Brim Group Purchasing Resources & Programs
National Group Purchasing Program - Broadlane
Brim’s group purchasing organization affiliation is with Broadlane, one of the largest GPOs in the country and recently identified by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the country. By aggressively sourcing in low-volume commodity product categories and by establishing long-term agreements with suppliers in the high-volume commodity areas, Broadlane offers some of the best pricing in the industry.
Broadlane works closely with end-user physicians, clinicians, and materials managers to identify their needs and ultimately successfully negotiate and implement clinical preference agreements.
Broadlane offers all hospitals the same level of pricing regardless of size or volume. Contract pricing and terms and conditions are made available to all members via the secured Website www.broadlane.com. There is no fee to participate in Broadlane.
Purchasing Program Orientation
During conversion to Broadlane, Brim staff will meet individually with hospital department managers to develop and implement a smooth transition to Broadlane’s vendors. Current contracts with long-term commitments will be evaluated and targeted for future conversion. Physician and clinician preference items will be identified and separate pricing negotiated where appropriate.
Customer Service for Brim Facilities Brim Purchasing Resources continues to serve as the liaison for the hospital to resolve issues around service, billing, and pricing and to provide the tools needed to implement the Broadlane agreements.
Utilization Tracking System
Information is power. Our hospitals are provided quarterly Broadlane compliance reports measuring supply expense volume against Broadlane tracked volume. By focusing on the top volume contracts, conducting quarterly business reviews with the manufacturers and distributors to assure accurate reporting, and managing the required letters of commitment, Brim Purchasing Resources can assure our hospitals accurate pricing and supply expense reduction.
Capital Equipment Purchasing
Assistance - As part of our Capital Budget Initiative, Brim Purchasing Resources compiles the hospitals’ approved capital expenditures for the upcoming year. By aggregating member volume, Broadlane is able to offer access to Group Buy Pricing and special Brim contracting opportunities for significant savings above basic contract pricing. Equipment proposals are reviewed by staff to validate quoted pricing and provide comparables.
Materials Managers’ Educational Meetings - Brim Purchasing Resources conducts regional educational meetings highlighting new contracts and important issues in supply chain management. These meetings offer opportunities for our hospitals to network with peers and share best practices.
Operational Reviews
An evaluation of operational efficiencies, including work flow processes, inventory distribution, and management within the materials management department all help to identify opportunities to reduce overall costs and improve efficiencies. Brim Purchasing Resources will conduct an on-site review and develop an implementation plan to include industry-tested best practices.
Physician Services
Broadlane takes many of the same contracts negotiated for its acute care customers and extends them to non-acute care facilities. Physicians enjoy extensive supply and service contract options under the program as well as an expanded contract portfolio and continued aggressive pricing.