AAOE: New Peer Review Program for Orthopedic Vendors

How to find reliable, trusted vendors?

The American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE), based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a solution…which is a Peer Review type of program and, the AAOE hopes, will prove to be an efficient way for orthopedic and musculoskeletal vendors to connect with industry professionals.

Its key feature is that it lets users evaluate and rate vendors of orthopedic products, services, and solutions for prioritized promotional opportunities. In essence, it enables AAOE members to connect with approved vendors.

And speaking of the vendors, they are issued a media kit which shows them how to use the AAOE Peer Reviewed™ brandmark to market their business.

According to the AAOE, the evaluation process focuses on identifying vendors whose values align with that of AAOE’s and who offer:

• Enhanced productivity for the individual user and customer’s organization
• Ease of installation and use
• Accuracy and reliability
• Good value for the price
• Excellent technical support and customer service

The initial company earning the AAOE Peer Reviewed™ designation is ProScan Reading Services, part of the ProScan Imaging family of companies.

The Peer Review process found that 100% of survey respondents strongly agreed (75%) or agreed (25%) that ProScan Reading Services’ Advanced Imaging Radiology Interpretations “exceeded expectations,” with 95% in recommending ProScan Reading Services to colleagues.

Judith Turner, vice president of sales at ProScan Reading Services summarized her experience saying, “We’re certain our products and service can offer value to the orthopedic community; but it can be challenging to connect with orthopedic executives, thanks in part to the onslaught of scams and spam that pollute our lives today.”

“AAOE’s Peer Review Program™ allows us to bypass the chaos, standout from the crowd, and make valuable connections with prospective clients. Earning the status of AAOE Peer Reviewed™ has increased our sales efficiency and conversion by connecting us directly with highly engaged member practices who are actively searching for the solutions we offer.”

Sam Santschi, JD, CMPE, AAOE president and practice administrator for Diana L. Kruse, M.D. told OTW what he liked about the new program: “First, we’re always interested in the products and services being used by our peers. Many of us start our search for a new vendor in AAOE’s Collaborate, an online members-only discussion area, by asking for recommendations from others. At the same time, the association regularly gets approached by companies that want AAOE to promote their products to members in exchange for a percentage of the revenue generated, but in spite of the money that could bring to the association, that model wouldn’t necessarily serve the members’ best interests.”

“So, with the objectives of (a) helping members find quality products and services and (b) helping quality vendors reach our members, our CEO talked to the Healthcare Financial Management Association about their ‘Short List’ peer review program, and they were kind enough to help us build our own version. With additional input and feedback from the AAOE Board of Directors and our Industry Relations Advisory Board, AAOE launched Peer Review so we could merge the direct experiences of practice administrators with a thorough business vetting process that helps busy practices make better buying decisions.”

OTW asked AAOE what, in their opinion, could likely prove most compelling for healthcare providers, Santschi said, “The fact is that this program not only provides helpful information to practices choosing vendors, but it also helps the vendors gain valuable insights into ways they can improve their own businesses. Every vendor who goes through the peer review process receives a report of the findings—regardless of whether they pass the review.”

“The report includes anonymous feedback from current and former customers about the vendor’s strengths and areas for improvement. That insight is invaluable to those companies and could point out a product or support issue that’s holding them back from even greater product adoption and success. So ultimately, we’re helping practices make better, more informed buying decisions as well as helping vendors gain valuable insights into ways, they can make their products and services even more valuable to their customers—so it’s truly a win-win for all parties.”