Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/55965
IN ADDITION TO financing the ongoing rollout of connectivity across the Cooperative membership, the group purchasing program is generating great savings: + A multispecialty group is saving more than $27,000 in 2012 through its utilization of just one of the available vendors. + Another rural family practice utilizing that same vendor will save more than $15,000 in 2012. + Two of the vendors will bring a $4,500 savings in 2012 to a mid-sized family practice. + A small family practice will save $13,000 by utilizing just two of the vendors. + A two-physician office will save $6,000 in 2012 using four of the co-op vendors. + CoCard is a total payment processing solution extending beyond the credit card processing that other processors provide, and doing so at a cost far below traditional fees. + The Weston Group is a primary provider of information technology (IT) services for health care providers without (or with limited) IT capa- bilities and a provider of as-needed supplemental support for practices with existing external or internal IT support. + CriticalConnection Mortgage Lending offers its service through a relationship with a national mort- gage corporation. CriticalConnection Mortgage Lending provides loans for first-time homebuyers and move- up buyers, refinancing, and FHA loans. Benefits for Cooperative mem- bers come in a number of ways, including reduced closing costs and streamlined transactions. + Comerica Bank, a national bank headquartered in Texas, provides a broad range of financial services tailored to the needs of the physician market. In addition, its foundation has made multiple grants in support of the Cooperative's mission. + Door Number 3 is a full-service marketing, advertising and website service provider. In addition to these quality vendors, the group purchasing program will be adding additional resources in 2012, including a medical products vendor. Looking Forward The Cooperative will champion several priorities in the upcoming year, including: + Bui lding the membership of the Cooperative. + Expanding group purchasing program participation and the scope of available services and products. This expansion will drive the rollout of Community Health Record connectivity across South Texas. + Collaborating with federal- and state-initiated health information exchanges (HIEs) and their supporting organizations. The Cooperative is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of the practicing physician are fully encompassed in proposed solutions to improve communication among all health care stakeholders. The year 2012 will be one of great beginnings for the Cooperative, its members and the ultimate beneficiaries — the patients. We invite and encourage physicians to seek out and visit with cur- rent Cooperative members for additional information on our mission and value. Please call the Cooperative office at (512) 236-1887 or send an e-mail request to CTC@criticalconnection.com to find out how you can become a part of this growing community. If you respond by e-mail, be sure to include your personal contact information, either cell phone number or e-mail address. ■