Q: Who is HISCI?
A: The Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute (HISCI) is a collaborative association that represents the entire healthcare supply chain, including suppliers, manufacturers, and group purchasing organizations. HISCI's mission is to be a "performance improvement" organization, dedicated to improving and increasing efficiencies within the healthcare supply chain through best practice sharing, education and networking.
Q: Are HSCA and HISCI the same organization?
A: No, in January of 2007 HSCA split into two organizations, creating HISCI to deal with the suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and GPOs; and having HSCA used solely for GPOs.
Q: How are they "sister" organizations?
A: Both organizations are closely aligned, sharing many of the same staff and board members, and co-hosting the annual International Expo and National Pharmacy Forum. Members of each group get access to discounted event registration rates, daily eNews updates, opportunities for networking and education, and interaction with the most influential players in the healthcare supply chain.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a HISCI member?
A: There are multiple benefits to becoming a member, including:
- Member discounted rates for the annual Healthcare Supply Chain Expo (formerly, the International
Expo) and Pharmacy Forum, both of which will be co-hosted by HISCI and HSCA to closely align with the interests of both organizations
- First access to HISCI reports and findings
- Increased networking opportunities-member sessions will be held during the year to review and discuss
research findings as well as best practices
- Board of Directors represent the entire healthcare delivery network (suppliers/manufacturers, healthcare
providers, IDNs, and GPOs)
- Providing all of your company's employees witha ccess to our daily eNews e-mails and HISCI
educational webinars
- Active and dedicated task forces that are focused on Rostering, Venor Credentialing, and Education
- A discounted rate for GLN enumeration services with MDSI
- Being a recognized contributor to the only organization that is committed to reducing healthcare costs for
patients, hospitals, and the government
Q: How can I become a member?
A: You can call us directly at 202-367-1185 or e-mail us for more information at info@hisci-net.org. You can also download an application under the "Membership" then "Why Join HISCI" tab and mail it in directly to our office located at 2025 M St., NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036.
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: Membership is based off your company's annual revenue. There are three different brackets: Below $5 million is $1,500 per year, Between $5-$10 million is $3,500 per year, and Above $10 million is $5,300 per year. HISIC follows the fiscal year, meaning dues are only renewed for the following year if dues are received, if a company registers in October, they will still owe the full membership cost for their company bracket, and have to pay to renew for the following year (if they so choose to) in following months.
Q: What is the Rostering Task Force?
A: The Rostering Task Force is a joint effort between both HSCA and HISCI. Rostering is the process by which GPOs and supplier organize and classify data elements to identify GPO members and delivery of goods to them. HISCI's Rostering Task Force has collarborated with their GPO counterparts via the Committee of Healthcare e-Standards (CHeS, which is part of HIGPA) to develop a Best Practice Roster, which can be found here.
Q: How is HISCI helping supplier organizations deal with vendor credentialing?
A: To address the problems with credentialing, HISCI has engaged a third party to conduct extensive research on the impact of credentialing requirements to each company, as well as, held vendor credentialing meetings with suppliers, hospitals, and GPOs to discuss further the standards and issues.
Q: How can I contact HISCI?
A: You can send an e-mail to info@hisci-net.org or call us 202-367-1185. Our address is: 2025 M St., NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036.