SPHS Launches On-Line Health and Wellness Store

Springfield, MA - June 15, 2009, The internet has become increasing important to consumers in recent years, as they research products and price before making a purchase. This new way of shopping, called “ecommerce,” has experienced rapid growth in all sectors of the retail industry, including the purchase of health care related items. In keeping with this trend, the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) is launching “MercyPlus,” a new on-line store that offers a wide range of healthcare products including specialized medical equipment and supplies, nutrition supplements, health-related books and videos, and fitness training devices.

“When consumers shop for healthcare-related items, they want high quality products at affordable prices. The products available through MercyPlus will meet those needs with the added convenience of shopping in the comfort of your own home,” said Mark Fulco, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, SPHS. “As an online hospital store, ‘MercyPlus’ will extend the SPHS continuum of care while furthering our ongoing relationships with staff, patients, donors and the community at large.”

Visitors to the MercyPlus.com website will be able to browse through categories to find available products. These categories include “Aids for Daily Living,” “Heart Health,” “Mom and Baby,” “Cancer Care,” “Orthopedics and Therapy,” and “Wellness.” Visitors will also be able to “Shop by Condition” for books that provide information and products to ease the symptoms of specific medical conditions like allergies, diabetes and sleep disorders.

Plans also call for offering a loyalty program to MercyPlus shoppers, with “reward” points based on the individual’s retail purchases. These points accrue with each purchase and can be redeemed for merchandise discounts and special offers. SPHS employees are also encouraged to use their Flexible Spending Accounts when shopping on the MercyPlus website.

SPHS is the first health care organization in the region to launch an online retail store. “Catholic Health East, our parent organization, has provided the vision, expertise and support necessary for the successful operation of MercyPlus.com. Based on extensive research, this online ‘store’ is expected to attract shoppers who have already been ‘touched’ by Mercy Medical Center and appreciate our commitment to high quality patient care,” said Fulco.

About Paquin Healthcare
Paquin Healthcare, the nation’s leading specialist in healthcare-based retail, is an alliance of industry leading experts and resources created to assist hospitals in the identification and implementation of healthcare retail and online commerce strategies. The company’s core mission is to increase revenue opportunities and minimize risks for healthcare organizations. As Medicare reimbursement rates continue to be pressured downward and expenses rise, new sources for non-reimbursed revenues are becoming essential to the financial viability of hospitals.
More details at : http://www.paquinhealthcare.com

MercyPlus.com is expected to go “live” later this month.

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