IDN OPPORTUNITIES
Adapting to Meet Changing Needs The largest health system in Indiana now requires predictive supply health metrics and reporting By Daniel Beaird
Dennis Mullins
Indiana University (IU) Health is the largest network of physicians and hospitals in the state of Indiana.
The system includes a unique partnership with the IU School of Medicine, giving patients access to one of the nation’s leading medical schools, to leading-edge medicine and treatment options. While COVID-19 response continues to consume significant healthcare resources and require heightened precautions, IU Health saw increases in surgical cases and outpatient care in the first quarter of 2021.
“Over the past year IU Health has adapted to meet changing healthcare needs amid unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic,” said Jenni Alvey, senior vice president and chief financial officer for IU Health. “We expect the rest of 2021 will require continued resilience to manage operations and finances while making new investments to serve patients who depend on us, especially in these critical times.” 10
September 2021
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“Due to COVID-19, IU Health now reviews manufacturer and distributor throughput to include their sourcing strategy outside the U.S.,” said Dennis Mullins, senior vice president of supply chain for IU Health. “This allows us to properly forecast our supply ordering and have confidence in the reliability of our suppliers to manage their end-to-end supply chain process from raw material to the product delivery to our hospitals.”
In addition, IU Health increased its knowledge base regarding how overseas manufacturing plays a vital role in how the U.S. supply chain operates to include the logistical complexities of ships, shipping ports and customs operations. “Prior to the pandemic, we maintained a 60-day safety stock of PPE for all acute locations at our Integrated Service Center, which consolidates and handles inventory for
