From DIR fees, hangovers and lawsuits, to “delinking” legislation, state-level victories, and federal agency scorecards - join co-hosts Monique Whitney and Lauren Young as they break down PBM reform in the new year, how it can affect independent pharmacies, and how it would benefit everyone.
 
Special Guests: Greg Reybold, General Counsel, APCI & Steve Moore, Owner, Condo Pharmacy

Forecast 2024: Taking a New Year’s Look at PBM Reform | the PUTTcast

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Part one, we talk with two inovators in Pharmacy Workforce and Workflow: The integration of workflow and workforce technology holds immense potential for revolutionizing pharmacy operations. By automating routine tasks, streamlining processes, and empowering pharmacy teams, these innovations enable pharmacies to operate more efficiently, reduce errors, and deliver a superior level of patient care.




However, successful implementation requires careful planning, training, and ongoing optimization. Pharmacies must invest in robust technology solutions, provide adequate training to their staff, and continuously evaluate and refine their processes to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.




Ultimately, by embracing workflow and workforce technology, pharmacies can position themselves at the forefront of innovation, driving improved outcomes for both patients and providers alike.



Introducing Rxchitect Health with Dr. Lucas Shumaker, PharmD. 

https://rxchitecthealth.com/ 



Part two, Todd Eury talks with Planetary Health First Mars Next podcaster, Michael Mann | https://planetaryhealthfirstmarsnext.substack.com 



Michael has a big vision to Reimagine Healthcare Together. There is lots of work to do to make healthcare work for everyone on this planet and Michael's trajectory is promising for all HCPs and patients invovled!

Rx Workflow Solutions and the Next Frontier in Healthcare | TWIRx

During this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with Jeffrey S. Baird, JD, Chairman of the Health Care Group at Brown & Fortunato. Health care providers, including pharmacies, must play by a set of rules that non-health

 care providers do not have to follow. A principal reason for this is that a large portion of payments to providers comes from government programs (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, etc.). Because tax dollars are involved, pharmacies must comply with an array of

 federal and state fraud laws. These laws come into play when pharmacies work with referral sources such as physicians, hospitals, home health agencies and labs. Sheila and Jeffery discuss important federal laws such as the anti-kickback statute, physician

 self-referral statute (“Stark”), beneficiary inducement statute, and False Claims Act. They also discuss examples of similar state laws, types of arrangements pharmacies can legally enter into with referral sources…and the types of arrangements that should

 be avoided.

Collaborative Arrangements With Physicians, Hospitals and Other Referral Sources | NASP Specialty Pharmacy Podcast

Special Guests: 

Shanon Schmidtknecht & Loretta Boesing 



Cole Schmidtknecht was a 22-year-old young man living in Appleton, Wisconsin who loved video games and sports. His parents Bil and Shanon described him as an inspirational free spirit with a love for being heard. Cole was diagnosed with severe asthma at only a year old. He had just recently moved out on his own with opportunities to chase his dreams, until his life was cut short earlier this year. “January 10th,, he went to the pharmacy to get his prescription and was told it was no longer covered by his insurance,” said Shanon. 



He was told there was no alternative option and no generic drug would be covered. Cole didn’t know how to respond and couldn’t cover the extreme out-of-pocket cost of his Advair inhaler on a $19/hour income. An inhaler-dependent patient left the Walgreens Pharmacy with no medication. Five days later he suffered an extreme asthma attack and was taken to the hospital. He arrived at the Emergency Room lifeless and spent the next six days in the ICU on a ventilator.  




“We were told he’s never going to wake up again,” said Bil.   




A generic version of Advair only costs $15-$20. What happened to Cole is happening all over the country, according to Hometown Pharmacy co-founder Dan Strause.




“Unfortunately, we see even the state plan now no longer will allow for the generic, they force people into the brand. Why? It’s not hard to figure out it must be about the profit margin. Unfortunately, they’re making people decide between life-saving medicine [and paying bills, even though] the cost of the actual item is so low,” said Strause.




“We find this absolutely wrong, its infuriating we should all be angry, and we hope you tell your legislators this needs to be addressed sooner than later,” said Strause.




Hometown Pharmacy had to close a location in St. Germain partially due to the influence of PBMs. A pharmacy benefit manager acts as a middleman between drug manufacturers and pharmacies.




In the last state legislative session, the pharmacy benefit manager regulation bill wasn’t brought to a vote. The bill was designed to create transparency in the system and prohibit the PBMs’ control over the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.




“We’re very frustrated that it never got a chance to be voted upon,” said Strause.




Strause said there is a lot of speculation as to why the bill didn’t make it to the floor.




“In politics, there’s a lot of moving parts and we believe that the recent vote for Wisconsin mapping is part of it, because there’s a lot of energy and focus with what the next election is going to be and of course elections are very expensive, and you have to fund those elections.




Strause believes that money from lobbying groups associated with PBMs have a strong influence on lawmakers.




“Unfortunately, it means that money and influence is a significant factor in us passing bills especially ones that affect all of our lively hoods and our health,” said Strause.




Bil and Shanon said after learning of PBMs and the tactics that cost them their son they were angry and decided it was time to speak up.




“I don’t want you to ever have to imagine, I don’t want anyone to ever have to experience this,” said Shanon.




Their goal is to share Cole’s story and raise awareness.  




“We just kind of feel like this is now our fight to fight for him. If we can prevent it for one other person just that alone would be a little solace or a little something I know we can never have our son back, he’s gone,” said Bil.




Cole’s situation is not the only one, and this could happen anyone. Everyday life saving medications are becoming inaccessible to patients who need them.




“We need our senators and our congressmen to help this process that’s why they’re there in office for our complaints, our concerns our needs and the games that are played are just costing lives,” said Bil.    




From Shauna Johnson on Mar 11, 2024 via wjfw.com 3217 County G Rhinelander, WI 54501



Reference Webiste: 

https://patientprotector.us/home

Broken Insurance & the Loss of a Son | PBM Reform Podcast

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria comprises medications older adults should either avoid or use cautiously. It aims to guide healthcare providers in safe prescription practices for those aged 65 and above. 



Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Michael Steinman, a board member and expert in geriatric medicine, who was essential in updating these guidelines. We'll delve into areas of the Beers Criteria that commonly raise questions regarding patient care and medications contained in this list.



Dr. Michael Steinman:  linkedin.com/in/mike-steinman-50ba117







Dr. Scott Stewart:  linkedin.com/in/scott-stewart-34973870



 



Dr. Tamara Ruggles:  linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251







US Deprescribing Research Network:  https://deprescribingresearch.org/







2023 AGS Beers Criteria: https://sbgg.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-American-Geriatrics-Society-2023.pdf

AGS Beers Criteria Discussion | LTC Pharmacy Podcast

On “This Week in Pharmacy” hashtag#TWIRx, two dedicated hashtag#pharmacists, Shawn Nairn, RPh and Jesse McCullough, stand out as innovators and visionaries. 



As the founder of ACORx Pharmacy from Cannonsburg, Shawn Nairn has spearheaded a transformative approach by providing healthcare services to individuals in their homes, echoing the ethos of LTC at Home. His commitment to serving the local community has redefined the role of pharmacists as healthcare providers and advocates for patient well-being. 



On the second part of the show, hailing from Cochranton, Pennsylvania, Jesse McCullough has emerged as a key figure in advancing leadership skills among pharmacists and technicians within pharmacy care. Through the creation of pioneering courses, Jesse empowers his peers to enhance their effectiveness by implementing simple yet powerful leadership techniques, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion in patient care. 



hashtag#TogetheRx, Shawn and Jesse exemplify the essence of leadership in pharmacy, driving positive change and improving healthcare outcomes for the communities they serve in Pennsylvania.

Forecast 2024: Taking a New Year’s Look at PBM Reform | the PUTTcast

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