Updates from Forum Workgroup Meetings

PHARMACY: 
The Pharmacy Committee meeting consisted of a final review of our Premier consulting engagement's Phase 1 target initiatives, and an in-depth data review and discussion on Phase 2 targets which include the utilization reduction of Xopenex, selection and utilization of Thrombin products, and our market share and utilization of Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit.  Additional Network contracting opportunities discussed were a secondary contract with Major Pharmaceuticals covering all products not covered within their Premier agreement, an agreement with a unit dose packaging vendor, and discussion about a potential agreement with Pyxis/CareFusion for their pharmacy automation equipment.  The well received pharmacy educational session was presented by the Director and Associate Director from the University of Tennessee Medical Center Pharmacy Services Department and was titled "Pharmacy Practice Model: One Institution's Initiative." 

LABORATORY:  
The Laboratory Committee meeting included discussion around topics such as capital group buys, best practice initiative for utilization of blood products, Manual Microbiology contract updates, and blood glucose monitoring middleware.  Brian Decker, Premier Laboratory Field Specialist & Contract Analyst, provided an overview of recently launched and upcoming Premier agreements. He also provided examples of some of the analytics and reporting available through the Premier Field Specialists, along with some of the commonly-identified savings opportunities.  Members were encouraged to contact Premier to take advantage of this resource.  The educational session featured a presentation entitled "Overview of Allergy Medicine: Diagnostic testing in Primary Care Practice" given by Dr. Steven Brimmer, Ph.D, Clinical Specialist at Siemens.   
 
  

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:  
Highlights from the Materials Management committee meetings at the Forum include Covidien/US Surgical's review of our endomechanical and trocar contract, ICU Medical's detailing of invasive hemodynamic products and JanPak's presentation of enhancements on a janitorial supplies agreement. There were many other contract updates and new cost savings ideas and opportunities presented.