The Capital Compass

About The Capital Compass

Chart your course with The Capital Compass, an exciting new podcast to help you navigate your journey to value. On The Capital Compass, we explore today’s most dynamic areas in capital spend strategy. From imaging and Group Buys, we dive into the emerging trends and market drivers that are shaping the big decisions for capital procurement. As a part of the powerful lineup of Vizient podcasts, The Capital Compass is available on all your favorite podcast channels.

Publisher

Vizient

Category

business · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 May 2025

Latest episode

12 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Strategic capital planning: Balancing financial pressure, equipment needs & long-term growth

   00:04 — Introduction & Episode Overview Host Susan Edwards introduces the challenge facing healthcare executives: how to continue investing in critical equipment, infrastructure, and technology while operating margins remain under pressure. Healthcare organizations are balancing: Aging equipment Demand for advanced technology Workforce challenges Changing patient expectations Financial and operational constraints Guests: Danny Cisneros, Associate Principal, Capital Equipment Solutions, Vizient Jon Nickvis, Senior Vice President, Kaufman Hall The conversation explores how organizations can prioritize investments, evaluate funding models, and build sustainable capital strategies. 01:44 — Today’s Financial Environment Every dollar matters as health systems operate under continued financial pressure. Major facilities and strategic investments traditionally receive significant financial scrutiny, while equipment spending can be more reactionary. Treating equipment financing as a strategic decision can help organizations: Preserve cash Improve capital efficiency Maintain financial flexibility. 02:26 — Bringing Discipline to Capital Equipment Planning Strong organizations establish clear ownership of the equipment planning and financing process. Without accountability, organizations risk: Evergreen lease extensions Keeping equipment longer than intended Difficult end-of-term requirements Unplanned financial decisions Ownership needs to begin upfront, not when a contract or lease is about to expire. 03:17 — Post-COVID Capital Decisions & Embedded Leases Accounting changes have influenced how organizations evaluate equipment leases. Health systems may turn to placement agreements that bundle: Equipment Services Software Disposables Reagents These arrangements can unintentionally circumvent strategic capital decision-making and create accounting complexity. 04:02 — The “Spiderweb” of Placement Agreements Large organizations may lack a consistent process for auditing placement agreements. Ownership may shift between individuals and departments over time. Agreements can include right-of-use assets that may need to be treated as equipment leases. Poor visibility creates: Equipment risk Strategic risk Accounting risk Audit risk. 05:02 — The Need for Specialized Expertise Real estate and capital equipment may both affect the balance sheet, but require very different expertise. Legacy ownership structures can leave responsibility with individuals who were never intended to manage an expanding equipment portfolio. As organizations grow, processes need to mature rather than continuing to rely on institutional knowledge alone. 06:25 — Capital Equipment as a Growing Strategic Priority Equipment planning is receiving greater attention as organizations recognize its connection to: Clinical outcomes Patient care Operational performance Cybersecurity Aging technology can introduce new risks, making it increasingly difficult to rely on reactive replacement strategies. 08:01 — Balancing Immediate Needs With Long-Term Strategy Organizations should avoid using placement agreements simply to circumvent capital approval. Instead, leaders should develop a forward-looking capital plan that evaluates: What equipment is needed Why and when it is needed How it should be financed Options may include: Cash Finance leases Fair-market-value operating leases Placement agreements Finance should be involved earlier in the process. 09:28 — The Visibility Problem Equipment does not suddenly become outdated when a quote reaches sourcing. Waiting until procurement begins means many cost decisions may already be effectively determined. Service, IT, implementation, and other expenses also need consideration. The larger challenge may be less about access to capital and more about visibility into future equipment needs. 10:09 — CapEx, OpEx & Hidden Equipment Costs Organizations may lack clarity around what

2. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Recovering lost value in capital procurement

   Healthcare organizations often negotiate strong pricing, incentives and contract terms for capital equipment, but the full value of those agreements can be lost as projects move into execution. In this episode, we examine where value leakage occurs, why it can be difficult to detect and how Vizient’s Capital Procurement Recovery program helps healthcare organizations validate pricing, activate contract benefits and recover missed value while protecting every capital dollar invested. Guests: Vizient Capital Procurement Recovery subject matter experts Capital Equipment Solutions and Contract Services Vizient Moderator: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [00:52 – 02:25] Why is protecting negotiated capital value increasingly important for healthcare organizations? [02:25 – 04:35] How fragmented project teams and stakeholder handoffs create blind spots during capital procurement. [04:35 – 06:30] The operational, clinical and financial effects of value leakage. [06:30 – 08:40] Why margin pressure makes recovering every available capital dollar more important. [08:40 – 10:40] The client challenge that led to the development of Capital Procurement Recovery. [10:40 – 12:45] How missed pricing tiers, rebates and incentives can reduce the value of a negotiated agreement. [12:45 – 14:50] The discovery process: validating purchases, contract terms and supplier commitments. [14:50 – 16:55] The difference between a traditional vendor and a strategic capital procurement partner. [16:55 – 18:55] How Vizient’s GPO relationships, contract knowledge and market perspective support recovery efforts. [18:55 – 20:45] What the Capital Procurement Recovery review looks like in practice. [20:45 – 22:35] The performance-based model and how it aligns success with measurable value delivered. [22:35 – 24:20] Why active validation matters throughout the capital procurement lifecycle. [24:20 – 26:08] Key takeaways: do not assume negotiated terms will be realized automatically, and use recovered value to support patient care, infrastructure and future growth. Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

3. 

   4 May 2026

   Holding the line: Capital Strategy for Rural and Independent Community Hospitals

   Today we're going to explore the current state of rural hospitals and independent community hospitals, many of which are navigating razor thin margins and rising capital costs. We'll talk about emerging policy support and how this may impact capital investment decisions. Guests: Russell Hall VP, Independent Community Market Vizient Rebecca Gayden Sr Principal, Capital Equipment Solutions Vizient Host: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [01:40 – 3:27] State of the union when it comes to rural hospitals [03:27 – 04:09] The pressures being faced by rural and community hospitals and how that affects capital spend [04:09 – 04:46] The tradeoffs being made [04:46 – 6:27] How an independent hospital needs to prioritize [6:27 – 8:22] Rural health transformation funds [8:22 – 9:08] Following the money [9:08 – 13:41] Determining eligibility and other options [13:42 – 15:55] How we bridge the gap between strategy and action [15:55 – 17:57] The most effective use of dollars [17:57 – 19:10] Maximizing capital dollars [19:10 – 20:47] Additional levers and Group buys [20:47 – 24:11] What's ahead [24:11 – 25:42] Wrap up and suggestions Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

4. 

   9 Jan 2026

   The Capital Commit Program

   Haphazard plans aren't really plans at all and when you are dealing with capital commitments that can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars In expense, the work you do BEFORE you spend Is as Important as the spend Itself. That's where Capital Commit comes In. Guests: Mahogany Laur Program Services Manager Vizient Tammi Pegues Program Services Director Vizient Moderator: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [00:45 – 05:08] What Is the capital commit program? What Is the history of It? [05:08 – 08:04] The power of aggregation and the Ideal client. [08:04 – 09:20] Utilizing leverage and commitment. [09:20 – 12:10] Group buys and how commit Is different. [12:10 – 14:52] How does the program support the suppliers? The power of Data. [14:52 – 15:46] Price paid transparency. [15:46 – 20:32] What Is the future of Capital Commit? [20:32 – 22:37] Wrap up and suggestions Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

5. 

   8 Dec 2025

   Unlocking Hidden Value

   Where is the true hidden value in capital equipment procurements?  Capital purchases are often high-stakes decisions that require coordination between clinical, financial and operational teams. Listen In as we unlock the secrets to finding hidden value within your capital expenditures. Guest: Adam Fairbourn Sr. Director, Contract Services Vizient Joni Swartz Sr. Director, Contract Services Vizient Host: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [01:24 – 03:05] What makes capital equipment procurement unique? [03:05 – 05:30] Vizient's bid process explained. [05:30 – 07:13] How important is the total cost of ownership? [07:13 – 9:58] What value can be unlocked In the GPO national agreements. [9:58 – 12:17] Examples of how the framework Is put together. [12:17 – 13:39] What Is the value of unlocking a GPO? [13:39 – 14:58] How can smaller clients unlock the same value? [14:58 – 16:18] Are group buys available? [16:18 – 19:10] Unlocking value on a large scale. [19:10 – 21:45] Are there quick wins to be found? [21:45 – 23:05] Wrap up and suggestions Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

6. 

   14 Nov 2025

   Precision Equipment Planning Boosted by Vizient’s GPO

   What makes medical equipment planning such a crucial part of the construction, expansion and renovation equation? When you think of construction costs, you can't limit yourself to thinking of bricks and drywall. There's way more to It. In this episode, we explore the costs associated with medical equipment and medical equipment planning so that you're better Informed when It comes time to renovate or build that new medical space. Guest: Patrick Melone Associate Principal, Capital Equipment Solutions Vizient Host: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [00:52 – 02:21] What's the big picture? Why Is medical equipment planning Important? [02:30 – 03:30] The hidden pitfalls of construction and expansion projects. [03:31 – 04:50] How do you now need to approach equipment planning with new developments in technology? [04:51 – 7:27] How does cyber security play into planning? [7:28 – 9:10] Where can cost overruns happen? [9:20 –10:45] The lifecycle of equipment. The total cost of ownership. [10:47 – 11:29] The Importance of terms and conditions. [11:27 – 12:24] Is sustainability a key decision-making element? [12:24 – 14:17] The Vizient difference. The value of the GPO. [14:17 – 16:34] How do we get a project to the finish line? [16:34 – 18:02] Budget management. [18:02 – 19:09] The role of medical equipment planning during the construction process. [19:09 – 19:56] The owner contractor architect meeting. [19:56 – 21:17] Key takeaways and things to think about. [21:17 – 22:15] Wrap up and suggestions Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

7. 

   8 Oct 2025

   Total Cost of Ownership

   What is the true cost of ownership when it comes to medical equipment? When you think of capital spending, ownership costs can become very configurable from the standpoint that everyone has different systems, tools and methods to arrive at a base value. What we at Vizient have done Is to put tools in place that allow for a certain amount of standardization and consistency, essentially leveling the field when It comes to ownership costs and ownership strategies. Guest: Danny Cisneros Sr. Consulting Director Vizient Host: Susan Edwards Product Marketing Manager Vizient Show Notes: [00:46 – 03:15] What Is total cost of ownership? What Is Its history? [03:15 – 04:13] The science behind "unbundling" of equipment costs [04:13 – 08:20] How does the cost of ownership Impact expansion? [08:20 – 10:22] The approach to consolidating people and resources [10:22 – 12:28] Unbundling and the lifecycle of equipment [12:28 – 13:44] Finding the hidden costs and working over time [13:44 – 15:27] Assets advice for organizations [15:27 – 16:22] Balancing needs and outcomes for the ASC's [16:22 – 19:07] Real life examples and how to respond [19:07 – 21:15] Does everyone face the same challenges and what Is It about capital equipment that adds to the complexity of the Issue? [21:15 – 22:12] Terminology [22:12 – 23:44] Wrap up and suggestions Links | Resources: CES Case Studies Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

8. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Capital Spend Insights: Data that deliver smarter procurement decisions

   Whether you're navigating decentralized purchasing, benchmarking spend, or trying to align capital budget system wide, the Capital Spend Insights tool was built to transform how your organization approaches capital planning. Mike Kolp, associate principal from Vizient's Capital Equipment Solutions team joins host Susan Edwards to share how health systems are using Capital Spend Insights to unlock smarter, faster and more strategic decisions. Guests: Mike Kolp, Sr. Associate, Intelligence Vizient Moderator: Susan Edwards Marketing Communications Manager Show Notes: [01:09 – 02:04]  The why behind Capital Spin Insights [02:05 – 03:15]  Industry overarching trends needing solutions for capital provurement [03:16 – 03:59]  How capital spend insights tool changes visibility traditionally exposed in the capital procurement process [04:00 – 05:11]  How Capital Spend Insights make the quote review process better [05:12 – 07:37]  Comparing Capital Spend Insights to what's available in the marketplace from other competitors [07:38 – 10:22]  How Capital Spend Insights works alongside or in tandem with the other Vizient data solutions [10:45 – 11:36]  How full fledged subscribers are they using the tool most effectively in their organizations today [11:37 – 13:00]  Common types of projects that got clients interested in using this tool [13:01 – 17:09]  The tool’s GPO compliance component and the pull through of budget alignments [17:10 – 19:03]  New improvements and enhancements for the solution [19:04 – 20:41]  Comparing Capital Spend Insights to key Competitors [20:42 – 23:25]  Key Takaways [23:26 – 24:19]  Next steps for people interested in the tool [24:20 – 25:08]  Mike will be talking about the tool at the Vizient Summit Links | Resources: Link to Capital Equipment Solutions webpage: Click here Link to Capital Spend Insights video: Click here Capital Spend Insights fact sheet: Click here Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

9. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Theranostics: A New Weapon Against Cancer - Part 2

   Theranostics is a groundbreaking topic that's reshaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. It's a cutting-edge approach in cancer care, combining diagnosing and treating cancer using the same molecular tools. Theranostics has the spotlight because it's delivering on a promise we've been chasing for years in cancer care, truly personalized targeted treatment with fewer side effects than traditional options. Guests: Lindsay Williams, MBA, CNMT, R.T.(N)(CT)(ARRT) Pharmacy Sourcing Portfolio Executive Vizient Setu Shah, MPH Sr. Associate, Intelligence Sg2 Janna Laton, MBA, CNMT, NMTCB(CT), R.T.(R)(N)(MR)(ARRT) Independent Contributor and SME Host: Adam Fairbourn, MBA, CNMT Senior Director, Contract Services Vizient, Capital Equipment Solutions Show Notes: [00:48 – 01:55] What it takes for a healthcare organization to implement Theranostics [01:56 – 04:04] Success stories solving for some of the access and workflow issues [04:05 – 05:11] Education and training programs needed to support demand for nuclear medicine specialists and technologists [05:12 – 07:54] What's driving that growth in the field [07:55 – 09:34] What’s most exciting about theranostics over the next five to 10 years [09:34– 10:08] Will Theranostics become the standard of care for more types of cancer than we see today [10:09 – 11:30] The future of cancer care and Theranostics [11:30– 12:03] What Vizient is doing on the Theranostics front Links | Resources: Vizient article - https://www.vizientinc.com/insights/diagnostic-imaging Sg2 Perspectives Podcast: Transforming Cancer Care Delivery Sg2 Perspectives Podcast: Cell and Gene Therapy in Practice Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS Feed

10. 

    29 Jul 2025

    Theranostics: A New Weapon Against Cancer - Part 1

    Theranostics is a groundbreaking topic that's reshaping how we diagnose and treat cancer. It's a cutting-edge approach in cancer care, combining diagnosing and treating cancer using the same molecular tools. Theranostics has the spotlight because it's delivering on a promise we've been chasing for years in cancer care, truly personalized targeted treatment with fewer side effects than traditional options. Guests: Setu Shah, MPH, CAHME Sr. Associate, Intelligence Sg2, Vizient Lindsay Williams, MBA, CNMT, R.T.(N)(CT)(ARRT) Pharmacy Sourcing Portfolio Executive Vizient Jana Layton, MBA, CNMT, NMTCB(CT), R.T.(R)(N)(MR)(ARRT) Independent contributor and SME Host: Adam Fairborne, MBA, CNMT Senior Director, Contract Services Vizient, Capital Equipment Solutions Show Notes: [00:45] Defining Theranostics and why it’s getting attention [02:10] “See what you treat and treat what you see” captures the power of Theranostics [03:10] Why neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer are particularly well suited for this approach [03:50] Prostate specific membrane antigen or PSMA targeted imaging and treatment work and results [05:28] How Theranostics compares with more traditional cancer treatments in terms of precision and side effects Links | Resources: Vizient article - https://www.vizientinc.com/insights/diagnostic-imaging Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS Feed

11. 

    1 Jul 2025

    Twenty Years of Group Buys

    Tammi Pegues and Rebecca Gayden discuss Vizient's Group Buy Program with Susan Edwards, highlighting its 20-year evolution and how it delivers value to healthcare organizations through enhanced savings in this interview.

12. 

    24 Jun 2025

    Imaging’s Expanding Impact - Navigating Demand, Innovation and Strategy in 2025 - Part 2

    Host Andrew Rebhan interviews Gurmeet Bawa and Adam Fairbourn about the growth of diagnostic imaging beyond hospitals, covering sustainability, AI, mobile technologies, and capital planning, offering insights into future strategies.

13. 

    5 Jun 2025

    Imaging’s Expanding Impact - Navigating Demand, Innovation and Strategy in 2025 - Part 1

    Industry experts Gurmeet Bawa and Adam Fairbourn explore the primary forces driving growth in diagnostic imaging and its increasing importance to health systems in this interview episode hosted by Andrew Rebhan.

14. 

    13 May 2025

    The Capital Compass Promo

    This episode introduces "The Capital Compass" podcast, which explores dynamic areas in capital spend strategy and emerging trends shaping capital procurement decisions.

Who has been a guest on The Capital Compass

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Susan Edwards
• Gurmeet Bawa
• Adam Fairbourn

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 2 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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