MedAssets Supply Chain Systems held its sixth annual Technology Forum in St. Louis, Missouri on October 2. The event supports the improvement of patient care by encouraging the development and availability of innovative products and new medical technology in the marketplace. This year’s event focused on identifying emerging medical technology and also featured Green Row, a grouping of vendors showcasing environmentally friendly products. More than 50 prospective vendors displayed products and services for review by 250 MedAssets committee members who are involved daily in the delivery of patient care. Prospective vendors were reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Technology innovation
- Ability of product or service to improve patient care
- Ability to promote efficiency in healthcare delivery
- Degree to which it fulfills a need in the healthcare industry
- Likelihood of healthcare organizations to purchase
Three of the vendors presenting environmentally friendly products or technologies ranked in the top ten companies for contract consideration. “Green” vendors were reviewed on the standard criteria as well as their ability to support environmental initiatives at MedAssets committee member facilities.
Vendors are invited to participate in the Summit based on customer feedback about unmet needs in their facilities. Through the Technology Forum, MedAssets’ customers are given the opportunity to review new technology and have direct input into the makeup of their GPO portfolio.
Small and emerging vendors have the same chance to be awarded a national agreement as do larger companies. One of the top ranking companies reviewed at this year’s event is a historically underutilized business (H.U.B.) vendor. This company will be pursued for a GPO contract and will qualify for the MedAssets Supply Chain Systems Supplier Diversity Program, a program embracing Diversity as a way of business through the practice of: representation, inclusion, community, and work/life balance.
“The MedAssets Technology Forum differs from similar events in the industry in that vendors currently not under contract with MedAssets are invited to attend and be evaluated by customers,” stated Mark Miriani, president, MedAssets Supply Chain Systems. “We believe this approach provides a level playing field for all companies with innovative products, and allows our customers to review and access products and services that can positively impact patient safety, clinical outcomes, and the total delivered costs of patient care.”
IntelliDOT™ Corporation, an innovator in patient safety and workflow management solutions for healthcare, was chosen as a new vendor as a result of their participation in the 2006 Technology Forum. IntelliDOT provides MedAssets’ group purchasing customers with optimized pricing for its handheld bar code patient safety technology, the CAREt™ System.
“The MedAssets Supply Chain Systems Technology Forum is an excellent venue for healthcare suppliers to show their products to a diverse group of providers,” stated George Morgan, vice president, National Accounts, IntelliDOT Corporation. “The day is devoted to investigating new offerings in the marketplace and evaluating the benefits these products and services can provide in healthcare delivery.”
To be considered as a MedAssets Supply Chain Systems vendor, complete the Vendor Certification Form on the MedAssets website.