Buying Advantage Program FAQs
Buying Advantage Program FAQsWhat is the Buying Advantage Program?
The Buying Advantage Program (BAP) was originally developed by the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) to help bridge-the-gap between companies which serve the spinecare field and spinecare professionals who are members of the AAAP. It provides an opportunity for participating companies to introduce products and services to members. Participating companies are encouraged to provide a "special offer" to AASP members. This may involve a discount (cash savings), an educational resource, an expanded warranty, or other opportunity of value. The program was recently expanded to include the International Spine Association (ISA). Available products and services are listed on the International Directory of Spinecare Products, a subdirectory of the International Spinecare Directory. Accepted corporate participants of the Buying Advantage Program have the option of placing unlimited product listings/profiles in the online catalog/directory of spinecare products.
As a member of the Buying Advantage Program, who are my product and/or services marketed to?
All products are listed and profiled on catalog pages of the International Directory of Spinecare Products, located at www.spincareproducts.org. Participating companies are given the option of providing buying advantage opportunities to members of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), spinecare professionals and/or to members of the International Spine Association (patients and the public). The online directory provides unprecedented worldwide exposure to available spinecare products and services.
What is the benefit of exposing products to healthcare professionals and the public?
Exposure of spinecare products to healthcare professionals and public raises the level of awareness which increases access and use of the products for the benefit of the patient.
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 Buying Advantage Program (BAP) by the AASP because of their interest in the spinecare field. This invitation and the commitment to participate does not constitute an AASP product endorsement or service endorsement. The buying advantage program was developed to simply introduce available products and services to AASP members and to give members an opportunity to learn more about each product. . Companies participating in the BAP have an opportunity to apply for an AASP endorsement. This requires a separate application and review process. Companies also have an opportunity to become an AASP Educational Partner or Sponsor.
Is there a list of companies which participate in the Buying Advantage Program?
Yes. All participating companies participating in the Buying Advantage Program (BAP) are listed as well as profiled on the International Directory of Spinecare Companies, a subdirectory of the International Spinecare Directory. The listing includes contact information, a link to the company's website and links to products listed on the International Directory of Spinecare Products. The online directory provides search functions which can be used to locate companies and product categories.
How do I place an order to a company participating in the Buying Advantage Program?
The contact information is posted on the product profile located on catalog page of the International Directory of Spinecare Products. Each product profile acknowledges whether a Buying Advantage option is available to members of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) or to members of the International Spine Association (ISA). In each case there is a button which takes the user to an online certificate of value which can be stored or downloaded. The special offer certificate has a unique identifier which can be used to place the order with the listing company. Company instructions for ordering will be accessible through the online catalog listing.
What if I have difficulty obtaining the desired products or services?
Contact the participating company directly. Neither the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) nor the International Spine Association (ISA) has any role in the order process or the delivery process of the spinecare products.
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 www.spinephysicians.org.Login to the Member Dashboard to access the Buying Advantage opportunities under the heading titled Member Services. You can also access the Buying Advantage opportunities on the International Directory of Spinecare Products at www.Spinecareproducts.com ?
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 participating in the program.
As a candidate member of the AASP (student, intern, and resident) or new graduate, can I use the Buying Advantage Program to develop my practice after graduation?
This is an excellent opportunity for physicians and other spinecare professionals 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. The AASP does recommend that participating companies place link a link to their website on their product profile listing.
If I join the Buying Advantage Progam, what directories will I be listed on?
You are entitled to be listed on the International Directory of Spinecare Products.
How do I apply for participation in the Buying Advantage Program?
You can access an application form online at one of three locations. You can go to the website of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) at www.spinephysicians.org, 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 process can be completed online or downloaded and sent by fax or regular mail.
What is the Spinecare Technology 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 interested in using it. This greatly increases product visibility.
What is the American Academy of Spine Physicians?
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is a national organization comprised of healthcare professionals dedicated to excellence in spinecare. The AASP promotes integrated spinecare. The AASP provides educational opportunities and resources for healthcare professionals and their patients. The AASP offers three levels of membership. General membership includes physicians of various disciplines such as chiropractic physicians, pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons. Affiliate members include non-physicians such as physical therapists, technologists, nurses and massage therapists. Candidate members include professionals in training (students, interns, residents). The AASP represents one of the most influential professional organizations in the spinecare field. The Academy Council includes some of the most prestigious spinecare specialists in the world today.
What is the difference between the AASP Buying Advantage Progam and the ISA Buying Advantage Program?They are two distinct programs although a company may sign up for both programs. Each program has its own reference and offer on product catalog listings located on the International Directory of Spinecare Products. A company may offer the same benefit to members of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) as well as to active members of the International Spine Association (ISA).
What is the International Spine Association?
The International Spine Association (ISA) is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of spinecare through educational efforts. The ISA is committed to disseminating need-to-know information through the World Wide Web in numerous languages covering topics about the spine, spine disorders, spine health, spinecare products and available spinecare. The ISA also provides information about Spine Organizations. The ISA has one of the largest online searchable databases of information about the spine. The ISA also manages the International Spinecare Directory and its five subdirectories. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), a highly respected organization is one of the greatest contributors of information to the ISA.The AASP also collaborates on the development of the international directories.
What is the difference between the AASP Buying Advantage Progam and the ISA Buying Advantage Program?
They are two distinct programs although a company may sign up for both programs at the same time. The AASP and the ISA each have their own Buying Advantage Offer on product listings.
What is the International Directory of Spinecare Products?
The International Directory of Spinecare Products was developed through the cooperative efforts of the American Academy of Spine Physicans (AASP) and the International Spine Association (ISA). The directory was developed to provide a comprehensive online guide for healthcare professionals, patients and the public to locate products that promote spine health.
Who can place a listing on the International Directory?
Any companies which provide products and/or services which are used for spinecare or which promote spine health. This includes products and services which are made available to healthcare professionals, physicians, patients and the public.
Are the ISA and the AASP the same?
No. The American Academy of Spine Physicans (AASP) and the International Spine Association (ISA) are two distinct organizations. The AASP and the ISA collaborate on numerous projects including the International Spine Directory and all of its subdirectories, including the International Directory of Spinecare Products. The International Spine Directory is owned and operated by the ISA.
If I find an item I would like to purchase on the International Directory of Spinecare Products and am not a member of the AASP or the ISA, can I take advantage of a “special offer” for members of the AASP or the ISA?
No. Not unless you are an active member of either organization. If you are a physician or other spinecare professional you can go to the AASP website and apply for membership. Upon receipt of membership approval, you would be immediately eligible for “special offers” made through the AASP Buying Advantage Program. If you are not a healthcare professional, you may go to the ISA website and apply for membership with the ISA. Upon approval you would be immediately eligible to obtain “special offers” made through the ISA Buying Advantage Program.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP. 
