ɧ»¢tv

System.Func`1[System.String]

6 Questions Health Systems Should Ask Their Partners – Beyond Price

Answering these questions can help differentiate transactional vendor relationships from strategic partnerships that add value.

By McKesson Health Systems Editorial Team

Date

November 06, 2025

Read Time

3 minutes

Magnifying glass over a yellow checkmark inside a white square on a blue background.

Focusing on the right product at the right price is no longer enough. Strategic partnerships vs. transactional vendor relationships add value that can help health systems achieve more: better planning, stronger compliance, and improved patient care. As Rafael Saenz, Vice President, Knowledge Management & Thought Leadership, Professional & Advisory Services, puts it,

“Of course price is tied to value, but price on its own is a short-term measure that doesn’t capture the total value – or the total cost – of a partnership. The lowest price on a spreadsheet isn’t going to amount to much if there are errors, inefficiencies, or missed opportunities that erode that value later down the line – and that’s what health systems are (or should be) thinking more about in today’s environment – that long-term value you get from knowing that your distributor is continuously helping ensure accuracy and compliance and all of those things while working alongside you to meet your goals.”        

You can find the full Q&A on the value of a strategic partnership beyond price with Rafael here.

Rafael Saenz

Of course price is tied to value, but price on its own is a short-term measure that doesn’t capture the total value – or total cost – of a partnership.

Below, we’ve compiled six key questions health systems should ask themselves to help differentiate between transactional vendor relationships and the added value strategic partnerships bring to enable you to plan, adapt, and grow your business of pharmacy.

Graphic listing six questions to evaluate strategic partners for planning, growth, and operational support.

It’s time to expect more from your distributor. Contact us to achieve more with McKesson today.

Subscribe Now
To learn how McKesson can help health systems achieve more, sign up to have the Prescribed Perspectives newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.

Related Stories

Professionals walk through a glass office lobby carrying bags and talking in small groups
Upcoming Event: HealthTrust University Conference

Read More

Pharmacy staff member reviews medication box on shelf, holding device while standing in a stocked pharmacy aisle.
Where High-Performing Specialty Pharmacies Focus Today

Read More

People walking and talking in a modern open office lobby, some holding notebooks and badges, viewed from above.
Upcoming Event: 340B Coalition Summer Conference

Read More

Healthcare worker inserts IV line into a person's hand as the person sits with arm resting in a clinic setting.
3 Ways to Evolve Your Infusion Strategy

Read More

Group of business professionals walk and talk in a bright glass hallway, some holding folders and coffee, moving between offices.
Upcoming Event: THMA Pharmacy Growth Collaborative

Read More

Two business professionals shake hands in a bright office while three colleagues stand behind them holding documents.
2026 Asembia Summit Highlights the Value of Connection Across Specialty, Data, and Partnerships

Read More

Microphone on a stand at a panel discussion, with seated speakers and gesturing hands out of focus in the background.
Optimizing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Inventory Management: Insights from Becker’s Healthcare Annual Meeting

Read More

IV infusion bag on a stand in the foreground, with two seated people in a clinical room in the background.
The Infusion Perfect Storm: A Defining Moment in Health System Infusion Strategy?

Read More

People networking in a bright atrium, standing by glass railings and talking in small groups.
Upcoming Event: Navigating the Future of Specialty Pharmacy at AXS26

Read More

Five people seated around a conference table reviewing documents and charts during a meeting in a bright office.
Upcoming Event: Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting

Read More