Siemens wins preferred vendor contract

Siemens Medical Systemswas named a preferred vendor for cardiac catheterization labsand MRI scanners last month by University Hospital Consortiumof Oak Brook, IL. The agreement is valid for one year, with twoone-year extension options.

The use of preferred vendor contracts is growing as hospitalchains and networks use the lure of volume purchases to secureprice discounts from vendors. Siemens was the only vendor awardedpreferred status by UHC for both cardiac cath lab and MRI products.

UHC is a nonprofit alliance of 70 university hospitals. Theconsortium's materials and supplies group has an annual purchasingpotential of over $1.2 billion.