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DaimlerChrysler Extended Enterpriser(R) Aggressively Tackles Health Care Supplier Concerns

9 June 1999

DaimlerChrysler Extended Enterpriser(R) Aggressively Tackles Health Care Supplier Concerns

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 7 -- Small organizational and
structural changes such as uniform stocking of prescription cabinets and on-
line lab results can lead to improved quality, decreased costs and a two-day
shorter hospital stay for some patients.  That's what the staff at St. Joseph
Oakland in Pontiac, Mich., realized after attending a DaimlerChrysler
Extended Enterprise(R) Continuous Improvement Workshop (CIW)
workshop last year.
    It's a year later and DaimlerChrysler's Extended Enterprise has delivered
what was originally promised: improved quality/customer satisfaction, waste
reduction and cost savings among its heath care supplier base.
    Over a dozen tier one and two suppliers will meet on Tuesday, June 8 and
report on successes at the Extended Enterprise (CIW) Team Report-Out Day.
Approximately 400 health care professionals, including insurance companies,
doctors, nurses and health care administrators, will be in attendance.
    The session will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Petruzzello's Restaurant
in Troy, Mich.  Author Michael Millenson, "Demanding Medical Excellence" will
be the keynote speaker.
    "We fully support the efforts of the workshops to streamline processes,"
said Brad Jackson, Director of Communications for SelectCare.  Jackson said
through the Extended Enterprise, several Michigan Managed Care Providers
worked together to streamline the several health care referral forms.
Together, the companies eliminated close to 20 forms and agreed on one form
for everyone.  This process reduced costs in printing and training and
eliminated inefficiencies.
    DaimlerChrysler has facilitated and mentored over 35 one-week CIW's during
the last year with several key suppliers.
    "The Extended Enterprise addresses a national concern -- improving
customer satisfaction while decreasing costs," said Kathy Oswald, Senior Vice
President-Human Resources.  "We are actively engaging our suppliers in an
aggressive dialogue to determine how we can all do better and work together."
    At the health care event, Oswald will continue to challenge suppliers to
take their efforts to the next level -- medical management -- and continue
their drive to improve quality and cut out waste and cost.

    Directions to Petruzzello's:

    From the South:  I-75 to Rochester Road exit.  Rochester Road north (about
4 miles) to Petruzzello's on the right.

    From the North:  I-75 to M-59 East to Rochester Road exit.  Rochester Road
south (about 1/2 mile) to Petruzzello's on the left.

    From the East:  I-94 to M-59 West.  M-59 West to Rochester Road exit.
Rochester Road south (about 1/2 mile to Petruzzello's on the left.