Amerinet Signs Exclusive Agreement with Lake Erie Regional Cooperative
ST. LOUIS--(Business Wire)-- Amerinet Inc., a leading national healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO), has renewed its agreement to serve as the sole-source national GPO of the Lake Erie Regional Cooperative (LERC), an alliance of more than 300 regional healthcare providers in Ohio and Michigan. Amerinet was selected over three other group purchasing organizations as part of a competitive bidding process. "In 2003, LERC became a marketing affiliate of Amerinet to supplement our regional contracts, strengthen our resources and provide even greater value to our members and their respective communities," said Nick Link, LERC director of sales and marketing. "Based on our joint record of success and Amerinet`s ability to deliver unique and customer-focused cost reduction solutions, we look forward to continuing our relationship with them." Since the initial agreement in 2003, the cooperative has achieved significant cost savings through Amerinet`s comprehensive portfolio of contracts and solution-based programs. Amerinet will continue to negotiate custom contracts on behalf of LERC, and partner with them to improve efficiency and reduce costs through contracting and utilization strategies.This new three-year agreement will also focus on enhancing economic value through operational improvements including customized decision support tools, education, quality and safety, workforce and revenue cycle solutions. "Our partnership exemplifies LERC`s commitment to reducing healthcare costs and improving healthcare quality," said Todd Ebert, Amerinet president and CEO. "They represent an outstanding group of healthcare providers, and we are pleased that they have chosen to continue with Amerinet as their exclusive healthcare purchasing organization." Based in Toledo, Ohio, LERC was formed in 1997 to reduce costs for supplies, equipment and services by combining purchasing volumes for stronger negotiating power. Today, LERC has an independent portfolio of more than 130 high-volume supply and equipment contracts with an annual purchase volume in excess of $340 million. Their members include 27 acute care facilities, as well as other healthcare organizations at over 500 sites, from doctor`s offices, clinics and long-term care facilities to schools and human service organizations. The flagship health system of LERC is ProMedica Health System, a $1.3 billion healthcare IDN based in Toledo, Ohio. About Amerinet As a leading national healthcare group purchasing organization, Amerinet strategically partners with acute and alternate care providers to reduce costs and improve quality through its performance solutions. Built on a foundation of data, savings and trust, and supported by a team of clinical and supply chain experts, Amerinet enriches healthcare delivery for its members and the communities they serve. To learn more about the Amerinet difference, visit www.amerinet-gpo.com. Amerinet Inc. Evan Danis, 724-778-3423 Manager, Public Relations and Internal Communications evan.danis@amerinet-gpo.com Copyright Business Wire 2009
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