How specialty practices can get the best drug prices
In early 2024, HealthTrust Performance Group partnered with Onmark, McKesson’s specialty group purchasing organization (GPO), to expand contract coverage in an effort to provide the best value for members purchasing high-cost plasma therapies, as well as oncology and biologic drugs.
While traditional GPOs focus broadly on numerous healthcare products, specialty GPOs partner with suppliers to negotiate contracts for high-cost specialty products. One key difference is that specialty GPOs maintain a smaller, more focused contract portfolio optimized to secure competitive pricing in niche markets.
A little history
The partnership developed in response to gaps HealthTrust’s Pharmacy Services team recognized in the specialty market where practices couldn’t access the best possible drug pricing. Combining HealthTrust’s traditional GPO strengths with Onmark’s specialty focus creates additional value for members, as well as access to proprietary drugs that might not be available through a conventional GPO.
Eligible members—including hospital outpatient infusion centers and physician clinics—can now benefit from exclusive access to the new contracts, rebates and pre-negotiated administrative fees unique to this partnership.
Partnership benefits & value
The potential savings for members not currently affiliated with a specialty GPO ranges from 5–10%. Savings average between 1% and 3% for those already engaged with a specialty GPO. “While these percentages may seem modest,” explains Alyssa Huff, Manager of AdvantageTrust & Specialty Pharmacy Member Support, “they represent significant savings given that specialty medications constitute the highest spending category and are the fastest-growing product segment for many health systems and providers.”
With HealthTrust’s white-glove support and consistent, balanced insights, members can fully leverage their GPO membership to achieve substantial savings through the partnership. This includes access to:
- Savings on top therapeutic options in oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, retina, urology, neurology and other advanced specialties, including oral chemotherapy, supportive medications and self-administered products.
- A best-in-class contract portfolio.
- A proven team of experts who helps members achieve additional performance-based savings with tools to track performance.
- Information on new medical trends and benefits from Onmark’s work with manufacturers, giving members GPO pricing during product launch and additional performance-based savings opportunities for top specialty products.
- Personalized business evaluation and analysis.
Ready to unlock better specialty drug pricing? Contact your Account Manager or the Pharmacy team at HTspecialtyGPO@healthtrustpg.com
Share Email Member Experience, Q1 2025
