in healthcare contracting in the next five years?”
I have listed just a few of their responses here;
- Clinical integration is foundational to the challenging healthcare environment…..we will see closer relationships between supply chain professionals (and) our internal customers…
- The biggest change will be the adoption of contractual commitments by more medical device manufactures to go at risk for outcomes.
- Once (we have) converted to the new reimbursement system, healthcare organizations will need to cover a broader supply chain, as incentives focus on keeping patients healthy rather than treating patients who are ill.
- Supply chain contracting, in conjunction with our physician partners, will begin to use evidence-based medicine and quality outcomes in defining specific products attributes (not brand preference), which will establish the clinical standards required for contract awards.
Interesting views on where we are going, and it’s hard to argue with any of these visions. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these and the other Ten People to Watch predictions and what you think will be the biggest changes we‘ll see in the next five years.
Thanks for reading this issue of The Journal of Healthcare Contracting.
John Pritchard
