Pharmacy Podcast Network

Learn how health systems can leverage a vibrant, pharmacy-finance partnership to drive successful 340B programs, and allow pharmacy staff more time to focus on patient care. Find out why 340B program management has evolved, the program challenges that health systems still face, and the data and operational complexities that necessitate a cross-functional approach.

Guests:                     

Eric Iorfido, PharmD, 340B Program Manager, Penn Highlands DuBois, PA

Charles Hirner, RPh, Senior Director, Omnicell 340B Operations

Host:                         

Ken Perez, Vice President, Healthcare Policy and Government Affairs, Omnicell

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Babson Diagnostics (Babson), a transformative medical technology company improving customer access to diagnostic blood testing, was named one of Fierce Medtech’s elite “Fierce 15.” The honor recognizes Babson as one of the most promising private companies in the global healthcare industry. In the year of COVID-19, Fierce Medtech, a leading daily digital news publication, examined how med tech companies are addressing the most pressing public health challenges.

The conventional diagnostic blood testing experience has not changed notably since it was created 70 years ago. Babson Diagnostics is the first company to present a true alternative to venipuncture, with novel technology designed to use small fingertip samples less than one-tenth the volume without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or menu breadth. Babson will deploy its proprietary technological ecosystem at accessible retail locations such as pharmacy counters throughout the country, giving customers the benefit of longer hours of operation, low out-of-pocket costs, and a more humane experience.

“Babson Diagnostics is honored to be among this select group of Fierce Medtech innovators,” said David Stein, Ph.D., Babson’s CEO. “COVID-19 reinforced that there is an urgent need to shift diagnostic blood testing from centralized collection sites to decentralized, accessible locations. We are proud that Fierce Medtech recognized Babson for our progress toward improving customer health by expanding access to care.”

Babson has partnered with world-leading medical technology companies BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Siemens Healthineers in a shared mission of expanding access to diagnostic blood testing and supporting earlier identification of risks for chronic and non-communicable diseases.

To demonstrate the accuracy of its novel technology, Babson recently conducted the pivotal clinical study “Dandelion Alpha,” which compared its sample collection, sample handling, and analysis technology to conventional blood testing technology in a retail setting and produced strongly correlated test results.

“Initial clinical data reinforces the potential to test a full set of routine diagnostic blood panels from a small capillary sample collected in a convenient retail setting and produce accurate, diagnostic-quality results,” says Stein. “By improving the customer experience of blood testing and removing barriers to access, we hope to help customers engage with their health and achieve their personal health goals.”

The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce” — championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. This is Fierce Medtech’s 9th annual Fierce 15 selection. This year’s full list of winners can be viewed online at https://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-report/fierce-medtech-s-2020-fierce-15.

“Each member of this year’s class of Fierce 15 stands out in a different way, but they all overcame a year of unforgettable obstacles, making each of their successes that much more significant — and all have the potential to deliver changes in healthcare that promise to outlast this pandemic,” said Conor Hale, associate editor of Fierce Medtech.

An internationally recognized daily report reaching a network of over 90,000 med tech industry professionals, Fierce Medtech provides subscribers with an authoritative analysis of the day's top stories. Every year, Fierce Medtech evaluates hundreds of private companies from around the world for its annual Fierce 15 list, which is based on a variety of factors including the strength of its technology, partnerships, venture backers, and a competitive market position.

This episode is sponsored by the Ultiguard Safe Pack. UltiGuard Safe Pack is the only pen needle product that comes with an all-in-one sharps container. Learn more about why UltiGuard Safe Pack is the best choice for your patients and your pharmacy., Learn more about the UltiGuard Safe Pack: https://www.ulticare.com/ultiguard-safe-pack/podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Babson Diagnostics (Babson), a transformative medical technology company improving customer access to diagnostic blood testing, was named one of Fierce Medtech’s elite “Fierce 15.” The honor recognizes Babson as one of the most promising private companies in the global healthcare industry. In the year of COVID-19, Fierce Medtech, a leading daily digital news publication, examined how med tech companies are addressing the most pressing public health challenges.

The conventional diagnostic blood testing experience has not changed notably since it was created 70 years ago. Babson Diagnostics is the first company to present a true alternative to venipuncture, with novel technology designed to use small fingertip samples less than one-tenth the volume without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or menu breadth. Babson will deploy its proprietary technological ecosystem at accessible retail locations such as pharmacy counters throughout the country, giving customers the benefit of longer hours of operation, low out-of-pocket costs, and a more humane experience.

“Babson Diagnostics is honored to be among this select group of Fierce Medtech innovators,” said David Stein, Ph.D., Babson’s CEO. “COVID-19 reinforced that there is an urgent need to shift diagnostic blood testing from centralized collection sites to decentralized, accessible locations. We are proud that Fierce Medtech recognized Babson for our progress toward improving customer health by expanding access to care.”

Babson has partnered with world-leading medical technology companies BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Siemens Healthineers in a shared mission of expanding access to diagnostic blood testing and supporting earlier identification of risks for chronic and non-communicable diseases.

To demonstrate the accuracy of its novel technology, Babson recently conducted the pivotal clinical study “Dandelion Alpha,” which compared its sample collection, sample handling, and analysis technology to conventional blood testing technology in a retail setting and produced strongly correlated test results.

“Initial clinical data reinforces the potential to test a full set of routine diagnostic blood panels from a small capillary sample collected in a convenient retail setting and produce accurate, diagnostic-quality results,” says Stein. “By improving the customer experience of blood testing and removing barriers to access, we hope to help customers engage with their health and achieve their personal health goals.”

The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce” — championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. This is Fierce Medtech’s 9th annual Fierce 15 selection. This year’s full list of winners can be viewed online at https://www.fiercebiotech.com/special-report/fierce-medtech-s-2020-fierce-15.

“Each member of this year’s class of Fierce 15 stands out in a different way, but they all overcame a year of unforgettable obstacles, making each of their successes that much more significant — and all have the potential to deliver changes in healthcare that promise to outlast this pandemic,” said Conor Hale, associate editor of Fierce Medtech.

An internationally recognized daily report reaching a network of over 90,000 med tech industry professionals, Fierce Medtech provides subscribers with an authoritative analysis of the day's top stories. Every year, Fierce Medtech evaluates hundreds of private companies from around the world for its annual Fierce 15 list, which is based on a variety of factors including the strength of its technology, partnerships, venture backers, and a competitive market position.

This episode is sponsored by the Ultiguard Safe Pack. UltiGuard Safe Pack is the only pen needle product that comes with an all-in-one sharps container. Learn more about why UltiGuard Safe Pack is the best choice for your patients and your pharmacy., Learn more about the UltiGuard Safe Pack: https://www.ulticare.com/ultiguard-safe-pack/podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed HB 786, a comprehensive PBM reform bill that strengthens existing fair pharmacy audit laws, limits PBM adjudication fees, and prohibits a PBM from reimbursing a pharmacy less than it reimburses a PBM-affiliated pharmacy.May 30, 2019

Tennessee SB650

Present law defines "pharmacy benefits manager" (PBM) to mean a person, business, or other entity and any wholly or partially owned subsidiary of the entity, that administers the medication and/or device portion of pharmacy benefits coverage provided by a health insurance plan, subject to certain exceptions.

Present law provides detailed requirements for the conduct of an audit of records of a pharmacist or pharmacy by a health insurance plan, a PBM, the state or its political subdivisions, or any other entity representing the same. One such audit requirement is that a clerical or recordkeeping error regarding a required document or record may not, in and of itself, constitute fraud; however, the claims may be subject to recoupment. This bill instead provides that a clerical or recordkeeping error identified during an audit is not prima facie evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation and must not be the basis of a recoupment unless the error results in an actual overpayment to the pharmacy or the wrong medication being dispensed to the patient. As under present law, a clerical error will not be subject to criminal penalties without proof of intent to commit fraud. 

Shane Reeves is an American businessman, pharmacist and politician who is the State Senator for the 14th District of Tennessee, which is composed of Bedford County, Moore County, Lincoln County, Marshall County, and part of Rutherford County. As a seventh-generation Tennessean, Senator Shane Reeves has spent his life raising a family and opening businesses in middle Tennessee. He understands the importance of family, character, and conservative values to the people in this community.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed HB 786, a comprehensive PBM reform bill that strengthens existing fair pharmacy audit laws, limits PBM adjudication fees, and prohibits a PBM from reimbursing a pharmacy less than it reimburses a PBM-affiliated pharmacy.May 30, 2019

Tennessee SB650

Present law defines "pharmacy benefits manager" (PBM) to mean a person, business, or other entity and any wholly or partially owned subsidiary of the entity, that administers the medication and/or device portion of pharmacy benefits coverage provided by a health insurance plan, subject to certain exceptions.

Present law provides detailed requirements for the conduct of an audit of records of a pharmacist or pharmacy by a health insurance plan, a PBM, the state or its political subdivisions, or any other entity representing the same. One such audit requirement is that a clerical or recordkeeping error regarding a required document or record may not, in and of itself, constitute fraud; however, the claims may be subject to recoupment. This bill instead provides that a clerical or recordkeeping error identified during an audit is not prima facie evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation and must not be the basis of a recoupment unless the error results in an actual overpayment to the pharmacy or the wrong medication being dispensed to the patient. As under present law, a clerical error will not be subject to criminal penalties without proof of intent to commit fraud. 

Shane Reeves is an American businessman, pharmacist and politician who is the State Senator for the 14th District of Tennessee, which is composed of Bedford County, Moore County, Lincoln County, Marshall County, and part of Rutherford County. As a seventh-generation Tennessean, Senator Shane Reeves has spent his life raising a family and opening businesses in middle Tennessee. He understands the importance of family, character, and conservative values to the people in this community.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more vaccines are getting authorization in the United States to prevent COVID-19. However, sometimes a vaccine trial is not always effective. But even failure can provide new insights. Learn about the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and what happened with the recent Hepatitis C vaccine candidate.

This podcast was recorded prior to the joint CDC and FDA statement on the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on April 13th. On April 13th, 2021, the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement recommending a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine until further notice. Click here for the full statement.

Reference: Page K, Melia M, Veenhuis R, et al. Randomized Trial of a Vaccine Regimen to Prevent Chronic HCV Infection. N Engl J Med 2021; 384:541-549. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2023345

Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019. https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download 

CPE details for GameChangers Podcast April 2021

Learning Objective: Describe the outcomes of a recently published trial on hepatitis C vaccine candidates.

0107-0000-21-158-H01-P

0.2 CEU/2 Hrs (Knowledge)

Initial Release Date: 04/06/21

Expiration Date: 03/02/24

Additional CPE information is located at https://www.ceimpact.com/podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More and more vaccines are getting authorization in the United States to prevent COVID-19. However, sometimes a vaccine trial is not always effective. But even failure can provide new insights. Learn about the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and what happened with the recent Hepatitis C vaccine candidate.

This podcast was recorded prior to the joint CDC and FDA statement on the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on April 13th. On April 13th, 2021, the CDC and FDA issued a joint statement recommending a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine until further notice. Click here for the full statement.

Reference: Page K, Melia M, Veenhuis R, et al. Randomized Trial of a Vaccine Regimen to Prevent Chronic HCV Infection. N Engl J Med 2021; 384:541-549. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2023345

Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to Prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019. https://www.fda.gov/media/146304/download 

CPE details for GameChangers Podcast April 2021

Learning Objective: Describe the outcomes of a recently published trial on hepatitis C vaccine candidates.

0107-0000-21-158-H01-P

0.2 CEU/2 Hrs (Knowledge)

Initial Release Date: 04/06/21

Expiration Date: 03/02/24

Additional CPE information is located at https://www.ceimpact.com/podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of 2020, we launched Beyond the Sig by hosting Randy McDonough, Director of Practice Transformation of Flip the Pharmacy, to discuss how the Flip the Pharmacy initiative was supporting pharmacies in practice transformation.  

During this episode of Beyond the Sig, PPCN Executive Director Stephanie McGrath sits down with Randy virtually to reflect on the past year, how Flip the Pharmacy has supported pharmacies through the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlight some of the brightest innovations demonstrated by participating pharmacies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of 2020, we launched Beyond the Sig by hosting Randy McDonough, Director of Practice Transformation of Flip the Pharmacy, to discuss how the Flip the Pharmacy initiative was supporting pharmacies in practice transformation.  

During this episode of Beyond the Sig, PPCN Executive Director Stephanie McGrath sits down with Randy virtually to reflect on the past year, how Flip the Pharmacy has supported pharmacies through the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlight some of the brightest innovations demonstrated by participating pharmacies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nasir Mahmood is a remarkable pharmacy owner.  Indeed, so remarkable that the NCPA named him the winner of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award.  And the list of honors and service he has provided to the profession and to his community justifies this high honor.

In this podcast Nasir and his son, Rehan, Mahmood share with Kneeland the PharmacyCrossRoads listeners several of the personal philosophy and business practices that allow Pine Plains Pharmacy, in Pine Plains, New York to be such an important part of this small community halfway between New York City and Albany, NY. 

Nasir, who also earned an MBA shared his view that knowing people, calling them by name and finding ways for the pharmacy to stock the special or unique items they want is one critical success factor.  While the pharmacy is small, just under 2000 sq. feet, he says they find ways to fit items into the pharmacy.  Adding to that idea is a robust special-order program where he says find his willingness to orders items an important customer service. 

Rehan tells how he worked with suppliers, the city’s fire department and created an appointment system that allowed them to provide this small town with a successful, and ongoing, COVID vaccination program. 

One heartfelt aspect of Nasir’s philosophy is giving back, thus he has served President and Chairman of the Pharmacist Society of the State of New York, winner of the Bowl of Hygiea Award, serves on the State Board of Pharmacy and is active in both NCPA and APhA. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices