Article

The Overlooked Power of Med/Surg in Value-Based Care

December 15, 2025
doctor handing surgical instrument to another doctor
Value-based care has changed the playbook for non-acute healthcare providers. The value-based model, which requires more than clinical excellence alone, prioritizes improving patient outcomes while simultaneously controlling costs.
 
Non-acute value-based care’s success depends on finding every opportunity to deliver quality care effectively and efficiently. One of the most overlooked solutions to meet these goals is the strategic management of medical/surgical (med/surg) supplies.

In addition to serving as everyday necessities for patient care, med/surg products are the backbone of patient care delivery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), long-term care facilities and physician clinics. When managed strategically, these medical and surgical supplies help ensure patients receive the care they need while also helping healthcare providers reach their value-based care goals.

MED/SURG: A HIDDEN SOLUTION FOR VALUE-BASED CARE

Med/surg supplies can play a role in both sides of value-based care by supporting quality patient care and controlling costs. Facilities that treat these supplies as strategic assets rather than just consumable products can achieve significant benefits.
 
For example, by standardizing med/surg items and reducing variability in care, providers can create consistency in products and treatments, and reduce risks tied to gaps in supplies. Reliable access to essential products allows clinicians to spend less time troubleshooting supply shortages and more time caring for patients.
 
Seasonality makes reliable med/surg supply especially critical. ASCs, for example, often experience a spike in elective procedures in May and June, which can account for as much as 30% of their annual volume. Without proactive planning, facilities risk supply shortages that could disrupt care and cause patient dissatisfaction.
 
Meanwhile, in long-term care, warmer weather causes an increased risk of falls, wounds and dehydration because residents spend more time outdoors. Providers must be ready with the appropriate wound care supplies, hydration solutions and safety equipment to mitigate these seasonal challenges.
 
Physician clinics also experience seasonal surges, particularly in pediatric care, when families schedule wellness visits and sports physicals during the summer months when school isn’t in session. A proactive med/surg strategy ensures providers can meet higher demand without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
 
Without the right med/surg approach, facilities may face stockouts, delayed care or lower patient satisfaction. All of these factors can undermine value-based care outcomes.

TAKE A MODERN APPROACH TO MED/SURG

A modern med/surg program is about more than ensuring bandages and gloves are on the shelves. It supports supply readiness, so clinicians can deliver seamless, high-quality care. Every item, whether a suture kit, diagnostic tool or wound dressing, plays a role in supporting value-based care and positive patient outcomes.
 
Facilities that underestimate med/surg needs often miss savings opportunities, increase risk and can ultimately compromise patient outcomes. For example, relying on last-minute orders for essential supplies can lead to higher costs and limited product availability.
 
To avoid these drawbacks, providers need a data-driven med/surg strategy that aligns buying with changing demand. By using detailed procurement data to forecast utilization and seasonal spikes, facilities can better ensure continuity of care, maintain cost efficiency and prepare for unexpected disruptions, such as supply chain delays or sudden increases in patient volume.
 
Following best practices in med/surg management can help non-acute providers balance both sides of value-based care by improving outcomes and lowering costs. These best practices include using data for demand forecasting, diversifying suppliers to reduce risk and taking a proactive approach to inventory planning.

“With the support of a GPO like Provista that has a diverse med/surg portfolio, non-acute healthcare organizations can gain the competitive edge needed to thrive in value-based care. ”

HOW PROVISTA SUPPORTS MEMBERS WITH A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

An effective med/surg strategy goes beyond good planning. It also requires reliable access to the right products at the right price. That’s where a group purchasing organization (GPO) like Provista makes a measurable difference.
 
For instance, Provista offers non-acute providers access to an expansive med/surg portfolio that’s backed by bulk-buying discounts and negotiated savings that lower supply costs without compromising product quality. With Provista, facilities can prepare for seasonal demand surges, respond effectively to unexpected needs and focus on delivering excellent care with trusted products.
 
The breadth of Provista’s med/surg product portfolio ensures that providers have access to the products they need, from routine exam gloves to specialized surgical instruments, while also benefiting from industry expertise. Provista’s combination of supply access, cost savings and expert medical procurement advice helps non-acute providers achieve their value-based care goals.

MED/SURG AS A STARTING POINT FOR VALUE-BASED CARE

Non-acute providers are under constant pressure to balance patient outcomes with financial sustainability. Med/surg supplies may not always be top of mind when facility decision-makers are planning their business strategy, but they are often hidden drivers of care quality and cost savings.
 
By rethinking med/surg management and procurement, facilities can transform these everyday products into solutions for delivering better clinical care, preventing disruptions and strengthening financial performance. With the support of a GPO like Provista that has a diverse med/surg portfolio, non-acute healthcare organizations can gain the competitive edge needed to thrive in value-based care. For providers looking to elevate their strategy, med/surg is an ideal starting point.

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