Partnering with Specialty Networks for Improved Patient Care
Specialty Networks is the parent organisation of several companies, including group purchasing organisation UroGPO, of which United Urology Group is a member.
Specialty Networks in the wider pharmaceutical sector
As a multi-specialist organisation, Specialty Networks has deployed GPOs in urology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology, alongside a robust data analytics platform (PPS Analytics) and also a research arm. The latter supports members like United Urology in conducting research inside their practices, with a data analytics arm to support practices while addressing gaps in care.
“The GPO exists to establish best-in-class purchasing agreements with the large manufacturers in areas including pharmaceuticals, services, and medical devices, that benefit all members,” Darren Dieleman, Senior Vice President at Specialty Networks, says.
“We're aggregating not just United Urology Group, but also the other 720 urology practices across the country into one buying group, then negotiating with manufacturers to support the individual members.”
The partnership with United Urology Group
“What's unique about the relationship between United Urology Group and Specialty Networks via UroGPO is the fact that we share the common customer of our physician practices,” explains David Forbes, the Vice President of Supply Chain Management for United Urology Group.
Alongside the benefits of the GPO, United Urology Group also utilises PPS Analytics – the data analytics arm of Specialty Networks – to streamline patient care, ensuring they have conversations leading to the right diagnosis and the right treatment at the right time.
“We also run customised educational events at their individual pods and a series of live events across the country,” Dieleman explains. “We’re running a summit for United Urology in May to allow their practices, many acquired during the pandemic, to come together to establish long-term goals and objectives, network, and attend educational podium sessions.”
“Oftentimes, individual physician practices are great at providing patient care, but they're not very well evolved on the business aspects of running their practice,” explains Forbes.
“As United Urology Group has grown, we've worked very closely with UroGPO to make sure that we're running the best possible practices that we can, but also that we're going about it the right way economically.”
Specialty Networks and United Urology are moving forward with a hands-on approach to ensure these practices are all moving in the right direction.
"One of the benefits of being a Specialty Networks member is that we meet regularly to review every contract opportunity that is available in our group purchasing organisation with our members and make sure they are getting the full advantage of the products, services, and rebates in our broad partner portfolio," says Dieleman.
"We both share the common interest in continually bettering ourselves, our practices, and, therefore, patient care.”
What’s next for the partnership?
The future holds more live engagements, bringing group members together as they continue to build out their culture and find out what's next for United Urology Group.
“Given that we are so aligned with their long-term goals, the future of our relationship lies in customisation,” says Dieleman.
“Live events, purchasing, reporting – there's a much larger strategy ahead of us to help United Urology Group achieve in aggregate what they wanted to achieve individually as practices, independently.”
Read the full United Urology Group report HERE.
