National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)’s Post

Thankful the FTC has been watching and finally opening the can to address this issue. It’s a chain reaction when you have insurance, government, and these PBMs in play. I’m all for making money and others making money. But Let’s focus on the main reason we are involved in healthcare: helping patients and allowing access and payment for medications and treatment. Isn’t that why we and employers pay exorbitant premiums to get access to and for medications that our providers prescribe? https://lnkd.in/g2xJHyrF

The increased scrutiny of PBMs across federal, state, and local governments has led to major PBM reform efforts in the last couple of years. Our latest blog dives into some of the key federal and state PBM initiatives: https://hubs.ly/Q02rKG1H0 #PBM #PBMPolicy #PharmacyBenefits #Truveris

It will be interesting to see how far this UnitedHealth Group anti-trust investigation will go. From our conversation with folks in Washington, this seems to have more teeth to it than your garden variety ant-trust case. Although this is physician group focussed, we are encouraged by the fact that Lina Khan and the DOJ are actively talking to independent pharmacies to understand the real-life challenges they face against the Big 3 PBMs every single day. I refer to this as the “hand-to-hand combat” that safety net providers and pharmacies deal with daily, just to stay alive and serve patients who desperately need their medications affordably, on time, and at the location of their choosing. You would think that these are basic rights of a patient and pharmacy, but it is not the case, and the current state is unacceptable and needs reform. Here’s a snapshot of what this looks like on-the-ground. #DefendPatientChoice #SafetyNet 

"With more than 1 in 4 people in the UK now classed as obese and NHS ‘tier-3’ weight management services struggling to cope with demand, Pharmadoctor’s partner pharmacies are not only providing patients with immediate support and treatments to reach a healthier weight but reducing the burden on an increasingly struggling NHS". Read more 📖 👉 link to the full article in the comments below👇 #weightloss #ongoingsupport #treatments

A really good and clear advertisement promoting #pharmacistfirst NHS England available in #community #pharmacies who are best placed to deliver these .They are of great benefit to those that need it when referred appropriately according to service spec. Are the service providers (community pharmacies) set up well though so they don’t fail at the first hurdle? From funding cuts, staff shortages, out of stock medication, several technologies needs to be accessed & used to deliver each service accordingly and not forgetting the other services they already do beyond dispensing prescriptions. These are some of the enablers that should be addressed in tandem to really make these services a real continuous success.

Just to make a small annoucement regarding REP Group Limited. Last week we executed a collaboration agreement with one of the NHS Trust's in England. There will be more formal and detailed press releases regarding this collaboration in the weeks and months to come, but at a high level the agreement will lead to assessing how REP's narrative driven programme and assessment model, can help optimise and enhance the management of patients waiting for therapy, such that more can be safely supported and at a lower cost. #rep #reengageandperspectives #repwellbeing

At IPC, we've been working with other national pharmacy organizations over the past 2 years to advocate for Congressional action on meaningful PBM Medicaid managed care and Part D reform legislation. But why does PBM reform matter so much? Well, if you're an independent pharmacy owner, you probably know that PBMs have long-used practices that threaten independent pharmacy’s ability to serve their patients. These practices often show up as obscure pricing strategies and unfair reimbursement practices. Luckily, there are a couple of ways you can help support PBM reform! The first step is to contact your member of Congress about this issue. Your voice can make a major impact. Another way to help is by engaging your patients in this cause. Encourage your patients to add their voices to the call for reform! Here's our full blog article: https://bit.ly/4ciiG6f #IPC #PBMReform #IndependentPharmacy

Amidst the challenges pharmacies face today, such as increased competition from online services and evolving patient expectations, the future presents key opportunities. Integrating Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) can offer expanded diagnostic services and immediate, accessible patient care. Pharmacies can improve chronic disease management and serve as health hubs, providing rapid test results and preventive screenings. Embracing personalized treatments and supporting public health initiatives, emergency response efforts, and telehealth integration will strengthen their roles. Additionally, pharmacies can educate patients on health management and disease prevention. These advancements ensure pharmacies remain relevant, competitive, and vital in modern healthcare. #PharmacyInnovation #HealthcareFuture #POCT #PatientCare #Telehealth #PublicHealth #ChronicDiseaseManagement #PreventiveCare #PharmacyEducation

*A clip of a longer interview* Healthcare Headlines on Talk TV. The very first comment I made was that this is not a strike, but a protest. On the 20 June 2024 some pharmacy teams are planning to wear black/ turn off their lights for a portion of time etc. This is to protest the persistent underfunding of the pharmacy network. The NPA - National Pharmacy Association has suggested the 20 June 2024 as they report that typically there is only enough NHS funding to cover costs for the first three weeks of any month. My non exhaustive advice to those choosing to take part; -Ensure that health and safety is adhered to and the consequences of any protest carefully risk assessed. -The responsible pharmacist in charge of the pharmacy premises must ensure the safe and effective running of the pharmacy premises. Any protest should not impede this. -NHS contractual arrangements must also be considered. Whatever your views on protesting or even striking, it is a sorry state of affairs for patients that there has been a reduction in the number of pharmacies. #PharmacistThorrun #HealthcareLawyer #healthcare #media #protest #healthcareheadlines

Have questions about Medicare foot care coverage? Palmetto GBA’s resources cover compliance, Targeted Probe & Educate, how to avoid costly denials and more!