Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chair of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, has sent a letter to medical device giant Medtronic to determine whether its string of recent contract cancellations with healthcare group purchasing organizations aimed to "reduce transparency and increase costs," according to a MedCity News report.
Earlier this year, Medtronic made headlines when it cancelled contracts with GPOs Novation and Premier. The contracts covered a wide range of products, including cardiovascular, orthopedic and spinal products. Medtronic reportedly cancelled the contracts so it could manage its business relationships with hospitals locally, rather than through a national GPO contract.
Sen. Baucus' letter to Medtronic CEO Bill Hawkins included 13 questions, including whether Novation's refusal of confidentiality clauses was a factor in Medtronic's decision to cancel the contracts. Medtronic is expected to respond to Sen. Baucus by May 6.
Read the news report about Sen. Baucus' investigation of Medtronic.
Related Articles on Medtronic:
Medtronic CFO Dispels Rumors Company Is Shying Away From GPOs
HIGPA Criticizes Recent Medtronic GPO Contract Cancellations
Medtronic Cancels Spine Contract with GPO Premier
Earlier this year, Medtronic made headlines when it cancelled contracts with GPOs Novation and Premier. The contracts covered a wide range of products, including cardiovascular, orthopedic and spinal products. Medtronic reportedly cancelled the contracts so it could manage its business relationships with hospitals locally, rather than through a national GPO contract.
Sen. Baucus' letter to Medtronic CEO Bill Hawkins included 13 questions, including whether Novation's refusal of confidentiality clauses was a factor in Medtronic's decision to cancel the contracts. Medtronic is expected to respond to Sen. Baucus by May 6.
Read the news report about Sen. Baucus' investigation of Medtronic.
Related Articles on Medtronic:
Medtronic CFO Dispels Rumors Company Is Shying Away From GPOs
HIGPA Criticizes Recent Medtronic GPO Contract Cancellations
Medtronic Cancels Spine Contract with GPO Premier