Intalere Inflationary Update for Healthcare Supplies Released
St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) August 23, 2016 -- Intalere, the healthcare industry leader in delivering optimal cost, quality and clinical outcomes, recently released its updated Inflationary Indices to members. The update contains company and industry projections for inflation rates across contract portfolio categories for the coming year.
“The projections offer our members decision support to assist in planning and cost reduction initiatives by alerting them to possible pricing issues based on market dynamics,” said Tom Wessling, Intalere’s vice president of contracting operations.
The Intalere Inflationary Indices is published biannually with updates to reflect any market trends or changes. The projections represent industry inflationary performance, actual pricing through Intalere contracts and programs, and the expected impact of upcoming contract bids.
The report offers estimates in categories including diagnostic imaging, environmental services, executive resources, foodservice, laboratory, medical supplies, office solutions, pharmacy, plant engineering and surgical supplies.
Some particular items of note:
- The price of gases, especially helium, should see some reductions over time, with the discovery of a major helium field in Tanzania Africa. While there will probably not be an immediate impact, it should provide relief over time in helium prices.
- In the area of diagnostic imaging, barium will be volatile with an industry projection of nearly 40 percent, but Intalere members should be protected based on a previously negotiated long-term contract.
- In the information services portfolio, telecommunications (voice and data) and wireless communication should see slight declines based on increased market competition. For computer hardware, changes may occur due to extreme volatility in the memory market for RAM and solid-state drives coming from China.
- Pharmacy will see significant increases in Albumin (approx. 20 percent) due to increased Asian demand, which has impacted U.S. supply through disruptions with two manufacturers. Biotech products should also see a double-digit rise. Although availability of biosimilars is growing, manufacturers appear to be increasing prices up to the time of competitor launches to maximize return.
Wessling stressed that Intalere’s members benefit from price protection controls and pricing being locked in for a majority of their contracts. “Because price fluctuations based on social, economic and political pressures make price fluctuations so difficult to predict, longstanding relationships and established contracts with our supplier partners offer our members some stability in pricing,” said Wessling.
About Intalere
Intalere’s mission focuses on elevating the operational health of America’s healthcare providers by designing tailored, smart solutions that deliver optimal cost, quality and clinical outcomes. We strive to be the essential partner for operational excellence in healthcare through customized solutions that address customers’ individual needs. We assist our customers in managing their entire spend, providing innovative technologies, products and services, and leveraging the best practices of a provider-led model. As Intalere draws on the power of our owner Intermountain Healthcare’s nationally-recognized supply chain expertise and leadership in technology, process improvement, and evidence-based clinical and business best practices, we are uniquely positioned to be the innovation leader in the healthcare industry. Visit http://www.intalere.com to learn more.
Evan Danis, Intalere, +1 (724) 778-3423, [email protected]
Share this article