Finding and selecting a vendor that meets your needs
Dennis Bolin, Health Plan Alliance
11/13/2017
Last week I spoke at the NG Healthcare Summit. While I was there, I met with six vendors that expressed interest in working with Alliance members. As I sat across from them as they each made their pitch, I observed that they were easily able to describe the value they provide managed care organizations. However, I also noticed that not one specifically addressed the unique challenges and operational needs of provider-sponsored and independent health plans. What's interesting is that this is a common occurrence.
The chicken or the egg?
At the Alliance, we have a saying, "How can you offer me a solution if you haven't asked me about my problem?" Similar to the "chicken and the egg" causality dilemma, after speaking with a vendor, it seems individuals are often left asking which comes first, your solution or my problem? Any vendor can tell you how they can help. But a more efficient way to solve the challenges facing your organization is to clearly understand your problem.
My recommendation: Before you search for solutions, define the problem
The roadblock here for many health plans is that it can be challenging to define complex problems, especially one with a lot of moving pieces. One example of this which we discussed at the NG summit is how care management and data analytics have become so intertwined. This challenge is so complex, a solid solution requires a strategy routed in a clearly defined problem. And defining the strategy should involve a lot of stakeholders. While obvious to some; for others, this may require a real shift in your team or organization's vendor management process.
Alliance members: Take advantage of the strategic support available through the Alliance
The strategic support available through the Alliance is one of the most valuable member benefits. The Alliance can help you facilitate a discussion with your team, connect you with health plans similar to yours that can share their experience with you, and assist you with your vendor search and selection process should you decide you need outside support. Contact us to learn more.
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