The GLN Registry for Healthcare provides a comprehensive and accurate list of healthcare facilities, with corresponding Global Location Numbers (GLNs) in the United States. Subscribers, which include hospitals, healthcare manufacturers, and distributors, are able to access an updated and accurate list of industry manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hospitals, clinics, and retail and mail-order pharmacies to ensure the accuracy of their supply chain activities. The enhanced data integrity allows healthcare providers and suppliers to improve collaborative commerce activities in key electronic commerce processes such as invoicing and logistics.
GS1 US, formerly the Uniform Code Council, Inc.® (UCC®), a leader in facilitating efficient international business, established the GLN Registry for Healthcare in 2004 to help drive down supply chain costs for the United States healthcare industry. GS1 US was urged by its healthcare membership to create the Registry to facilitate more efficient business practices. The GLN Registry for Healthcare acts as a catalyst for expanded use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) and all the related efficiencies they bring to healthcare.
The GLN is a globally recognized identification number used in the GS1 System to identify legal entities, trading partners, and customer locations in electronic commerce activities. Expressed as a 13-digit data structure, the GLN provides globally unique identification of a functional entity, such as a nursing station; a physical entity, such as a warehouse or a hospital wing; or a legal entity or trading partner, such as a specific company or supplier. The GLN is an open, global standard that supports 23 major industries conducting business in more than 155 countries worldwide. Every GS1 US BarCodes and eCom member has the capability to create its own unique GLNs. Non-members are able to subscribe to a GLN for a small annual fee.
GS1 US is working with leading healthcare organizations to promote the adoption and use of the GLN Registry for Healthcare in the United States. “The standards of the GS1 System provide the essential tools to help the healthcare industry improve business practices,” said John Terwilliger, Vice President of Market Development for GS1 US BarCodes and eCom. “GLN implementation is the next step to help the healthcare industry achieve end-to-end supply chain accuracy. This will allow healthcare suppliers and providers to reduce costly, time-consuming errors and help improve the quality of care for patients.”
Review the GLN Registry Minnesota Pilot Report Phase 1: Lessons Learned
Review the GLN Registry Minnesota Pilot Report Phase 2: Process Map