Gallion: A New Chapter in Supply Chain Management
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) has taken a significant step forward in operational efficiency through the introduction of Gallion, an advanced digital technology solution. This initiative, spearheaded by UMMS's innovation center, aims to modernize supply chain processes, particularly for costly surgical procedures.
Enhancing Supply Chain Transactions
Gallion functions as a cloud-based platform that streamlines bill-only transactions in the healthcare supply chain. The focus is on managing materials such as knee, hip, and spine surgical implants, which often come with hefty expenses. By integrating with electronic medical records and enterprise resource planning systems, Gallion improves the accuracy of transaction management.
Simplified Processes and Fewer Errors
The rollout of Gallion signifies a move away from the traditional manual processes that dominated prior to 2021. Previously, the medical system relied on labor-intensive, paper-based methods, which were not just time-consuming but also susceptible to human error. Data gathered since the implementation reveals an impressive 75% reduction in completion time and a near elimination of errors—plummeting from an 18% error rate to just 3%.
Influence on Costs and Teamwork
According to Pat Vizzard, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at UMMS, Gallion has improved collaboration across healthcare teams, resulting in enhanced transparency and better contract compliance. This shift has not only unlocked significant cost savings but also facilitated improved contract negotiations, thanks to its detailed analytical capabilities.
Empowering Healthcare Professionals
The positive changes continue as Kate Christner, Director of Business Operations for Perioperative Services, notes that billing conflicts have been reduced to only 3%. With the new system, staff can promptly validate and approve billing sheets, which has greatly boosted charge capture.
Innovative Solutions from iHarbor
iHarbor, UMMS's innovation center, is dedicated to crafting groundbreaking digital solutions that address clinical and operational challenges. The team at iHarbor consists of digital strategists, data scientists, and clinicians who work together to create tools that enhance healthcare delivery.
Looking Ahead with Gallion
Gallion's debut at the upcoming healthcare supply chain event is set to demonstrate its capabilities to a broader audience. By encouraging other healthcare systems to adopt similar advancements, Gallion aims to position itself as a key solution in supply chain management.
A User-Centric Focus
Dr. Warren D’Souza, the Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, states that Gallion's design is fundamentally oriented towards healthcare providers. The platform is crafted with user experience in mind, optimizing workflow efficiency and enriching the overall care delivery process.
The Benefits of Gallion
- Minimizes the labor-intensive manual tasks for clinical staff while removing errors linked to the bill-only process.
- Automates tracking of item usage and contract pricing, greatly enhancing compliance rates.
- Employs advanced analytics that enable supply chain teams to swiftly review spending and assess contract competitiveness.
- Supports the collection of clinical quality data, which contributes to improved patient outcomes and supports value-based care contracts.
About the University of Maryland Medical System
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare while integrating educational practices with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. UMMS strives to provide compassionate care through multiple locations, ensuring essential healthcare access in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
About iHarbor
The iHarbor Innovation Center is focused on tackling complex healthcare challenges by redefining operations and transforming patient care experiences. This initiative seeks to revolutionize treatment delivery while improving healthcare outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gallion?
Gallion is a cloud-based digital platform that streamlines supply chain management for healthcare providers, specifically targeting bill-only transactions.
How has Gallion improved efficiency?
With Gallion, transaction completion time has been cut down by 75%, and the error rate has dropped dramatically from 18% to just 3%, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
Who developed Gallion?
Gallion was created by iHarbor, the University of Maryland Medical System's innovation center, which concentrates on developing digital healthcare solutions.
What advantages does Gallion offer?
The platform provides various benefits, including reduced manual effort, automation of pricing compliance, advanced analytical tools, and enhanced patient outcomes through data insights.
Where will Gallion be showcased?
Gallion is set to be featured at the AHRMM24 event, where healthcare supply chain professionals can learn about its capabilities.