MDNews - Minnesota

Q Sam decker, &A CEO ANd PRESidENT Steve Agrimson, ViCE PRESidENT ANd CfO healthteCh SolutioNS mObilE SuRgiCAl SERViCES HealthTech Solutions (HTS) is a locally owned and operated business that delivers high-quality equipment, meeting specific needs and optimizing patient outcomes. Its trained technicians set up the equipment and make themselves available during procedures to ensure they go smoothly. After the procedures, HTS staff take down the equipment and clean up the space, leaving the rooms just as they found them. This service allows clients the freedom to rely on equipment only when they need it instead of making expensive purchases for what may be only occasional procedures. Q What is the most important thing hospitals and clinics must understand as we enter this new phase of health care and overcome financial challenges? Decker: The more complicated our world becomes, the more specialized we should all be. If we all focus on what we do best, we can achieve great things for patients and the healthcare community as a whole. Q Should hospitals determine their approach to technology access differently from the way they do it now? Decker: The key point to remember is the pure 'acquisition cost' is only a small part of any purchase. Expenses sometimes overlooked are personnel costs to research products and options and to create and implement protocols and procedures; management controls and oversight; initial and ongoing training; inventory, storage, repairs and maintenance; obsolescence; a divestiture strategy; etc. Very few pro formas capture the true cost of a purchase decision. To maintain competitive advantage, hospitals can have access to more technology while allocating their limited dollars to other important purchases. Q What is the most significant change you have seen in health care in the past decade? Agrimson: The shift in responsibility and transparency of healthcare costs. As a result, people are beginning to "shop" for lower-cost providers and postponing treatments temporarily, and some are not going to the doctor at all. Q How does HealthTech Solutions choose technology in which to invest? Agrimson: Our niche is finding products that are capital-intensive and have the likelihood of changing or continually improving within a few years. It is very hard for a hospital to acquire new technology and get a fair ROI in today's market. Our service allows them access to technology and expertise without the high risk of obsolescence, all while keeping their costs stable and predictable. Q What is the best career advice you have received? Decker: 'It isn't the problem you have, but how you solve it.' First, it immediately gets you from the problem to the solution. It also focuses on 'how,' meaning you should still take into account resources, efficiencies and alternatives. Agrimson: 'Nothing stays the same.' You always need to be looking into the future to see what changes are coming and how to position your company for long-term success. As Wayne Gretzky put it, 'A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.' ■ ABouT SAM DECKER, PRESiDENT AND CEo A Texas native, Sam Decker received his bachelor's degree in management from the University of Oklahoma. He has spent the past 19 years in Minnesota working with and rolling out medical lasers and surgical technology from more than 30 manufacturers. His approach to the medical community is one of seeking benefit for all. Decker cofounded HealthTech Solutions in 2002 and has been a part of several other companies that have had successful exits. 10 ABouT STEvE AgRiMSoN, viCE PRESiDENT AND CFo Born and raised in Minnesota, Steve Agrimson earned his bachelor's degree in management from UW Eau Claire. Agrimson has been in the medical industry for the past 19 years and has held a variety of positions, including the role of Regional Operations Manager for ICN Medical Alliance, before cofounding HealthTech Solutions. He has helped start and operate several local companies and enjoys the challenges of small business. | Twin Cities MD News ■ MdNewS.CoM

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