The Healthcare Hub

Hospital inventory valuation typically includes supplies that are visible to the supply chain team; and therefore, consistently tracked and documented.

It is the vast number of supplies that fly under the radar, often hiding away in procedural areas (e.g., OR, Cath Lab) and other clinical departments (e.g., ED, L&D), that fall outside supply chain’s valuation.

During inventory counts, hospital supply chain leaders are often surprised at the number of expired items that are found. Here are three real-world examples spanning large, medium and small healthcare organizations:

Healthcare supply chain decisions that have a direct impact on patient care are too often made outside the view of physicians, nurses and clinical staff. When the right voices aren’t at the table, hospitals run the risk of swapping out critical devices without clinician input, introducing unnecessary variation and increasing costs for both patients and health systemss

The healthcare supply chain stands at a critical juncture. As the industry continues to adapt to an era defined by uncertainty, the lessons of recent years have illuminated both persistent vulnerabilities and extraordinary opportunities for transformation. From technological advancements like AI and predictive analytics to the expansion of care beyond hospital walls, the forces shaping 2025 demand a proactive, innovative approach.

Here, members of the Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) leadership team share their predictions on the top 10 trends expected to shape the healthcare supply chain in 2025 and drive progress toward a more agile, equitable and efficient future.

Effective healthcare value analysis (HVA) governance is crucial for organizations aiming to optimize costs, enhance patient outcomes, and mitigate risks. Without a structured program in place, organizations may face a variety of challenges that can hinder both financial and operational performance. Below are five key reasons why value analysis governance is essential and the potential risks organizations face without it.

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.

Collaboration between healthcare providers and suppliers can unlock untapped opportunities to increase supply chain efficiency and lower the cost of doing business while supporting the overall goal of patient care. Keep reading to find out how an aligned vision, collaborative decision-making and shared best practices can benefit all parties involved, and discover real-world success stories of provider-supplier collaboration in action.

From product shortages to logistical challenges, healthcare organizations must navigate a complex web of suppliers, distributors and regulatory bodies to ensure they have the necessary resources to provide high-quality care. Identifying and addressing supply chain issues in healthcare can provide organizations with opportunities to improve the patient experience and achieve cost optimization.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on a vast array of medical equipment and supplies to provide high-quality care to patients. In the fast-paced and dynamic healthcare industry, managing inventory effectively plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth supply chain operations, cost savings and optimal patient care.

By automating consignment and bill-only implant orders, health systems can drive tight collaboration between hospital staff, physicians and suppliers and transform implant management processes holistically.