Longtime CMEPP Supplier, Somagen Diagnostics, didn’t realize the relationship could be improved – merely by engaging CMEPP in discussion to help manage equipment servicing and repair.
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As National Director for the Technical Services for Somagen Diagnostics, Vantage Endoscopy, and AMT Surgical, Martin Brault’s days are quite challenging. Managing three service departments, all part of the Life Sciences sector of Diploma PLC (owner of Somagen Diagnostics), requires constant attention.
Yet, even with these time-consuming tasks, there’s one thing Penny Gklinos can count on – Martin will always take her calls.
“When I work with Martin, the barrier of high expectations is gone and we’re just two people working together to deliver excellent service to the hospitals,” says Penny, CMEPP’s Supplier Contracts Specialist.
A CMEPP Supplier since the early 2000s, Somagen is an Alberta-based company specializing in comprehensive in-vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Working towards a seamless relationship: As recently as two years ago, the relationship with Somagen was complicated by the one-off approach to managing a high quantity of equipment in the CMEPP program. This predictably increased the likelihood of errors and repairs. As part of its operating procedures, CMEPP works vigorously to proactively manage the maintenance and repair of equipment to create as seamless a relationship as possible between Suppliers and Participant hospitals.
Fortunately, when Penny returned from maternity leave in 2022 and reached out to Martin, both parties were motivated to bolster the relationship.
Together with CMEPP’s Director of Operations and Supplier Relations, Todd Presswood, Penny listened closely to Somagen’s needs and worked to demonstrate the benefits of working with CMEPP, including making it easier for Somagen to provide prompt service and having CMEPP as a central point of contact to manage administrative items like repairs and invoices.
Somagen has upwards of 80 pieces of equipment and so they realized that arranging this through a master agreement made the most sense.
“Together with Penny and the CMEPP team, we were able to identify areas of opportunity that we never would have found otherwise,” says Martin.
“There was a lot of back and forth,” says Penny. “We weren’t used to working together.” But she stuck with it and revamped the entire Somagen equipment list to improve data quality and streamline paperwork for ease of reference and changes.
Communication is a priority: That methodical approach laid the foundation for the creation of a two-year Master Services Agreement. To this day Penny continues to nurture the relationship. “From the beginning, we’ve made communication a priority,” she says. “Martin and I talk on TEAMS frequently and we have quick phone calls as well. Amendments are smoothly executed and updated, there’s never a delay.”
The momentum has continued with Somagen adding more units to the program and taking the steps to becoming a CMEPP VOR (Vendor of Record) Supplier.
The new landscape reinforces one of Somagen’s own stated goals – “At Somagen we’re focused on good customer service and working closely with CMEPP has reinforced that,” says Martin.
“When we started down this road there was definitely work to do, but Penny dedicated herself to nurturing this relationship,” says Todd. “CMEPP is proud to celebrate her tenacity, dedication and strong communication skills.”
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Somagen highlights
The Evolution of a Renewed Relationship
- Early 2000s – Somagen becomes a CMEPP Supplier.
- 2022 – Penny Gklinos and Todd Presswood meet with Somagen leadership to discuss the benefits of working with CMEPP: central point of contract, standardized agreement language, central payer and administrative support.
- Nurturing a new relationship – Penny nurtures a stronger relationship with Somagen through timely service and assistance in the creation a two-year Master Services Agreement with 70-80 pieces of equipment.
- A new understanding – Somagen and CMEPP both recognize that the new arrangement is creating value for everyone involved – and is easier than working directly with each hospital.
- The savings continue – The 2024 agreed pricing creates up-front savings for hospitals – and more equipment is being added to the program.
- A new engagement in Atlantic Canada! – Somagen commits to share equipment information, providing opportunity for (new program participant) Newfoundland to have the option to participate.
