Blockchain could be valuable to the healthcare supply chain industry, but providers and executives still have their reservations, according to John Kupice, CEO of the online marketplace H-Source.
Mr. Kupice shared insights with Becker's ASC Review on what surgery centers should know about blockchain:
Question: How can ASCs leverage blockchain to improve supply chain efficiency?
Mr. Kupice: Blockchain security and chain of custody tracking will create or enable new supply chain strategies. An example is direct access to products such as generic drugs. The inherent tracking of the product from production to the patient is built into a well-designed blockchain. Buying direct or generic drugs can reduce costs for the ASCs.
Q: What keeps ASCs from harnessing blockchain technology?
JK: The lack of availability of proven products. Also, a lot of the projects have been designed for large systems for private use. I am sure the cost is a factor as well.
Q: How can ASCs overcome the obstacles and apprehensions keeping them from blockchain implementation?
JK: There will be blockchain solutions available later this year that target ASCs and smaller medical facilities. They will be available via cloud-based systems that will enable new supply chain models including risk sharing to reduce the overall cost of ownership.