For 4 years, the AAOS has sponsored a group purchasing program for medical and surgical supplies, with nearly 1,000 practices participating in the program. On Nov. 29, 2010, however, the AAOS received word from eSurg Corporation, the entity that has had operational responsibility for the program, that the AAOS Group Purchasing Program is being discontinued. The AAOS agreement with eSurg expires on Dec. 31, 2010, and the program will cease operation at that time.

Although participating practices will still be able to purchase products and services from eSurg in 2011, they will no longer be considered part of the AAOS Group Purchasing Program.

Given the value of the program to members, the AAOS Practice Management Committee is assessing the pros and cons of pursuing a relationship with another vendor of medical/surgical supplies. In the meantime, current program participants will need to re-assess their options for purchasing such supplies and make a decision regarding the best option for them.