Health systems embrace multi-year medical technology partnerships

Editor’s Note

Healthcare systems are increasingly establishing long-term collaborations with medical technology companies with the goal of modernizing technology and streamlining operations through ongoing training and consultation services. Modern Healthcare reported the news January 24.

Involving substantial financial investments, these collaborations redefine vendor relationships as more strategic and relational, the outlet reports. While some healthcare leaders see this trend as the future of technology procurement, others question its scalability due to the high resource demands. The article highlights 5 examples:

• University Hospitals in Cleveland, which has committed to two 10-year partnerships with GE HealthCare and Siemens Healthineers to modernize aging imaging equipment and integrate advanced oncology, cardiovascular, and neurovascular technologies.
• Sutter Health, which inked a $1 billion, seven-year agreement with GE HealthCare that includes AI-integrated imaging equipment, such as PET/CT, MRI, and ultrasound devices, alongside anesthesia and maternal care technologies. This partnership highlights a co-design approach, Modern Healthcare reports, with GE providing service, training, and collaboration with local schools to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled technicians.
• Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami, which partnered with Royal Philips in a 10-year deal to deploy advanced imaging solutions, including helium-efficient MRI technology and patient-centric tools like gamified preparation apps for pediatric imaging.
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which will acquire state-of-the-art imaging capability through a 10-year collaboration with Siemens Healthineers. The focus is on improving workflows and accessibility while integrating research into clinical applications.
• Peoria-based OSF HealthCare, which extended its decades-long relationship with GE HealthCare through a 10-year partnership.