Everything must change so that everything can stay the same - Lampedusa's The Leopard

Things must change for VA and DOD to continue providing world class care. 

The cost of healthcare continues to skyrocket, yet healthcare outcomes in the United States continue to trail many other developed nations. When our federal healthcare institutions purchase surgical implants, they pay an average of 2.5 times as much as other healthcare organizations within the United States. Thats correct; the government pays 255% ON AVERAGE for surgical implants. 

Data which I obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request showed the VA spent $658 Million dollars on surgical implants in 2022.  There are a few shocking datapoints from this data: 

First, there were 93,312 transactions which did not report what item was purchased, accounting for $146,120,381.76.  That means the government spent as much as an F-22 Raptor without knowing what it bought. 

Second, I compared VA pricing with national benchmarking data for the top 275 surgical implants based on overall spend during 2022.  VA pays, on average, 255%  of what other U.S. public and private healthcare organizations pay for the exact same implants.  Patriot Orthopedics & Spine is going to change this. 

Embracing Change for Growth

Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's in our personal lives or in the business world, adapting to change is essential for growth and success. Embracing change can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to innovate and improve.

Clayton Christensen's seminal works developed the concept of disruptive technology and disruptive innovation.  in his outstanding works The Innovator's Dilemma and The Innovator's Prescription he gives numerous examples of companies which were  industry leaders but failed to recognize changing headwinds and instead focused on profit lines.  These companies (ever heard of Digital Equipment Corporation?) ultimately became obsolete, losing their market to smaller, more nimble startups.  In refusing to recognize that adherance to their previous business model would lead to their demise, these firms relied upon sustaining innovation, which focuses on making an already good product even better.  Enter Apple and the PC.  

Adapting to New Technologies

Technology is constantly evolving, and businesses must adapt to stay competitive. Embracing new technologies can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. By embracing BIG DATA to include benchmarking data, and employing a coast-to-coast procurement strategy, Federal healthcare organizations could potentially save a billion dollars annually. This money could be used to improve access for patients through new clinics or hospitals, recruit and retain additional healthcare providers, and improve the value of healthcare provided at federal healthcare organizations. 

Shifting Mindsets for Success

Changing the way we think and approach challenges is crucial for personal and professional development. Adopting a growth mindset allows us to see obstacles as opportunities for learning and improvement. It's about being open to new ideas and being willing to take calculated risks.

Adopting Agile Practices

Businesses are increasingly adopting agile methodologies to adapt to the fast-paced, ever-changing market. Agile practices enable teams to respond quickly to changes, deliver value to customers more efficiently, and continuously improve their processes.

Continuous Learning and Development

Embracing change also means being committed to continuous learning and development. Whether it's acquiring new skills, staying updated on industry trends, or seeking feedback for improvement, a growth mindset involves a dedication to personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Change is inevitable, and embracing it is essential, not just for growth and success, but also to maintain the status quo.  Unless we can convince lawmakers and government procurement officials to seek out innovation and . By adapting to new technologies, shifting mindsets, embracing more agile practices, and committing to continuous innovation, our federal healthcare agencies can thrive in an ever-changing world.

Cheers,

Nathan R Hendrickson

Founder, Patriot Orthopedics & Spine