title: Evaluating group purchasing organizations.
abstract: A formal evaluation process can help healthcare organizations assess the current and/or potential value of a group purchasing organization (GPO). Healthcare organizations should approach a GPO evaluation as if they were entering into a new relationship. The evaluation should include purchasing and financial services, value-added services, and corporate relations/business practices. Healthcare organizations should consider the potential economies of scale and other services offered by a GPO. Healthcare organizations should consider using acceptable substitutes for products currently used or seeking products through alternative sources if doing so achieves greater value.
authors.affiliation: Aramark ServiceMaster Facilities Services, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: Dennis C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Kaldor
authors.forename: Jamie C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tankersley
mesh_terms: D002201:Capital Expenditures; D003625:Data Collection; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005375:Financial Audit; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital; D017754:Group Purchasing / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D008330:Management Audit; D014481:United States