Buying Advantage Program FAQ's
What is the Buying Advantage Program?
The Buying Advantage Program was developed by the American Academy of Spine Physicans (AASP) to help bridge the gap between companies which serve the spinecare field and spine specialists who are members of the AASP. It provides an opportunity for participating companies to introduce products and services to members. Participating companies are required to provide a "special offer" to AASP members. This may involve a discount, educational resources and/or other opportunities. The program was recently expanded to include the International Spine Assoction (ISA). Members of the Buying Advantage Progam have the option of a listing on the ISA Buying Advantage Directory which exposes their products and/or services to the public. Application is made through the AASP.
What are the Benefits of Participation in the Buying Advantage Progam? Product exposure to healthcare professionals and the public Listing on three different online directoriesCustomized participation press release Access to online downloadable brochuresAuthorized use of a "participation statement" on company marketing materialsEntitled to submit product information to the AASP Technology Area/SectionEntitled to submit technology articles to the AAS TechnologySubscription to AASP eNews
As a member of the Buying Advantage Program, who is my product and/or services marketed to?
Your company listing is placed onto three distinctly separate online directories, unless you choose to restrict visibility. One directory is on the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) website. Another is on the website of the International Spine Association (ISA). Both organizations participate in the Buying Advantage Program; therefore, your products and/or services will be exposed to healthcare professionals and the public. Your listing will also be placed on the International Directory of Spinecare Products located at www.spincareproducts.org. This provides non-selective worldwide exposure and marketing.
What is the benefit of exposing products to healthcare professionals and the public?
Exposure to patients and the general public raises the level of expectation patients have for their physican and other members of their spinecare team. Through education patients become better informed and more aware of their spinecare options and the ability to care for themselves.
Does participation in the AASP Buying Advantage Progam constitute a product or service endorsement by the AASP?
No. Companies are invited to participate in the program by the AASP because of their reputation in the spinecare field. This invitation and the commitment to participate does not constitute a specific product endorsement or service endorsement. The program was developed to introduce available products and services to AASP members. Companies do have an opportunity to apply for an AASP endorsement. This requires a separate application process.
Is there a list of companies which participate in the Buying Advantage Program?
Yes. All participating companies are placed onto a Buying Advantage Program Directory. The listing includes all pertinent contact information and a link to the company's website. The online directory provides simple search functions to help the user locate companies, specific products, and specific services.
Do companies pay a fee to participate in the Buying Advantage Program?
Yes. Each participating company pays a fee of $ 600 per year. This entitles them to be a member of the Buying Advantage Program to be listed on three distinctly separate online product/service directories.
Does the AASP share in the profits realized from the sale of products or services through the AASP Buying Advantage Program?
No. The only revenue the AASP receives through the Buying Advantage Progam is the annual fee of $ 600 paid each year by each participating company. This fee is not dependent on sales.
How do I place an order to a company participating in the Buying Advantage Program?
Contact the company directly. The contact information is posted on the Buying Advantage Directory. Purchases are not made through the American Academy of Spine Physicians. In some cases a "special offer" certificate may be posted by the company on their website for AASP members.
What if I have difficulty obtaining the desired products or services?
Contact the participating company directly. Neither the AASP or the ISA plays any role in the order and/or delivery process.
Are "special offers" through the Buying Advantage Program available to physicans who are not members of the AASP?
No.
As a member of the AASP, how do I access the AASP Buying Advantage Program?
Go to the AASP website at spinephysicians.org and log into the member area with your unique user ID and PIN. From the member area homepage, click through to the Buying Advantage Program.
As a member of the ISA, how do I access the ISA Buying Advantage Program?
Go to the ISA website at www.spineinformation.org and log into the member area with your unique user ID and PIN. From the member area homepage, click through to the Buying Advantage Program.
Does the AASP have control over who participates in the Buying Advantage Program?
Yes. The AASP must approve a company's application prior to allowing participation. If a company does not conduct business in a professional manner, they may be prohibited from ongoing participating in the program.
I am a physican. Can I use this program to develop my practice after graduation?
This is an excellent opportunity for physicians who are new graduates or who are planning to expand or develop a new facility. The cost savings could be considerable.
Does a company have to have a website in order to participate in the Buying Advantage Program?
No, although the AASP does recommend that companies link a website to their Buying Advantage Directory listings.
If I join the Buying Advantage Progam, what directories will I be listed on?
For the annual fee of $600 you are entitled to be listed on the following three online product/service directories. AASP Buying Advantage Directory which provides exposure to healthcare professionals who are members of the American Academy of Spine Physicans. o ISA Buying Advantage Directory which provides exposure to the public who are members of the International Spine Association. o International Directory of Spinecare Products which provides exposure to healthcare professionals, companies and the public, worldwide, who may or may not be members of a spine organization. Do I have to be listed on all of the Directories? No. If you wish to limit visibility or if you do not sell products directly to the public you can chose to be excluded from a particular directory. This directive is taken care of on the application process. You can chose to maximize visibility on all of the directories with posting of a statement acknowledging that you d not sell directly to the public.
How do I apply for participation in the Buying Advantage Program?
You can obtain an application form online at one of three locations. You can go to the website of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) at spinephysicians.org, to the website of the International Spine Association (ISA) at www.spineinformation.org or you can go directly to the International Directory of Spinecare Products at www.spinecareproducts.org. The application can be completed online or downloaded and sent by fax or regular mail. The application is then received by the AASP.
What is the Spinecare Technolgy Section of the AASP?
The Spinecare Technology Section of the AASP was developed to enhance exposure of new technology and new techniques to healthcare professionals. Companies which participate in the AASP Buying Advantage Program are eligible to apply for a featured product profile. Each product profile page is designed to maximize product exposure to those most interested in using it. Acceptance greatly increases product visibility.
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