A rural healthcare organization located in the northernmost part of Maine turned to EMTS for help in finding a company that would allow for the continuation of the Point of Care program utilizing new and updated glucometers for blood glucose levels.

EMTS (www.emtsolutions.biz), a national partner of NCHN (National Cooperative of Health Networks), first met the hospital’s CFO at an introductory meeting with representatives from Synernet in late October 2013. Synernet is an outsourced provider of healthcare services primarily to hospitals, physician practices and surgical centers. They are owned by a number of Maine hospitals including this facility. Synernet met EMTS in April of 2013 at the NCHN Meeting in New Orleans. NCHN (National Cooperative of Healthcare Networks) has a master agreement with EMTS for their Capital Equipment Services in which Synernet was eligible to participate. EMTS signed an agreement with Synernet in 2013 geared to help their members and owners save money on capital equipment acquisition and related service.

In early November the hospital reached out to EMTS because the glucometer equipment that was currently being used at the hospital was being removed from the marketplace on 12/31/2013 and the hospital needed some help exploring alternatives. This was the first project being submitted to EMTS utilizing the recently signed Synernet/NCHN Agreement.

EMTS coordinated a conference call with the CFO and DON to discuss this project. During the call it was learned that a proposal had been submitted by a new national supplier in late September and it was determined based on the discussion that the hospital would like to look at alternatives available in the market. Through their extensive market knowledge and historical purchase database, EMTS determined that there were 3 primary companies in this marketplace, and initiated contact with each potential vendor.

It soon became evident that due to the large manufacturer pulling out of the business at years end, the remaining companies did not want to commit or have the resources to get this project completed prior to 12/31/2013. This was compounded by the fact that this hospital was “extremely rural” and access to the site was difficult. Overall, this project was a challenge from the start, with many moving parts and complications, but EMTS was successfully able to work through the process over several weeks and phone meetings.

Ultimately, EMTS was able to provide multiple options for the new glucometers that were integrated with the hospital’s existing information system. These options included capital purchase and reagent amortization with savings ranging from 10% to 36% over the original project that was submitted. The hospital ended up electing the reagent rental option and in doing so received the latest technology, title to the equipment after the term and direct cost savings in excess of $10,000.00. Most importantly, the Point of Care program was implemented prior to the 12/31/2013 and the continuum of care never suffered.

For More information on this case study, or to discuss in detail how EMTS can help your organization maximize your current capital budget, please contact:

EMTS - Larry Cantarano, VP Strategic Sourcing, Ph. 720-420-7966, lcantarano@emtsolutions.biz

Synernet - Mike Hutchins, Director of Clinical Engineering, Ph. 207-771-3420, mhutchins@synernet.net