HISCI and MDSI to Provide Members with Discounted GLN Enumeration Services

WASHINGTON, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute (HISCI) and Medical Distribution Solutions, Inc. (MDSI) announced they have entered into an agreement where MDSI will provide discounted GLN enumeration services for HISCI members. Under the terms of the agreement, MDSI will provide HISCI members with access to Axiom Account Integration Services, a Web site service designed to help those in the healthcare supply chain integrate and match master files to the Global Location Number (GLN). Most of the major hospital group purchasing organizations, as well as the Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM), have endorsed the adoption of the GS1 Healthcare Global Locator Number (GLN), calling for the industry to adhere to so-called "sunrise date" deadlines for implementation of its standards by December 31, 2010. HISCI members will have access to a customized MDSI MaxOnline Education module on GLN Enumeration Services, as well as to a 20 percent discount on MDSI's GLN enumeration services.

"We're looking forward to working with HISCI on this important initiative for the healthcare supply chain," said John Pritchard, C.O.O., MDSI. "With just months to be in compliance, suppliers to the healthcare industry need a solutions provider that will match their customer accounts to the GLN. Axiom Account Integration Services provides this service to all types of companies in the healthcare supply chain."

"Compliance to the new E-standards is critical in moving forward with business in 2010 and beyond," said Meredith Young, Executive Director, HISCI. "MDSI and its Axiom Account Integration Services deliver enumeration to GLN, and promise to regularly update files so nothing gets outdated."

GS1 Healthcare is the organization responsible for managing the global healthcare standards that are already in place, in which the United States does not yet participate. GS1 Healthcare U.S. is the national healthcare industry user group that supports the adoption and implementation of global standards led by GS1 Healthcare. HISCI supports the GS1 Healthcare U.S. Vision, which is to become the recognized, open and neutral source for regulatory agencies, trade organizations and other similar stakeholders seeking input and direction for global standards in healthcare for patient safety, supply chain security and efficiency, traceability and accurate data synchronization in the United States. The "three G's" of GS1 Standards are: 1) a Global Trade Item Number® (GTN®), a unique identifying number at all packaging levels; 2) a Global Location Number (GLN), that uniquely identifies the various locations where a product might find itself; and 3) a Global Data Synchronization Network® (GDSN®), a database that stores all GLNs, GTNs and associated product definitions and attributes, allowing users to access accurate product information, including changes and updates.

GS1 standards are currently used by Walmart and other large retailers, and support the supply chains of the hardware, electrical and consumer goods industry. Results show that clear visibility to product information by both suppliers and buyers leads to more efficient business practices and reduced costs. HISCI believes that manufacturers, distributors and hospitals that use GS1 procedures will reduce transaction errors and help ensure that the right product, procedure and/or treatment is delivered to the right location.

December 2010 is the sunrise date set for industry-wide use of the GS1 Global Location Number (GLN) within the U.S. to standardize location identification; December 2012 is the sunrise date for industry-wide use of the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTN) within the U.S. to standardize product identification. HISCI is committed to supporting these sunrise dates and will provide its members with additional information in the coming months to assist them in adopting GS1 standards within their organizations.

About the Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute

The Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute (HISCI) is a collaborative, "performance improvement" association that represents the entire healthcare supply chain, including suppliers/manufacturers, providers and group purchasing organizations. HISCI serves to improve and increase efficiencies within healthcare through best practice sharing, education and networking. It is the only organization that brings together all elements of the supply chain to help improve the healthcare industry. The Institute provides a solutions-centered forum where healthcare providers can interact with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and group purchasing organizations to focus on the root causes of healthcare supply chain inefficiencies by participating in collaborative supply chain analysis, developing specific education and training offerings based upon those findings. For more information, visit www.hisci-net.org.

About the Medical Distribution Solutions, Inc.

Medical Distribution Solutions, Inc. (MDSI) is a leading publishing and content company providing information, communication and educational services to providers, manufacturers and distributors involved in the business of healthcare. MDSI's portfolio of contracting products includes Axiom Account Integration Services, The Journal of Healthcare Contracting, and the Major Accounts Exchange database. For more information, visit www.mdsi.org.

SOURCE Healthcare Industry Supply Chain Institute