Article

Why Independent Non-Acute Providers Need Smarter MedSurg Contracting Solutions

August 27, 2025
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Independent non-acute providers—like ambulatory surgery centers, long-term care facilities and physician clinics—must balance cost control, quality care and operational agility. Yet many still rely on MedSurg contracts designed for hospitals, where high volume and centralized infrastructure shape pricing.

For independent providers with lean teams and variable patient volumes, these contracts often lead to inefficiencies, clinical mismatches and waste. To succeed in value-based models and maintain margins, independent organizations need tailored contracting strategies that reflect their real-world delivery environments—where flexibility, standardization and supplier alignment matter more than just bulk pricing.

To support patient care and stronger financial performance, independent providers need customized contracting solutions that reflect their size, service scope and clinical needs. That means prioritizing agility over scale, relevant formularies over broad catalogs and supplier relationships that can adapt to rapidly changing needs.

STANDARD MEDSURG CONTRACTS CAN UNDERMINE COST CONTROL AND CARE QUALITY

Standard MedSurg contracts typically don’t reflect the nuanced supply needs, procedure cadence or clinical goals of non-acute settings. Plus, independent non-acute providers can experience challenges in budgeting, forecasting and inventory if they’re limited by inflexible contracts.

Without contracts built to reflect the realities of non-acute care, these providers risk excess waste, inconsistent care delivery and weakened financial sustainability—especially under value-based reimbursement pressures. This disconnect can negatively affect care delivery, clinician efficiency and patient satisfaction. To thrive in value-based models, independent providers need sourcing that fits their setting, not the other way around.
 
Non-acute providers also face unique operational environments that standard contracts often overlook. For example, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may have different product specifications, availability needs and sterility requirements than a hospital setting.
 
Without the ability to tailor product selections or negotiate terms that match their specific use cases, independent providers may be forced into costly workarounds, such as over-stocking, substituting for less-preferred items or experiencing excessive and costly waste. Over time, these inefficiencies can erode margins and compromise both clinical and operational performance.

TAILORED SUPPLY STRATEGIES THAT FIT NON-ACUTE REALITIES

Tailoring MedSurg sourcing isn’t about over-customizing. It’s about aligning contracts with actual care workflows, patient volumes and clinical supply needs across outpatient, primary and long-term care settings.  

For example, ASCs often have high procedure volume, sterile surgical supply demands and rapid restocking needs. As a result, contracts for ASCs should emphasize procedure packs, quality surgical instruments and compliance.
 
Meanwhile, physician clinics have versatile needs for preventive and chronic care, and often have limited storage for supplies. This makes it essential for procurement strategies that prioritize smaller pack sizes, reliable delivery schedules and products that support a wide range of everyday clinical activities. Contracts for physician clinics ultimately should focus on exam room basics, personal protective equipment and patient-friendly supplies.
 
Other verticals also have specific needs. For instance, long-term care (LTC)  facilities need daily-use items, infection control, wound care and mobility aids. That’s why MedSurg contracts for LTC should prioritize comfort, durability and supply continuity.
 

WHAT INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS NEED FROM MEDSURG CONTRACTS

Independent non-acute providers often operate in dynamic, fast-changing environments where patient volumes fluctuate, treatment types vary and clinical demands can shift quickly. That’s why they need MedSurg contracts that are flexible, reliable and customizable.  
 
Flexible volume tiers and adaptable pricing structures are essential to ensure these providers can purchase the right quantities at the right price, without overcommitting or compromising quality of care. Just as important is fast, dependable access to quality products that align with their day-to-day clinical needs. Delays or inconsistencies in supply chains can quickly disrupt care and impact patient outcomes.
 
Medical suppliers that understand the priorities for non-acute providers can make a significant difference. From managing seasonal surges, such as flu season or allergy spikes, to responding to new service lines or expanded patient populations, suppliers must be equipped to meet demand with speed and accuracy. Contracts tailored to specific settings, such as urgent care, outpatient surgery centers or physician clinics, help ensure that what’s delivered is actually what’s needed, which supports efficiency, reduces waste and supports better clinical decisions.
 
Data also plays a critical role in optimizing procurement and inventory. Providers that use analytics to inform purchasing decisions can improve forecast demand accuracy, better manage inventory levels and find new cost-saving opportunities. With the right tools, data and supplier support, independent non-acute providers can move beyond standard contracts to setting-specific solutions that improve care delivery while strengthening financial sustainability.

“Tailored contracts backed by GPO expertise aren’t just a sourcing solution. they’re a performance strategy for independent non-acute providers.”

HOW GPOS CAN HELP INDEPENDENT HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Navigating MedSurg sourcing for non-acute healthcare providers requires more than access to contracts. It also requires the right guidance to use them effectively and choose the best options. As a leading group purchasing organization focused on meeting the needs of non-acute clients, Provista offers more than competitive pricing. It provides flexible MedSurg contracts backed by expert advisory support that helps independent providers optimize spend, align purchasing with clinical goals and adapt to changing operational demands.
 
Rather than using a hospital-centric template across all sites of care, Provista works with independent providers to shape contracts around their realities of care. That means accounting for lower patient volume, limited on-site storage, different reimbursement pressures and leaner staffing than hospital systems. Whether a provider is managing multiple physician practices, a single ambulatory surgery center or a network of urgent care clinics, Provista’s site-specific approach to MedSurg contracts ensures sourcing strategies match how and where care is actually delivered.
 
As volumes shift and reimbursement models evolve, independent providers should regularly reassess their contracting strategies. Provista helps clients stay ahead by offering data-driven insights and tools to track performance, evaluate contracts and make informed adjustments. The result is smarter procurement, stronger financial outcomes and more time to focus on patient care.

Authors:

Caryn Staib, VP, MedSurg, Clinically Preferred, Vizient Inc.
Chad Mitchell, Vice President, MedSurg Core Essentials, Vizient Inc.
Jeff Kittle, AVP, Distribution & Programs, Provista

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