The U.S. supply chain is preparing itself for two major potential shifts in early 2025, bracing for new Trump-era tariffs partnered with the possibility of a port strike that could begin in mid-January. 

During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made several propositions for the economy, including tariffs on foreign-made goods, according to a Nov. 6 report from Forbes.

With many procedures and patient care needs continuing to shift out of the hospital, group purchasing organizations (GPOs) remain an essential component in managing costs and maintaining a steady supply chain. However, there are several things ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) should consider to ensure they are making the most out of their GPO partnership.

ASCs and hospitals are facing obstacles in securing IV fluids after flooding produced by Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter International plant in Marion, N.C., that makes 60% of the nation's IV fluid products. 

Many ASCs are encountering difficulties in obtaining IV fluids following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which damaged a Baxter International facility in Marion, N.C., responsible for producing 60% of the country's IV fluid supply. Yet they are often finding ways to obtain and use IV fluids in ways hospitals may fall short.

Some ASCs are facing obstacles in securing IV fluids after flooding produced by Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter International plant in Marion, N.C., that makes 60% of the nation's IV fluid products. 

Hurricane Helene damaged a Baxter plant in Marion, N.C., that makes 60% of the nation's IV fluid products, in September, and hospitals are struggling amid the shortages. 

Amid the fallout from Hurricane Helene, hospitals across the nation are conserving IV fluids.

Medical device maker THD America has agreed to pay $700,000 to settle False Claim Act allegations that claim the company knowingly caused physicians to use incorrect codes to obtain inflated reimbursement from Medicare and state Medicaid programs for the use of its hemorrhoid removal system. 

Juggling decreasing reimbursements, increased competition and rising costs is essential for ASC success.

Ambulatory surgery centers across the U.S. are facing challenging market conditions — provider shortages, rising costs and wages, declining reimbursements and more. Prudent financial strategies are increasingly important.

The cost of medical supplies has been rising due to shortages, supply chain issues and inflation. In conjunction with declining reimbursements and rising practice costs, ASCs are forced to grapple with a tumultuous financial landscape — all while ensuring quality care, patient satisfaction and more.

As the healthcare industry continues to face pressures from a struggling global supply chain, job openings for supply chain professionals also continue to rise nationwide. 

Medical device company IMBiotechnologies has signed a supply agreement with group purchasing organization Medicus Management, which currently supplies 20 office-based laboratories and ASCs. 

Medical product manufacturer Medline has entered a vendor partnership with Lincoln, Neb.-based Urology, P.C., which operates an ASC, medical practice and oncology clinic. 

April 29 is deemed National Supply Chain Day, recognizing the importance of the global supply chain in people's lives. 

The Senate Finance Committee introduced legislation designed to prevent and reduce generic drug shortages in wake of the U.S. seeing the highest number of domestic drug shortages since 2001, The Hill reported May 3.

IMBiotechnologies has signed a supply agreement with Embol Experts, one of the largest group purchasing organizations for ASCs and office-based laboratories in the U.S. 

Here are four ASCs and health systems that have secured partnerships with major supplier Medline so far in 2024: 

Medical product distribution company Cardinal Health has recently been named one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S. by revenue, bringing in $216.2 billion over the most recent four quarters.