Special Feature
Jul 03
Clinical Experience Sets GPO/Consulting
Practice Apart
Surgery Center Consultants (SCC) has never been
a company that rests on its laurels and simply follows
the pack. Instead, this Tucker, GA-based group purchasing
organization and consulting practice has found its success
in delivering unmet business services for the unique and
rapidly-growing ambulatory surgery center sector.
No stranger to hard work and forward-thinking visions,
SCC owner and president Jennie Simmons knew she had uncovered
a much-needed service when, working as OR director and
administrator for the Center for Plastic Surgery, she
saw a need to assist ASCs with their purchasing and pricing
needs. In 1995, when asked by her facility to cut costs,
this registered nurse and certified plastic surgery nurse
decided to take matters into her own hands.
“Hospitals and larger healthcare organizations had
access to GPOs and competitive pricing, but there was
a need in this market,” noted Simmons. “Coming
from that environment, I recognized that ASCs could also
really benefit from a GPO.”
Simmons’ foray into group purchasing officially
began in January 1995, when she and eight other surgery
center manager signed a group purchasing agreement with
a national GPO. At the same time, surgery centers were
tapping into Simmons’ clinical expertise, asking
for assistance and guidance in meeting accreditation requirements.
As she continued in her role at the Center for Plastic
Surgery, she also found herself becoming increasingly
busy addressing purchasing and accreditation issues with
other ASCs and groups, including the American Association
of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses.
That heightened visibility spawned a 36-member buying
consortium, and by 1998, the program had garnered so much
attention that Simmons decided to leave her post at the
Center for Plastic Surgery and devote herself entirely
to expanding the GPO services she initiated. Out of that
decision came Surgery Center Consultants.
In just one year, SCC had added 15 more vendors and 42
members, and experienced significant sales growth, which
gave the company the buying power it needed to improve
contract pricing and draw in additional manufacturers.
That accelerated growth came as little surprise, however,
particularly given the accelerated growth in the ASC market,
and the fact that SCC membership is free and takes just
24 to 48 hours to activate.
Benefits of a Clinical Background
While much of SCC’s success has hinged on Simmons’
commitment and dedication to the surgery center industry,
that isn't the sole reason customers have been so drawn
to the company. Many credit Simmons’ clinical background
as a motivating factor behind their decision to partner
with SCC.
Over the years, SCC’s win-win program has also captured
an interest from leading manufacturers and distributors,
which has led to additional services, including linen,
biohazardous waste, and medical gas equipment installation
and inspection. Many of the biggest industry players,
such as Ethicon, 3M, Johnson & Johnson, DeRoyal and
BD have gotten on board with the GPO, as have four supply
distributors: McKesson Medical Group, PSS, Caligor and
Cardinal Health.
In light of that overwhelming response from office-based
and freestanding surgery centers, manufacturers and distributors,
SCC’s membership has grown to more than 1,000 members
in 48 states. What's more, the group purchasing and consulting
organization has continued to grow more than 200% since
its inception. Simmons has selected specialty products
and services from more than 40 well-known and respected
manufacturers and service companies, which has spurred
even greater volume discount pricing for members, and
the number of participating vendors continues to grow
each quarter. In fact, SCC recently just added ten new
contracts, with more to follow.
“We are always adding new vendors and are constantly
renegotiating contracts to bring the very best value and
prices to our members,” Simmons said. “SCC’s
consistent member and vendor growth is what drives the
best products and services, and competitive pricing.”
More Personalized Approach
Those who have used SCC's GPO and consulting services
say Simmons’ personalized, hands-on approach also
sets her apart from the competition.
That was certainly true for The Center for Special Surgery,
Greenville, SC. According to chief financial officer Tim
Lincolnhol, the Center benefited from knowing SCC had
the background and experience to assist them with policies,
procedures and regulatory issues, and also the wherewithal
to offer equipment and supplies at competitive pricing—from
quality, respected vendors.
“With SCC, we knew we had someone who had all the
necessary contacts to help locate used equipment vendors
that are reliable, and someone who had the ability to
set up contracts that could save us money,” said
Lincolnhol. “SCC has dealt with enough people and
worked with enough surgery centers over the years to develop
contacts for medical and drug supplies and equipment vendors.
SCC really steered us through the process and pointed
us in the right direction.”
Simmons prides herself on providing personalized services
to her members and vows never to alter that one-on-one
approach, regardless of SCC's continued growth.
“Today’s surgery centers face many hurdles
and challenges. I want to help them rise above those challenges
by listening to their concerns, staying abreast of strict
regulatory and accreditation requirements, and working
with vendors to offer the best products and services at
the best price,” she added. “I believe that
visibility and approachability is important for ensuring
that member needs are adequately met, both now and into
the future.”
For more information on SCC's consulting and GPO services,
call (770) 939-2799 or visit the company’s website
at www.surgcent.com. |
SCC
Consulting Services
Surgery Center Consultants offers consulting services to
assist freestanding and office-based centers face their
most pressing challenges. Services include:
• Accreditation Services: AAAASF; AAAHC;
JCAHO; and State/Medicare License
• Design and construction of ambulatory
surgery centers
• Professional seminars, with topics such as Cost
Containment and Revenue Optimization in Surgery Centers;
Is Your Surgical Center Meeting Accreditation Standards?;
Controlling Costs in Office-Based Freestanding Outpatient
Surgery Centers; and Preparing Your Surgical Facility for
Onsite State/Medicare/Federal
Inspection
SCC Product Lines
Through four distributors and approximately 40 vendors,
Surgery Center Consultants offers competitive pricing on
a broad range of product lines, including but not limited
to the following:
• Anesthesia Supplies
• Pharmaceuticals
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Drapes, Gowns, Gloves, Masks
• Linen Services
• Medical Supplies
• Standard & Custom Packs
•
Business Services
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