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Timely Webinar Highlights Vaccination Recommendations

admin2017-03-03T11:03:10-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Vaccinations|

Recent news reports on vaccinations underscore the timeliness of a webinar NACDS and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) hosted this week outlining the latest Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for adult, childhood and teen immunizations.

Initially accredited for physicians by NFID, the webinar was made available to pharmacists as a result of the partnership with NACDS.

The Washington Post reported last week that federal health officials are evaluating the benefit of an additional dose of the mumps vaccine because of the increasing number of mumps outbreaks since 2006. More than 5,000 cases of the contagious viral illness were reported last year in the United States, the most in a decade. That topic was among many of the recent vaccination storylines that were covered in the comprehensive webinar.

The webinar summarized the immunization recommendations presented at ACIP’s meeting February 22-23. Initially accredited for physicians by NFID, the webinar was made available to pharmacists as a result of the partnership with NACDS. The webinar covered the most recent ACIP recommendations for adult and childhood/adolescent immunizations, how recent changes to vaccine recommendations will impact immunization programs, and information on new and future vaccines for potential use in practice.

Following the live webinar, pharmacists seeking to claim CE credit should visit the NACDS Learner Community website. The webinar will available on the NACDS and NFID web portals as enduring education.

Don’t Miss a Cutting Edge Pharmacogenomics Program—Register by Feb. 27! Location: Duke University

admin2017-02-23T14:05:48-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Medications, Pharmacy_Value|

Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in an innovative education program that trains pharmacists to improve patient outcomes through a more personalized and tailored approach to medicine. Duke University, in partnership with NACDS and the University of Pittsburgh, is hosting a Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program on April 10-11, 2017, in Durham, N.C.

Pharmacogenomics—an emerging field of study that combines pharmacology and genomics—aims to ensure that medications are used in a safe and effective manner based on a person’s genetic makeup.

Don’t wait, because there is no guarantee that participants will be able to use their personal genetic information during this training if their testing kit is processed after the Monday, February 27 deadline. The fee is $295, which includes the cost of optional genetic testing, lunch the first day and breakfast on the second day.

Pharmacogenomics—an emerging field of study that combines pharmacology and genomics—aims to ensure that medications are used in a safe and effective manner based on a person’s genetic makeup. The certificate program is designed to enhance pharmacist skills to help to ensure that the right patient is getting the right medicine at the right dose using genetic test results.

The certificate program is comprised of online home study modules and in-person live components, including an optional activity for learners to undergo personal genomic testing. The online home-study and the first day of live program equals 20 credit hours of pharmacogenomics educational content and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a Practice-based Continuing Pharmacy Education activity. In addition to the in-person aspect of the program, pharmacist participants will also learn how to administer the training to others during the “train-the-trainer” component of the course on the second day.

Register by February 27 to be sure you can use your personal genomic information!

Congressional Letter This Week States: “Vaccines Save Lives”

admin2017-02-22T16:12:04-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Pharmacy_Value, Vaccinations|

In a letter to their congressional colleagues this week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers highlighted the importance of immunizations which protect Americans—especially infants and children—against preventable serious and deadly diseases.

Vaccines are our front line of defense against infectious diseases, many of which have no treatment or can be life-threatening.

The representatives were clear in their central message: “Vaccines save lives.” The lawmakers pointed to the success of vaccinations in eliminating certain diseases in the U.S., including polio and measles. They noted that despite the effectiveness of vaccinations, there have already been reports this year of outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough around the country, which presents a public health threat.

The letter was written by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander, (R-TN), ranking member Patty Murray (D-WA), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), ranking member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael Burgess (R-TX), and ranking member Gene Green, D-Texas.

The lawmakers wrote, “Vaccines are our front line of defense against infectious diseases, many of which have no treatment or can be life-threatening.” They said that with medical advancements “it is critical to recognize the importance of protecting public health against vaccine-preventable diseases.”

All 50 states in the U.S. now allow pharmacist-administered vaccinations and NACDS continues to advocate for expanded access to pharmacist-administered adolescent vaccinations. The ongoing effectiveness of vaccination—highlighted so effectively this week in the congressional letter—underscores the vital role pharmacy plays in improving patient health and outcomes with preventive, evidence-based approaches.

NACDS RxIMPACT Calls for Support of Texas Medication Synchronization Bills

admin2017-02-16T13:48:00-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Adherence, RxIMPACT|

NACDS RxIMPACT is mobilizing a campaign urging support in Texas for legislation introduced by Sens. Dawn Buckingham (R), Charles Schwertner (R), Donna Campbell (R), Craig Estes (R) and Rep. John Frullo (R)—S.B. 697 and H.B. 1296—that will enable patients to synchronize the fill date of their prescription medications so they can order and receive all of their prescriptions on the same day each month instead of having to make multiple visits to the pharmacy.

Many of our senior patients have limited mobility and low income. Passage of the Prescription Drug Synchronization bill would help improve medication compliance.

NACDS RxIMPACT issued an alert yesterday urging advocates in Texas to generate support for the bill by writing their legislators.

NACDS is part of the Medication Synchronization Coalition in Texas, which also sent letters to lawmakers in the Texas Senate and House urging support for the bills. In the letters, the coalition pointed to several studies which have shown that medication synchronization has enhanced patient communication with healthcare teams and markedly improved medication adherence.

Anecdotal evidence also supports medication synchronization. Paul Howell, RPh, pharmacy manager at H-E-B in Harker Heights, Tex., said, “Many of our senior patients have limited mobility and low income. Passage of the Prescription Drug Synchronization bill would help improve medication compliance. This would lead to lower downstream costs due to fewer hospitalizations as well as an overall improvement in quality of life. I have had patients literally forget about one of their medications because of confusion of when and what they are picking up from the pharmacy.”

Medication synchronization practices also help to reduce costs. Poor medication adherence costs the U.S. healthcare system $290 billion annually, which accounts for about 13 percent of total healthcare expenditures and results in increased emergency room visits, hospital stays and other costly and avoidable repercussions.

Healthcare Changes at the Top: HHS Secretary Confirmed; CMS Administrator Nominee Faces Senate Hearing

admin2017-02-15T15:05:20-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: HHS, Medicaid, Reform|

Significant steps in a changing healthcare environment are unfolding in Washington. The Senate approved the nomination of Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) last week in a 52-47 vote as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). In related news, Seema Verma, nominee for Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is set to appear before the Senate Committee on Finance for her confirmation hearing on February 16.

Collaboration is absolutely essential to maximize the potential of the healthcare delivery system, and to prevent policies that stifle it.

Verma, a healthcare consultant, notably has worked with state governments on implementing Medicaid expansion after enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Price was sworn in as Secretary hours after he was confirmed. He is now charged with leading President Trump’s efforts to dismantle key parts of the ACA. Price, an orthopedic surgeon who practiced surgery for nearly 20 years, has been a member of Congress since 2005, serving most recently as chairman of the House Budget Committee.

NACDS expressed support and a willingness to collaborate with Price and Verma when their nominations were announced late last year, and issued a statement from NACDS CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. Anderson said, “NACDS welcomes the nominations of Congressman Tom Price to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma to serve as Administrator of CMS. We are enthusiastic to help leverage pharmacy to improve Americans’ health and well-being.”

Anderson added, “Collaboration is absolutely essential to maximize the potential of the healthcare delivery system, and to prevent policies that stifle it. NACDS looks forward to engaging completely in the ongoing work of developing and implementing solutions that benefit American patients and consumers.”

As pharmacy looks to expand its role in healthcare delivery, it is promising that Price has already expressed support for pharmacists—specifically in terms of provider status. During his Senate confirmation hearing, in response to a question from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Price said, “Paying pharmacists in underserved areas to engage in certain medical services could work well in those states where pharmacists have such licensure and a setting appropriate to the services, where primary care doctors continue to be involved in [ READ MORE ]

Pharmacy’s Potential Front and Center at NACDS Regional Chain Conference

admin2017-02-09T12:28:00-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Conferences, Regional_Chain_Conference|

The value pharmacy brings—and its potential to step up in a rapidly shifting healthcare landscape—stood out at this week’s innovative and collaborative NACDS Regional Chain Conference. The conference provided a leading-edge forum to explore business-to-business partnerships and a public policy agenda that is focused on solutions in healthcare policy, which will benefit patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs.

I think NACDS runs the best meetings…it’s very productive for us, and this marketplace function is essential.

NACDS Chairman of the Board Martin Otto, chief merchant and chief financial officer of H-E-B, spoke of the challenges ahead in the industry and healthcare delivery. Otto outlined NACDS’ role in addressing these challenges as threefold:

Provide a supplier and retailer marketplace. “I think NACDS runs the best meetings…it’s very productive for us, and this marketplace function is essential.”
Advocate for pharmacy. “I look at the key elements as being access, cost and quality.”
Participate and lead in public policy solutions for healthcare. “We need end-to-end solutions for healthcare…[which will] create solutions for the industry, for healthcare, for patients, and for pharmacy.”

Otto also urged participants to engage in the NACDS RxIMPACT on Capitol Hill, March 14-15. He said, “It’s a chance for hundreds of us to go meet with the different legislators, both in the House and the Senate…and my hope is that everybody here will participate and spread the word and get everybody that you know who is not here to participate as well because it really does make a difference.” Otto cited his firsthand experience as a participant of the conference, and said, “I’ve seen a dramatic difference in the level of education on the part of the legislators in terms of what they know about our industry and what pharmacy can do.”

NACDS Regional Chain Conference Chairman Kristin Williams, senior vice president and chief health officer of Hy-Vee, Inc., said, “This conference is about sharing, collaboration and discussion on the issues and opportunities now and in the future.” She noted that the conference was very timely, especially given the current uncertainties in healthcare, and emphasized that pharmacy is well-equipped to develop solutions that will address the growing needs of [ READ MORE ]

Intersection of Business, Policy and Politics on Display at NACDS Regional Chain Conference

sanderson2017-02-03T15:59:43-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Regional_Chain_Conference|

I am really looking forward to the NACDS Regional Chain Conference, which begins this weekend. I refer to NACDS as the intersection of business, policy and politics for our industry, and the Conference program again will demonstrate NACDS’ value in this way. A fantastic event awaits, thanks to the efforts of Hy-Vee, Inc.’s Kristin Williams, who chairs the Conference Planning Committee, thanks to all of the members of that amazing Committee, and thanks to the NACDS staff team.

We have a lot to talk about regarding NACDS’ pro-patient and pro-pharmacy agenda given the extraordinary political and public policy landscape.

As you have been reading in NACDS publications and in the national press, we have a lot to talk about regarding NACDS’ pro-patient and pro-pharmacy agenda given the extraordinary political and public policy landscape. NACDS Chairman Martin Otto of H-E-B will initiate that discussion, which will play out throughout the Conference. There will be ample opportunities to talk about pharmacy patient care and pharmacy reimbursement given the potential changes to the Affordable Care Act, as well as about the current focus on regulatory reform and pressing topics like the need to address direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees.

In addition, on the business operations side, we have highly insightful sessions prepared on pharmacy and front-end topics including the pharmaceutical market; new pharmacy services like personalized medicine; third-party negotiations and audits; naloxone developments; retail dynamics and specifically those pertaining to health and wellness; human resources law; and value-based models and their relationship to immunizations.

Chain attendees also will have time to tend to unique business needs with the One-to-One Business Conferences with NACDS Associate members, and during the always-productive-and-enjoyable receptions and networking events throughout the meeting.

We look forward to welcoming many NACDS Chain member representatives to the NACDS Regional Chain Conference – which is central to NACDS’ identity as the place where the industry’s business, policy and political initiatives are advanced in unparalleled ways.

NACDS’ New Government Affairs VP Brings In-Depth Policy Expertise

admin2017-02-02T15:43:02-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Pharmacy_Value, RxIMPACT|

Bill Tighe, NACDS vice president of federal government affairs, most recently served as chief of staff for Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA). Tighe’s policy expertise, forged on Capitol Hill where he led top congressional offices as chief of staff, positions him well to serve as NACDS’ lead legislative advocate for community pharmacy.

“We have a great message to take to legislators. Pharmacy has a great story to tell. We’re trusted and visible in our communities, and it’s great that NACDS members will be here in Washington to tell legislators pharmacy’s story.”

NACDS.org caught up with him this week to discuss his thoughts on healthcare policy, what brought him to D.C., and more.

Q: Where are you from originally?

A: I’m from Newton Township, a small town outside of Scranton, Pa.

Q: What made you interested in a career in politics?

A: I decided that I wanted to work on Capitol Hill when I was in eighth grade. I learned a lot about politics from listening to my grandparents and my great aunts and uncles argue about politics. I decided I wanted to work on Capitol Hill before I knew what anyone did there. I started as a staff assistant and eventually became the chief of staff for my hometown congressman, Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA).

Q: When did you come to D.C.?

A: In July of 2000, right after I graduated from Bucknell University. Now I have a family here—a wife and three sons who are ten, eight and six.

Q: What aspects of healthcare policy do you find particularly compelling?

A: There isn’t one particular aspect; it has more to do with how the policy and the policies we make here at the federal level affect people. There’s a direct line between what we do and the experiences that people have—whether it’s in a hospital or a doctor’s office or at a pharmacy. Healthcare is really something that people feel immediately when Washington makes changes.

Q: What would you consider your guiding principle professionally?

A: I learned a lot about loyalty from my former boss, Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA). Loyalty is tough to come by in politics, but it is his guide star. It’s not a blind loyalty, but it’s learning to [ READ MORE ]

NACDS RxIMPACT Goes Full Court Press on Provider Status

admin2017-01-26T13:19:20-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Provider_Status, RxIMPACT|

NACDS RxIMPACT mobilized its largest letter-writing campaign ever this week mobilizing advocates to contact their representatives to build on the momentum of the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act.

…the future of pharmacy will be dependent upon the provider status decision

The legislation was reintroduced late last week in the House (H.R. 592), with the bipartisan original co-sponsorship of nearly one-quarter of the House, and reintroduced in the Senate (S. 109) January 12.

The campaign called on state associations, schools of pharmacy and NACDS member companies to send letters to their legislators emphasizing that the lack of pharmacist provider status recognition in Medicare and Medicaid has limited the ability of pharmacists to provide patient services they are qualified to perform, which inhibits patient access to care. The legislation would enhance access to care for underserved Americans, which would reduce overall health costs and improve patient outcomes.

Greg Guenther, RPh, director of pharmacy for Dierbergs Pharmacies, responded to the call, as he has many times before, and emailed his entire pharmacy team encouraging them to get engaged on this critical issue. Guenther noted, “…it takes diligence to be successful,” and wrote that “the future of pharmacy will be dependent upon the provider status decision.” He then challenged his team, “Will we… continue to expand our responsibilities to meet the training we have and the demands of our patients?”

To date, advocates have sent 2,048 letters to their representatives in the House and Senate. The power of grassroots advocacy is in motion.

On HHS Nominee Price’s Healthcare Principles, Pharmacy Makes a Powerful Case

sanderson2017-01-26T12:30:59-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: Congress, Provider_Status, Reform, Reimbursement, TRICARE|

During his Senate confirmation hearing this week and since being nominated for Secretary of Health and Human Services, U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) has focused on six principles of healthcare reform: affordability, accessibility, quality, innovation, responsiveness, choices. In fact, Rep. Price has focused on those principles for some time – he described them in an op-ed column in The Hill back in 2013 and likely many times before that during his Congressional and medical careers.

Importantly, pharmacy’s contributions to healthcare affordability, accessibility, quality, innovation, responsiveness and choices are highly regarded among Republicans, Democrats and independents alike.

To be sure, these terms are cited frequently across party lines. The real debate exists in the details of how these principles are best achieved. I cannot help but note at this pivotal time in our nation’s healthcare policy skirmishes that pharmacy makes a powerful case for its role in advancing all of these principles. Consider the following:

Affordability: In a national survey commissioned by NACDS, 65 percent of respondents said pharmacists are credible information sources on opportunities to save money.

Accessibility: Nearly all Americans (91%) live within five miles of a community pharmacy.

Quality: In a national survey commissioned by NACDS, more than seven-in-ten respondents who are considered heavy users of pharmacy services reported favorable opinions of pharmacies – which is a very strong rating in comparison with other segments of healthcare delivery.

Innovation: NACDS’ training program to advance pharmacy-based pharmacogenomics – a form of personalized medicine that involves using genetic data to ensure medications are used in a safe and effective manner – presents but one example of the industry’s commitment to innovation.

Responsiveness: NACDS’ training program to advance pharmacy-based point-of-care testing for flu, strep and other acute and chronic conditions reflects pharmacy’s ability to improve options available to patients regarding the manner and environment in which they are treated.

Choices: NACDS advocates strongly for patient choice, and an example of this is maintaining a co-payment structure that secures military families’ and veterans’ ability to choose community pharmacies over mail order as the source for their medications. The Congressional Budget Office has found that higher copayments “cause some chronically ill beneficiaries to stop taking their medications, resulting in more [ READ MORE ]

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