What is a healthcare group purchasing organization? What do healthcare gpos do?

A GPO is a Group Purchasing Organization. GPOs combine (aggregate) the purchasing power of all their members to negotiate large discounts directly with manufactures and service providers. This enables the individual practice to access discounts they could never get on their own. We choose only the top manufactures to contract with-- getting you the lowest pricing on the best products

What is included in the GPO program?

There are four parts to the Merge program:
1. Medical supplies and equipment
2. Pharmacy products
3. Office and business equipment and supplies (Resource Partners)
4. Retail discount for members staff & families (Employee Discount Program)

How much does it cost to join the program?

The program is completely FREE. There are no membership fees or dues!

So how do I get the discounts?

In many cases you will be able to continue to buy from your current vendors (as long as they are a contracted vendor). We contract with the top vendors in each business category. For Example: If you are currently buying products from Office Depot. You can still buy from Office Depot. Office Depot registers your account in their system as a Merge member and attaches our discount pricing to your account. Same company, same products, just a lower price! If however you aren't using a contracted vendor for a specific product, then we ask (but not require) that you give our contracted vendor a chance to show you how they can save you money. It is your choice but contracted vendors = lower costs!

So what's the catch? What's in it for PSMA CONNECT?

There is no catch or hidden fees. Accessing the Merge program is absolutely FREE. We do make money though. We charge the manufactures, service providers and distributors a very small fee (usually between 1/2 - 2%) This fee is factored into your new 'contract cost' before you buy. For example: An item you buy from one of our vendors before you are a member cost you $10.00. After you become a member you can get that exact item for $6.95. Our small fee (13 cents) is already built into the price you pay. The manufactures and vendors pay us that fee directly. YOU pay nothing.

So what's in this for the manufactures and service providers?

As a medical practice you have many, many choices on the products you buy. Our members look to us to get them better pricing, so they look at our contracted vendors first. We drive market share and new sales to these vendors/mfgs. The mfgs give us a discount for our members and get larger sales in return. However, our members are not obligated to buy contracted goods. It is their choice to do so or not. We simply make buying contracted products such a good deal our members want to.

What's in it for the medical distributor?

Merge is an exclusive PSS/Mckesson program. To access the Merge discounts, the physician office must be an active PSS/Mckesson account. Presenting Merge to the physician office is good for their customer, so it’s good for them.

Can I belong to other GPOs as well?

Yes, Merge doesn't ask it's members to be an exclusive partner. We do however ask that you give our contracted items and vendors first opportunity to serve you.

What is the Employee Discount Program (EDP)?

Whenever possible we negotiate with our contract vendors access to the same discounts the practice can get for the practice’s employees. Because your practice is a Merge member you can give your employees access to discount for their personal purchases. A reward for working for you.

Does the employees accessing discounts obligate the practice in any way?

No. The practice is not connected to, or obligated for, any of the employees private accounts. The Employee Discount Program (EDP) is simply giving the employee access to national discount corporate rates.

How do I become a member?

It’s easy! Simply click here to sign up. Or you can click on any of the Enroll Now buttons in this website. You can also call member services to talk to someone live. 888-882-6020

How long is my membership for and can I cancel my membership?

Your initial membership is for 24 months. It will automatically renew each year without you having to fill out more paperwork. You may cancel at any time with no hassle. Just call member services and tell them you would like to leave the program.

The fear signing the Participation Agreement.

This does happen. Maybe you have been burned in the past. Our membership agreement is very clear. No commitment, no cost. But some practices still have issues. Call us. The Vice President of Merge will talk with you personally to answer any questions or to reassure you that there are no risks - only savings.

Maybe you think you are getting the best possible pricing already with your current GPO. The program can’t make that much difference.

If you are with another GPO you may be getting good contract pricing. Approximately 40- 50% of physician practices are on a GPO currently. However, Merge has some of the best costing/ largest discounts in the country. Let’s do a price quote on both Medsurg and Resource Partners vendors. You may be surprised at what you find.

Loyalty— You don’t want to change vendors.

You may find that joining Merge changes nothing but the pricing you pay with your current vendors. Most of our agreements are set to apply to current and new business for the vendors. The vendors are obligated to give you the contract price even if you are a current customer. If the vendor you are using is not a contract vendor we are not asking for exclusivity. We can be a secondary program and you still gain the benefits and discounts on the products and vendors you choose to use. We just ask that you give contracted vendors a chance.