Amerinet

The Connecticut Chapter of the AAP has established a partnership agreement with Amerinet, a leading national healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO). This savings partnership is now available to all CT-AAP members so that we can pool our collective buying power.

This program is complementary and includes great benefits for CT-AAP members and their employees. To learn more about this partnership:

What is a GPO?
Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) negotiate better prices with vendors and suppliers and pass along these savings to their members. Most hospitals partner with large purchasing groups, however, a partnership specifically for pediatricians is unique and groundbreaking. Amerinet is a nation-wide GPO with a long track record of negotiating preferred pricing for their members. In addition to cost savings, Amerinet has developed some unique tools available only to their members which evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vaccines and other medical supplies

What is Amerinet?
Amerinet is a national GPO that uses its group purchasing power to negotiate reduced prices on goods and services. Amerinet passes these savings onto its members. Amerinet offers access to more than 1,400 contracts to help save pediactric practices money. There is no fee to join, and CT-AAP members have the flexibility to access only the contracts that make sense for their practice. Participation will help support CT-AAP, and the advancement of health and wellness for all children in Connecticut.

How will this benefit my practice?
By joining the Amerinet network, your practice will be receive preferred pricing on a wide range of medical supplies, office supplies, equipment and services. You will have access to over 1,400 contracts designed to save you money. In addition to cost savings, Amerinet has developed some unique tools available only to their members which evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vaccines and improve your operating margin. Because many practices spend significant sums on vaccine purchases, Amerinet has negotiated competitive pricing on vaccines with almost all major vaccine manufacturers.

How is Amerinet different than other GPOs?
Amerinet is unusual because of its attention to detail and its long track record helping medical practices save money. Amerinet works closely with members to help find cost savings and offers a number of tools to help evaluate practice purchases. Currently Amerinet has partnered already with AAP affiliates in Kentucky and Oklahoma.

Savings on Vaccines
Amerinet offers savings on vaccines and access to a unique vaccine value calculator (available upon request). The calculator enables you to determine the cost of various combinations of vaccines and allows you to calculate the profit margin realized for each by entering your reimbursement figures. Simply input your payment rates for the vaccines and the program will determine which combination is best from an economic standpoint for your practice, based on your vaccine use. Read the Amerinet Pediatric Vaccine Program FAQs for more information. amerinet-gpo.com/Documents/Amerinet%20Vaccine%20Program%20FAQ.pdf

Savings on Medical and Office Supplies and Equipment
In addition to savings on vaccines, you can also take advantage of Amerinet's comprehensive portfolio of product and service contracts. Major suppliers have signed agreements with Amerinet which means you can immediately start saving on all your purchases including office supplies, cell phone discounts and more. A sample of commonly ordered product/service categories can be viewed here to help you make sound business decisions and ensure the viability of your practice.

1. Alternate Care Solutions
2. Physician Clinic

Savings for Employees
You and your office staff can access discounts on your personal purchases including: cell phone plans, office supplies, car rentals and more.

Amerinet's Member Resources website
Sign up for contracts and monitor your success at improving operating margins at Amerinet's Member Resources website. Here you have access to Amerinet contract information, purchasing history and financial information in real time, 24 hours a day. Utilize this website for news, events information, savings opportunities and online ordering.

 

Questions About Amerinet and the CTAAP Partner Program

Is there a fee to join?
The program is complimentary. CT-AAP members and office staff will also continue to get any and all manufacturer rebates offered.

Do I have to use the Amerinet vendors for all of my purchases?
No, participation is completely voluntary. There is no loyalty requirement, which means you can choose to use the contracts that fit the needs of your practice. You order products as you always have, but by using the Amerinet contract number you pay less for the same products. One of the unique features of the program is that you and your office staff will also have access to deep discounts on items for personal use such as cell phone contracts, car rental, paint, and office supplies, just to name a few.

What paperwork is involved in signing a member up?
Membership application, W-9 tax ID form, Pharmacy GPO declaration form, Own Use Pharmacy form and a copy of the DEA certificate. After joining, some vendor specific forms may be required.

Is there an identification number assigned that has to be used for ordering?
There is an Amerinet membership number assigned to each specific facility site. A supplier may ask for your membership identification number, but it is not necessary for ordering.

What's involved in the ordering process?
The member orders from the vendor just as they always have. The only change will be the member being charged the Amerinet contract price.

What about ordering the vaccines?
You will not pay any more for vaccines purchased through the contract than you do now. While other purchasing groups work with only one or two vaccine manufacturers, we have special pricing agreements with Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Merck. Your practice will continue to take full advantage of the discount programs offered by these companies. We continue to negotiate at the national level with vaccine companies to get them to lower their prices.

How do I join?
Amerinet offers its members access to more than 1,400 contracts to help their organizations save money. There is no fee to join, and CT-AAP members have the flexibility to access only the contracts that make sense for their organization. Participation will help support CT-AAP, and the advancement of health and wellness for all children in Connecticut.

Membership Questions
To receive access to savings tools or obtain enrollment forms, contact:

Amber Suka, Account Manager
amber.suka@amerinet-gpo.com
877-711-5700, ext. 7306

If you would like to speak with the CT-AAP staff about your interest in this program, please click to email us.

Amerinet Links To learn more at Amerinet's website CLICK HERE.