CAPITAL STRATEGY INSIGHTS: Reimagining the Process #025

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April 2, 2025

#025 Sick People’s Money

They say to never begin a communication with an apology. OK – so welcome back Major League Baseball. The reason I say that was the last post I made in this forum was during last year’s baseball season. And so, I follow that statement with an apology – at least it wasn’t at the beginning.

I was in a GPO meeting and materials were handed out to participants. At the end of the meeting the presenter asked for the materials back, making the comment that they had been bought with “sick people’s money”.

That was 32 years ago and has stuck with me. Yes, I know that not all money that comes into the healthcare system is due to sickness; babies are born, and wellness and health maintenance is provided, but most revenues/income come from the care of sick people.

It’s a sobering thought.

One can make more money in this world outside of healthcare. Finance, energy, entertainment, real estate development are all avenues to wealth, but as another healthcare leader once said, “a person does not get into this business without a small amount of altruism.”

Not everyone has what it takes to be a clinician, to provide direct patient care. Being a contributor to patient care still feels good. It is satisfying to you at a deep and personal level. Regardless of your role in patient care, supplies, services, equipment, maintenance, finance, leadership – it all has a connection to doing good for people. I know it  was a pull for me.

This is one of the reasons why these posts exist. I have spent 40 years involved with medical capital equipment throughout its lifecycle and have learned a few things along the way. Things I want to share with my friends in the industry. Things that reduce the amount of money we need from sick people.

As I indicated in my last post, we love what we do and who we do it for, the good people caring for sick people. These posts will continue to provide perspectives about medical equipment that will hopefully bring you value. Value in managing one of the biggest expenditures in healthcare is something that is worth doing well.

Thanks again for reading these posts. Until next time, be well and continue to think strategically about who is using and paying for your medical equipment. Please feel free to comment when we post it on LinkedIn or at info@medicalequipmentconsultants.com.