Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Tue, December 23, 2008
Mon, December 22, 2008
MedAssets 2008 Technology Forum Unites Innovative Solution Vendors with Healthcare Providers
ATLANTA--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--MedAssets, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDAS) held its seventh annual Technology Forum November 11, 2008, in Jacksonville, Fla., to encourage the development of innovative products and new medical technology focused on improving patient care and availability of these products in the marketplace. The Technology Forum was held in conjunction with MedAssets' 2008 Fall Conference and Regional Education Forum, one of MedAssets' annual events that brings together suppliers and healthcare providers for networking and education opportunities on financial performance improvement.
MedAssets' Technology Forum featured more than 60 suppliers offering new and innovative solutions, which were then reviewed by more than 250 healthcare professionals that comprise the MedAssets Supply Chain Systems Committees. Through the Technology Forum, MedAssets' customers provide evaluations regarding the value of the new technology, products and services and recommend further evaluation by the Committees as a next step towards GPO contract recommendation. Suppliers are afforded an equal opportunity to present their products and services for national review and contract consideration regardless of size and scope of services. Participating suppliers were chosen based on quality and caliber of products and services, customer suggestions and other selection criteria by MedAssets' staff with in-depth industry knowledge. They were reviewed by providers based on:
- Technology innovation
- Ability of product or service to improve patient care
- Ability to promote efficiency in healthcare delivery
- Level of fulfilling a need in the healthcare industry
- Likelihood of healthcare organizations to purchase
This year's event also featured products and services for several pertinent issues providers are currently facing including Never Event prevention initiatives and environmentally friendly or "Green" products. Green products were reviewed based on the criteria above in addition to their ability to support the environmental initiatives of MedAssets' customer facilities. Both Green and Never Event solution-providing suppliers were among the top 15 ranked products including the highest ranked product which addressed one of CMS' Never Events.
Showcasing its EZ-IO Product System, a new device for intraosseous catheters, Vidacare received the highest overall average score as ranked by all MedAssets Committees. Vidacare's featured product works to eliminate central line associated infections, declared a CMS Never Event. Jim Thomsen, Executive V.P. Sales and Co-Founder of Vidacare stated, "We thought the meeting was well done in all respects. It was a highly successful venue for Vidacare. Being well structured, it allowed sufficient time for attendees to come by the booth in an organized manner without the ‘flood or famine phenomenon'. We came for the opportunity to meet with c-level type hospital management to discuss value and cost with associated savings, not just features, price or contract status. We were able to do that effectively and we will return."
Mark Miriani, president, MedAssets Supply Chain Systems stated, "MedAssets' Technology Forum presents a rare platform for our customers and suppliers to improve their businesses through education and the opportunity to enhance their relationships and GPO contracts through the exploration of new and innovative technology and services. The Forum has an extremely successful and highly effective outcome for many attendees, and MedAssets values the chance to positively impact our customers, suppliers and the industry at large."
Also part of the MedAssets' Fall Conference, the MedAssets Regional Education Forum offered healthcare providers information on best practices, new solutions and peer-to-peer networking opportunities. It focused on operational and performance improvement in the areas of supply chain management, revenue cycle management, decision support and clinical performance management. Educational sessions addressed current economic conditions, the credit crunch, rising cost of supplies and green and patient safety initiatives. MedAssets also featured its recently released SELECT program that will deliver supply cost savings up to 18% on average to healthcare providers in a multi-year program, covering key supply categories used in patient care.
MedAssets' mission is to improve the financial health of healthcare providers so they can continue to provide the highest quality of care in their communities.
About MedAssets
MedAssets (NASDAQ: MDAS) partners with healthcare providers to improve their financial strength by implementing integrated spend management and revenue cycle solutions that help control cost, improve margins and cash flow, increase regulatory compliance, and optimize operational efficiency. MedAssets serves more than 125 health systems, 3,300 hospitals and 30,000 non-acute care healthcare providers. For more information, visit [ www.medassets.com ].
mdas/G
