Panel Discussion - To Rep Or Not To Rep: Is The ‘Rep-Less Model’ Viable?

Join us for our annual Panel Discussion as we explore the 'Rep-Less model'.  How much influence do Sales Representatives wield in the procedural health care setting? Is their presence necessary during surgical procedures? Does this get disclosed to the patient?  Do hospitals require informed consent?  How does the rep’s presence effect the dynamic of the procedure?    Device reps have not historically been scrutinized the same way as pharmaceutical salespeople, whose role has been significantly reduced in the past decade.

This discussion was brought to the forefront again last fall when NPR released an article and report on the subject in November:

• Click Here To Read the NPR Article
  
• Click Here To Listen to the NPR Report
  

The medical device market is a multi-billion dollar industry which has raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest for physicians who are required to report industry payments as part of the Affordable Care Act. Hospitals are consistently working to standardize, control and manage the activities of device salespeople in their hospitals every day.

Some hospitals have even eliminated reps in orthopedics. Instead, they purchase the implants directly from the manufacturer at a significant discount and apply a portion of the savings to train hospital employed surgical technicians to provide the expert knowledge during the surgical procedure. But that is the exception and not the rule, is such an overhaul of the healthcare system truly viable?

SEPAC has assembled a group of diverse panelists to provide a greater understanding of ALL the contributing factors that should be considered when evaluating the ‘rep-less model’.  

• Derek J. Donegan, M.D., MBA - Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Division of Orthopedic Trauma University of Pennsylvania
• Lori Fowler-Gagliardi - Clinical Director Perioperative Services at University of Pennsylvania Health System
• William R. Kolb, P.E., MBA - Regional Manager - DePuy Synthes

Together, we will gain a greater understanding of the implications of the ‘rep-less model’.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn all considerations regarding implementing a rep-less model in your organization
  
• Learn pros and cons for allowing vendor access to procedural areas
  
• Learn successful strategies that can help organizations find the right balance of representation vs. full insourcing

This spring SEPAC will be holding a raffle for TWO (2) all-expense paid trip to National AHRMM in San Diego. You can enter the raffle in one of two ways:

1. Register a colleague and bring them to the panel discussion (must be their first SEPAC meeting) 
2. Become a member the night of the panel discussion (if you are not already a member)

Also, if you bring a colleague for the first time AND they complete their membership the night of the event you will receive a second entry into the raffle!

Any SEPAC member in good standing, who is also a member of National AHRMM and whose organization will not fund their attendance at the Annual National AHRMM Meeting is eligible.  This represents a $2200 value!

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Don't miss out on the chance to get your name in front of everyone attending. Buy your sponsorship online or contact sponsorshipchair@sepaconline.org for more information.