Coalitions and Group Purchasing

[Guest Jerry99]

The scope of health care products now available through coalitions and their group

purchasing efforts is rapidly expanding.

The Heartland Healthcare Coalition is typical in that both regional and national health care products can now be accessed by

members. Direct contracts with hospitals and physicians, physical therapy rehab.networks, HMO's, and EIP programs are some of the standard regional products now available. PBM options, PPO networks, dental plans, Lab services, Third Party Administrators, and Centers of Excellence reflect some of the national products.

For the future, look for more nationally-negotiatied products through organizations like the National Business Coalition on Health, including internet-driven programs to encourage self-care and expand the scope of knowledge in area's like disease state management.

Jerry Custer