Shared Goals and End User Involvement Drive the Contracting Process
Aaron Steffens values ROi's contracting philosophy, which reflects a commitment to provide customers with the best products, at the best price, from channel partners who provide the best service. He says working with ROi enables his hospital and Mercy to secure contracts that deliver not only high quality products and services but also consistent cost savings.
"The relationship with ROi is so different from a typical GPO," explains Steffens. "Co-workers from ROi are as much of a co-worker of Mercy as anyone. We work together toward a common goal. The information and expertise they bring to the table makes the process go much easier."
Steffens has dual roles for Mercy: overseeing the operational side of surgery, pharmacy, respiratory therapy and the sleep lab at Mercy's health operations in Oklahoma City, and leading large initiatives at the Mercy ministry level for nutrition, transportation, laundry and linen, and environmental services. All of Steffen's areas of responsibility involve large contracts for products and services. He works with ROi's Integrated Sourcing Solutions division, which owns the decision point of "When We Choose" products for Mercy. The team manages a broad and comprehensive contract portfolio.
"When we are working on a contract, I know ROi has done their due diligence," explains Steffens. "It allows me to focus on other areas of my job. Their analysis is thorough and they come to the table ready to help all parties reach a mutual goal."
He adds that ROi's process of engaging end users early in the contracting process helps build transparency and trust from all stakeholders.
Steffens concludes, "What ROi provides to Mercy is bigger than contracting. We are on the same team addressing challenges across Mercy. That is not something you would see with a standard contractor relationship. ROi is also out front with innovation and execution. We can take the same ideas and expertise they bring to supply chain and apply it to health care delivery."