The Value Analysis Program Manager will perform the functions necessary to support the clinical value analysis function of Augusta Health and will share responsibility for achieving supply expense reduction targets established for the Augusta Health Supply Chain Cost Reduction Initiative. Will support the development of clinical and business case analysis of requests for new clinical products to ensure controlled introduction of safe, high quality and cost-effective products and services by establishing and adhering to a streamlined method for standardizing and monitoring product/service selection, utilization, and costs. Will coordinate the Value Analysis Process which includes decreasing product/service expenditures by promoting the selection of the most effective and economical quality product/services, monitoring cost performance measures, and coordinating product/service evaluations and trials. Will serve as an information resource. Under the direction of the Director of Supply Chain, the Manager will work collaboratively with physicians, allied health professionals, administrators, Finance Department staff, Supply Chain staff, vendors, and individuals internal and external to Augusta Health.

Essential Functions:

Product/Service Development Skills

• Investigates new or alternative products/services based on observations, product issues, excessive costs, and requests for other user groups.
• Decreases product/service expenditures by promoting the selection of the most effective and economical quality product/service based on trial and/or evaluation methods that are fact based.
• Monitors cost performance measures to analyze and understand underlying cost drivers in product/service expenditures.
• Collaborates with Finance colleagues in determining impact of product/service selections on revenue and accounting cycle
• Participates in the planning of implementation of approved product/service conversions
• Stays current on technology, regulatory, and operational trends in the health care industry which may impact product/service utilization.

Product/Service Evaluation Skills

• Coordinates products/services evaluation and trials to assure the proper use of products, use of appropriate evaluation criteria, documentation of evaluation outcome, and consultation of necessary personnel (e.g. physicians, infection control, biomedical engineering, etc.)
• Collaborates with the evaluators and suppliers to obtain necessary products/services for evaluation as needed.
• Ensures written summary/cost analysis and recommendation relative to evaluated product/service.
• Streamlines the new product evaluation and introduction process to maximize clinicalcustomer satisfaction.
• Interacts with physicians, clinicians, and allied health professionals to determine need and initiate supply/service evaluation process.

Team Building Skills

• Guides Value Analysis Team (VAT) members and chairpersons relative to value analysis processes.
• Identifies the need for VAT to interact with all applicable departments to assure safety regulatory and epidemiology issues are addressed prior to product selection.
• Facilitates discussions in VAT meetings.

Collaboration Skills

• Participates in contract negotiations with vendors when appropriate.
• Coordinates with Section and Committee Chairs to set strategy and agendas.
• Collaborates with supply chain management, business owners and Medical Staff to develop and implement a plan to monitor outcomes as related to products standardization.
• Collaborates with user groups and suppliers to develop product specifications and to determine availability and potential use of standard or custom supplies.

Information Resource Skills

• Acts as project sponsor on value analysis investigations where appropriate.
• Helps identify data/information requirements for Value Analysis initiatives.
• Supplements knowledge base with available resources within and outside the organization in order to effectively accomplish various duties.
• Provides benchmarking expertise and information

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical science with a minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in a health care environment required.
• Advanced clinical degree and/or Masters in Business Administration, Health Science, or related discipline preferred.
• Registered Nurse or other Certified or Registered clinician in a recognized field such as Respiratory, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, etc. required.

Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an IDN (Integrated Delivery Network).
• Must possess a solid knowledge of statistical and financial analyses, budget preparation, cost analysis and hospital reimbursements.
• Must possess management skills, including program planning and development, project management, and performance and quality management.
• Must possess strong oral and written communications skills, and strong interrelations-management skills tempered with an ability to effectuate change in a dynamic environment.