Henry Schein follows health care ‘migration’ 

MELVILLE, N.Y. – With more and more health care migrating outside the hospital setting, Henry Schein’s acquisition of Prism Medical Products was a “natural progression” for the company, giving it a home care platform on which to grow, says President Brad Connett. 

Driving that migration to the home: reimbursement changes by payers that prioritize the value and effectiveness of that care, as well as “consumerism,” with patients becoming more knowledgeable about seeking the type of care they want, says Connett. 

“No one would disagree that if you can get care at home, that’s a wonderful thing,” he said. “As costs spiral out of control, more procedures are moving to a lower-cost setting.”  

Henry Schein Inc. offers products ranging from bandages and gauze to specialized laboratory and imaging equipment. While it has a large footprint in the dental industry, the company also serves physician offices, and urgent care and surgical centers.  

In Prism Medical Products, which provides supplies with a focus on wound care, Henry Schein has found not only a presence in the home, but also a partner with a good brand and a passion for patient care, says Connett.  

“The management team is truly passionate about services and patient care,” he said. “They are highly focused on wound care and on certain co-morbidities that are chronic in this country, like diabetes, obesity and urological problems. They fit a category we will expand in, (like glucometers and urologicals).” 

Henry Schein’s existing infrastructure is designed for small unit packaging, giving it a boost as it seeks to grow in the medical supplies market, says Connett. 

“In the markets we serve, there’s not a lot of storage space,” he said. “With highly automated distribution centers, we can have next day delivery to 98% of the country.”