The Healthcare Hub
Automating bill-only implant and consignment orders is a uniquely challenging initiative due to the complexity of inventory management, vendor coordination and the need for precise data integration. However, addressing small, impactful changes can lead to significant benefits for providers and suppliers alike.
One pivotal change is to focus on "4 to Do More" — four key data elements that providers and suppliers can leverage to more fully automate ordering and payment workflows. This can be achieved through an EDI-enabled transaction platform, with GHX’s Managed Service streamlining procurement processes for providers without EDI automation, and GHX's advanced business rules engine incorporating machine learning to handle complex order scenarios for suppliers.
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Dealing with numerous bill-only and consignment vendors can make it challenging for health systems to track the specific requirements of each trading partner, including where to send orders and what documentation to provide. The variability in the capabilities of providers' and suppliers’ ERP and MMIS systems further complicates the situation.
The result is an ongoing reliance on manual processes that are often fraught with inefficiencies, errors and delays. Even healthcare leaders who have confidently spearheaded the automation of other procurement processes might be uncertain about how to begin.
The Bill-Only Implant and Consignment Order Automation Guide published by GHX features input from a collaborative workgroup representing leading providers, suppliers and other healthcare organizations. One key recommendation from this workgroup is the "4 to Do More" approach, focusing on alignment around four key data elements that make it easier for both providers and suppliers to transition to automated processes. These data elements are:
By working together to establish a mutually agreed-upon minimum data set, providers and suppliers can better ensure that the necessary data is consistently and accurately exchanged, thus simplifying and standardizing the information needed to process bill-only and consignment orders electronically. This approach also helps eliminate the need for protected health information (PHI), thereby maintaining patient data security.
Implementing the "Four to Do More" strategy can lead to significant operational improvements for providers:
Suppliers also stand to gain significantly from the "Four to Do More" approach:
Focusing on "Four to Do More" not only enhances efficiency and accuracy but also supports a broader digital transformation across the healthcare supply chain. At GHX, we are committed to supporting both providers and suppliers every step of the way. By working together to embrace automation, we can ensure a smoother transition to a more efficient and effective healthcare supply chain, ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare ecosystem.
Download The Bill-Only Implant and Consignment Order Automation Guide from GHX.