Brad Wenstrup: “I would like to raise some concerns I have about VA's efforts to streamline the catalog of surgical tools that are…”

“I would like to raise some concerns I have about VA's efforts to streamline the catalog of surgical tools that are available to VA Medical Centers. I share the VA's goals of increasing efficiency and purchasing power. However, I am concerned that there is a reliance on single-source contracts, and here is why: I believe single-award contracts are too limited and will reduce choice for surgeons. As a surgeon myself, I know practitioners have specific preferences and a comfort for what tools work best in their hands. Surgical residents learn when they have more options, more techniques in front of them and innovations. Often, when surgeons are restricted, they practice elsewhere. I am concerned that limiting surgeons' options will have an effect on the morale and retention of surgeons in the VA, and I think the last thing the VA needs right now is to lose more providers. I also know that patients have different needs. Every surgery case is unique due to the individual patient anatomy, comorbidities, et cetera. So I would just like to be assured that surgeons will have flexibility, which means more choice and better care for veterans and for our patients. Unfortunately, in my efforts to get this assurance, I get conflicting information from various sources within the VA. Multiyear, single-award contracts are irreparable if we get them wrong.…”