02 03 Inside HSCA: HIGPA Holds Press Call to Discuss GAO Report 04 05 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33

HIGPA Holds Press Call to Discuss GAO Report

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On Tuesday, October 5, HIGPA hosted a conference call to give perspective and analysis on the recent GAO report and to use the report as an opportunity to educate reporters and relevant analysts on the GPO industry in general. The conversation naturally led to discussion of other recent developments, including the Sen. Grassley staff report, the 8th Circuit decision in Southeast Missouri, and related studies.

The call was moderated by HIGPA President Curtis Rooney and featured panelists Professor Gene Schneller (Arizona State); Brad LeBaron (CEO, Uintah Basin Medical Center), Carolyn Osolinik (Novation), and Michael Lozich (Broadlane Group).

Panelists discussed the scope and findings of the GAO report, as well as key messages on GPO cost savings to hospitals, the broad range of services GPOs provide hospitals, GPOs bringing innovative products to market; empirical research on GPO cost savings; the need for GPOs from the hospital perspective; the Senator Grassley staff report, the 8th Circuit decision in Southeast Missouri; and the latest HGPII transparency and accountability initiatives.

The link to the audio file of the call will be available shortly on the HIGPA website.

Although the event was not designed as a stand-alone news event, the call did receive coverage, including in Congress Daily:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/congressdaily/hcp_20101005_7832.php

and Fierce Healthcare:
http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/group-purchasing-organizations-do-more-manage-contracts/2010-10-05
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