Discussions addressed pharmaceutical cost pressures, supplier strategies for sustainable growth and opportunities for health systems to maximize the value of their GPO relationships
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Healthcareperformancegroup—HealthTrust Performance Group™ (HealthTrust) participated in the Fall 2026 IDN Summit and Reverse Expo, held Aug. 31-Sept. 2 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The event brought together senior healthcare supply chain and pharmacy executives with solution providers for an in-person event featuring CE-accredited breakout sessions, visionary keynotes, senior-level idea exchanges and product-sourcing opportunities.
HealthTrust advanced its mission of helping healthcare providers make their missions possible through its leaders contributing to discussions focused on some of the most pressing priorities facing integrated delivery networks (IDNs), including pharmaceutical cost pressures and market volatility, evolving supplier relationships and opportunities for health systems to realize greater value from their group purchasing organizations (GPOs).
Richard Philbrick, Chief Customer Officer at HealthTrust Performance Group joined a panel of GPO leaders to share perspectives on what differentiates highly engaged GPO members and how IDNs could more effectively leverage GPO relationships to drive enterprise-wide value.
“Access to competitive contracts, data and expertise creates real value. Scaling of that value comes from what health systems are able to put into action through alignment,” said Philbrick. “The strongest GPO relationships are connected to how an organization actually makes decisions—bringing together supply chain, clinical, operational and financial leaders around shared priorities. When that engagement is combined with aligned scale, actionable insights and disciplined execution, the partnership can turn opportunity into measurable, sustainable value.”
HealthTrust at the Fall 2026 IDN Summit
HealthTrust participated in three sessions addressing pharmacy, supplier and executive leadership priorities:
1) Combatting Cost Pressures: The GPO Perspective
Pharmacy Track
HealthTrust panelist: Bradley Merrill, PharmD
Rising pharmaceutical costs, market volatility and continued pressure on healthcare margins were among the challenges discussed by pharmacy leaders. The panel brought together leaders from national GPOs to examine current market conditions, supply challenges and strategies for helping health systems manage costs while maintaining access to essential therapies.
2) Aligned for Growth: How Suppliers Create Value with HealthTrust
Supplier Strategies Session
HealthTrust participant: Kyle Dunn
The HealthTrust session examined how the organization’s operationally grounded approach and aligned membership could accelerate adoption, utilization and market expansion when suppliers bring solutions that support member priorities. The discussion addressed changing IDN needs, expanding acute and non-acute opportunities, and what suppliers needed to deliver to turn contract access into sustainable growth.
3) Maximizing Your GPO Relationship
Executive Leadership Track
HealthTrust panelist: Richard Philbrick
As contracting complexity increased and margin pressures persisted, the session (featuring Philbrick above) explored how IDNs could more effectively engage with their GPOs across contract leverage, data utilization, clinical alignment, consulting support and technology integration.
HealthTrust’s participation reflected its focus on translating healthcare operating experience into practical strategies that strengthen clinical, operational and financial performance across the health system.
Learn more about how HealthTrust Performance Group supports its members at healthtrustpg.com.
About HealthTrust Performance Group
HealthTrust Performance Group™ (HealthTrust) is a leading healthcare improvement organization owned and operated by seven health systems. Dedicated to making missions possible, HealthTrust strengthens provider performance and clinical excellence through an aligned membership model and business advisory solutions that leverage expertise, scale and innovation. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, HealthTrust is the only national GPO with direct responsibility for the performance and outcomes of some of the largest healthcare supply chains—bringing a uniquely accountable perspective, supporting 25% of U.S. hospitals, including eight of the 15 largest health systems, with a membership including more than 1,900 acute care and over 90,000 non-acute care facilities across the U.S. and U.K. For five years, HealthTrust has been recognized as a Top Workplace. Learn more at healthtrustpg.com.
Contacts
Angel May
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615.821.6844
