Maximizing the Value of Your GPO Membership: Tips and Best Practices

In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid shift in the way healthcare organizations have been functioning in UAE and around the world. There is an increasing need to manage healthcare finances, ensuring a smooth supply chain even in crisis, while providing quality patient care at the same time.

In situations like these, a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) such as BMGP can play a crucial role in UAE’s healthcare ecosystem. By taking a GPO membership, healthcare providers can leverage the collective buying power of the group to negotiate better terms and pricing with suppliers.

In short, the benefits of GPO include cost savings on medical equipment and supplies, improved supply chain management, access to quality products, and the possibility of reduction in operating expenses (OpEx).

However, members can experience GPO service that goes beyond cost-cutting measures. Being affiliated with hospital group purchasing organizations has several advantages.

So, if you’re an existing member of a GPO, or considering becoming a member, here are some tips and best practices to get the most out of your GPO membership.

Tips To Maximize the Value Of Your GPO Membership

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want more value from your GPO membership in UAE:

1. Evaluate your GPO: As a first step while choosing a healthcare GPO, conduct a thorough evaluation of their pricing, contracts, and GPO service offered to ensure they meet the needs of your organization.
   If you’re looking for a hospital group purchasing organization in UAE, choose someone like BMGP who has a strong presence and offers GPO hospital contracts with local suppliers.

2. Bond with your GPO representative: Usually, every GPO assigns a representative to its members. They also offer services such as benchmarking, data analysis, and contract management support.
   By reaching out to your GPO representative, you can make better use of these value-added services and identify new opportunities for cost savings. They will also help you narrow down the fine print of the GPO hospital contracts provided by the organization.

3. Collaborate with other members: This is one of the most underrated benefits of GPO. Check if your GPO allows you to have networking opportunities. If so, you can collaborate and share best practices with other members and identify new opportunities to save costs.

4. Know more about your suppliers: As part of a healthcare GPO, you will have access to multiple medical equipment suppliers. Standardizing your supplier can go a long way in helping you maximize your savings through GPO membership.

5. Participate in educational programs: Most GPOs offer educational programs to help members learn about new products and services, as well as best practices for managing healthcare costs. They may conduct seminars, take part in industry conferences, and share publications from time to time.
   Leading GPOs such as Bridge Medical Group Purchasing actively engage in informing its members about new products from medical suppliers in UAE. Take advantage of these programs to stay up to date.

6. Monitor and track your savings: When you’re a member of a GPO, it is very important to monitor and track your investments and savings. By doing so, you may be able to identify more opportunities for further cost reductions.

7. Negotiate additional discounts: Sometimes, Group Purchasing Organizations may be able to negotiate additional discounts with suppliers based on volume or other factors. Discuss this with your GPO and identify opportunities for savings.

8. Understand the contract: It is very important to read and understand the healthcare GPO’s contract, and its terms and conditions. Make sure you get all the necessary details regarding membership fees, pricing discounts etc. to make informed decisions regarding your purchases.

10. Don’t hesitate to give your feedback: It is always a good idea to offer your feedback and suggestions regarding your experience with the GPO. This helps them understand your specific needs and preference so that they can act upon it and make this partnership more effective.
11. Take their suggestions too: This one is quite important as well. When your GPO recommends new products or services, try to keep an open mind to their suggestions.Many times, these products and services may offer better quality or cost savings – something you may not have considered otherwise on your own.

The healthcare industry in UAE is evolving rapidly. If you are considering becoming a member of a GPO in UAE, these tips and best practices can help your organization to maximize the value of its GPO membership.

An established GPO such as Bridge Medical Group Purchasing offers value-added services to keep you up to date on the latest trends and best practices, along with cost savings. By doing so, BMGP strives to bring about a positive transformation of the healthcare industry in the UAE.