This Week in Pharmacy

Addressing Patient Needs and Advocacy with Jennifer Noonan, VP of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – November 9, 2024
Episode Title: Addressing Patient Needs and Advocacy with Jennifer Noonan, VP of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement
Show Notes:
In this insightful episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Jennifer Noonan, Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement at Accessia Health, to discuss the current and future landscape of patient care. Join us as we explore the unique needs of patients, particularly within specialty pharmacy, and uncover resources that can provide crucial support.
Conversation Highlights:
Current State of Patient Care
Jennifer shares her perspective on the pressing needs of patients today and whether their financial, educational, and advocacy needs are being adequately met.
We delve into the varying needs of patients with different disease states and explore the specific support required for those navigating complex healthcare journeys.
Discussion points include:
Financial Assistance – Understanding the essential financial support patients seek and how various programs step in to alleviate the burden.
Patient Advocacy and Education – Highlighting the importance of patient education programs and recent efforts like the CMS webinar series to empower patients.
Health Equity and SDOH – Addressing the gaps in social determinants of health and equity in care, and how they impact patient outcomes.
Resources Available to PatientsJennifer discusses often-overlooked resources like Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), especially Accessia Health’s support beyond copay assistance.
Listeners gain insight into:
Financial Support Programs – Beyond the basics, Accessia Health provides comprehensive assistance tailored to specific patient needs.
Educational Programs – How initiatives such as CMS webinars bridge knowledge gaps and empower patients to make informed choices.
Filling Gaps in Health Equity – Steps being taken to close disparities and ensure all patients have access to equitable care.
Future of Specialty Pharmacy and Patient EngagementJennifer shares her outlook on the changes expected in the specialty pharmacy space over the next few years.
Topics include:
Rising Healthcare Costs and Legislation – How the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and upcoming CMS changes could reshape the landscape for patients.
Cell and Gene Therapy Advances – The impact of groundbreaking treatments and the importance of ensuring patients have access to these innovations.
Getting in Touch with Accessia HealthJennifer concludes with ways patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can connect with Accessia Health to learn more about the resources and support available.
Connect with Us: For more information about this episode and to reach out to Accessia Health, visit AccessiaHealth.org. Don’t forget to subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy for the latest insights in healthcare and pharmacy.
Join us as we uncover how healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates can come together to address today’s challenges and build a more inclusive future for all.

PSG: Pharmacy Benefits Consulting | TWIRx

Ready to #TWIRx? Too bad, here we GO!! Turn that frown upside down. 
 
On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we sit down with Renee Malarbi Rayburg, RPh, Vice President of Clinical Strategy at Pharmaceutical Strategies Group - PSG (PSG), an EPIC company. 
 
In Part 2, we talk with Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting Group, a leader in custom tech strategy and development for specialty pharmacy software. Shaun’s team creates tailored solutions for pharmacy business processes, helping specialty pharmacies operate with precision.
 
We’re excited to announce expanded blog coverage for 2025, including insights from Medika Life and Dispense Times —two must-read resources for healthcare professionals. Plus, we’re gearing up for American Pharmacists Association #APhA2025 in Nashville! Will you be joining us there?
 
A special shoutout to my friend Matthew Zachary, a fellow #GenXer, who’s featured in This Week in Rx (TWIRx) this week! Catch our episode recap on LinkedIn, here: 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/healthcare-isnt-broken-built-way-matthew-zachary-otlte/?trackingId=GjtOOW2tQVSZu5FTiyyrcw%3D%3D
 
And don’t miss the upcoming panel discussion for the #Symptomatic: Medical Mystery podcast from Ruby by iHeartMedia, shout out to Ethan Fixell and Jodi Dewey for all your work in this amazing show. 
 
On November 12th at 6 PM. Join an impressive lineup of #pharmacy leaders, including Dr. Becky Winslow, BS, PharmD, PharmD, Dr. Ryan Paul, PhD, Stephen Beckman, Dr. Mark Garofoli, and Dr. Tamar K. Lawful, PharmD, APh, CNGS Lawful. It’s a can’t-miss event for anyone in pharmacy or healthcare!
 
It's a mystery #podcast shakedown. 
 
Here's #TWIRx 

Ready? Set! GO! We're Headed to NCPA 2024 | TWIRx

On 'This Week in Pharmacy' we're talkign about the 'Super Bowl' event of the year for Independent Community Pharmacy, the NCPA 2024. But first, let's get jiggy with #TWIRx News:As drug middlemen influence grows, independent pharmacies face fresh challenges: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/10/11/drug-middlemen-influence-grows-independent-pharmacies-face-fresh-challenges/The Evolving Role and Importance of Pharmacists in the Health Care Systemhttps://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-evolving-role-and-importance-of-pharmacists-in-the-health-care-systemAmazon same-day prescription delivery expanding to nearly half of U.S. in 2025https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/09/amazon-same-day-prescription-delivery-expanding-to-half-of-us-in-2025.htmlNew law requires transparency for Pharmacy Benefit Managershttps://www.kmvt.com/2024/10/01/new-law-requires-transparency-pharmacy-benefit-managers/?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PT+Daily+October+11&utm_content=PT+Daily+October+11
Interactive immunization maps show where patients can partner with community pharmacists
https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/interactive-immunization-maps-show-where-patients-can-partner-with-community-pharmacists?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PT+Daily+October+11&utm_content=PT+Daily+October+11Catch IPC Digital Health as a sponsor & exhibitor at @HLTHEVENT
2024 in Las Vegas on October 20-23! #HLTH2024Visit booth 4240 to Discover how iCare+ is revolutionizing independent pharmacies with telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. We can't wait to see YOU in Vegas!Our first special guest on TWIRx is a Business Development Leader in Community Pharmacy Stephanie Zimmerman with Real Value Rx, our sponsor for the NCPA 2024. Building business shouldn't be so hard and Stephanie and Real Value are ready to help you grow in 2025. Next up, Stephen Beckman, CEO of Yaral Pharma is planning busienss strategy sessions with pharmacy owners on pain management options and our partnership with 'The Pain Guy' Dr. Mark Garofoli PharmD, in Booth 900! Schedule your time with Stephen now: https://yaralpharma.com/business-development/ 

Building Your RPM Business & Pharmacy Compunding | TWIRx

On "This Week in Pharmacy" we're excited to talk about Remote Pharmacy Services with Dr. Thea Blystone, PharmD, who's built an amazing program for other entrepreneurial pharmacists out there wanting to build their own clinical consultancy. We're also talkning with Tenille Davis, the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding following up from our September TWIRx episode. References: A4PC.org --find more info on Compounding Remote Pharmacy Services, building your business with Thea, on LinkedIn. TWIRx News: Did you hear aboutn "3 Houston-area pharmacy operators charged for illegally selling 70 million opioid pills" --what the heck? (from Sharron Melton, with CW39 Houston News) American Pharmacists Month: Alan Corley Discusses Importance of Pharmacy to Patients, from Pharmacy Times National pharmacy chain to lay off nearly 3,000 workers, from Cleveland.com News DME Pharmacy Magazine, reports on a story titled "Pharmacy Teams Under Pressure" by Laurie Watanabe Pharmacy Podcast Network features include: Bruce Kneeland's 'Pharmacy CrossRoads' delivers a ROCKSTAR interview with Dr. Ken Thai and his new Group Purchasing Organization. kb-rx.com The 3-Part Series, 'The Last Mile with RxMile' you don't want to miss this, see here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/last-mile-rxmile-podcast-series-todd-s-eury-smdwe/ Breaking into Drug Information, by phactMI, newe podcast series, with Evelyn Hermes-DeSantis, PharmD, BCPS, Director, Research and Publications, with phactMI and guest speakers Drs. Susan Wnoroswki, Alicia Cadogan, and Joy Yee! Talking AI and the Evolution of Personalized Medicine, from the CEO of the NASP, Shelia Arquette with special guest Stuart Kamin, SVP of Analytics and Innovation at Claritas Rx. Shout-out to BreathROX, Jonathan Tanner, making pharmacists and pharmacy techs breath smell better. (Lol, don't go around with bad-breath, and get your zinc!) Shout-out Dr. Katrina Forbes, a TikTok superstar educating the public about 'what pharmacists do' -- new episode coming from Dr. Ashley Kay Pendrick, PharmD and Katie with Physician Dr. Thomas Matthews, MD, as we review the American Medical Association public statement about Pharmacists. It's time to TWIRx, get your moves on while you listen to 'This Week in Pharmacy' 

NASP 2024 - Are You Ready!? | TWIRx

On #TWIRx "This Week in Pharmacy" --we start out with the WORLD WIDE Celebration of Pharmacists, World Pharmacist Day 2024, thank you to all the 4-Million Pharmacists on planet Earth. On September 25, 2024, the global community came together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, shining a spotlight on the invaluable role pharmacists play in safeguarding public health. (Shout out to Katrina Azer & Anisha Patel) HARMACY Film -- huge announcement from Dr. Anaïs Webster- Mennuti, Dr. Kristin Speer, and Marie Wilda! Go to HarmacyFilm.com Thank you Josh Kent from Cannabis Pharmacy, forwarding education, programs to support independent pharmacy businesses, and delivering highest quality products, check them out CannabisPharmacy.com -- and the Education leaders from the Answer Page with Dr. Stephen Corn, M.D. and Dr. Meredith Fisher-Corn, M.D, they joined the Pharmacy Podcast Network for reliable education for healthcare providers. Thank you Sykes & Company for your services for Pharmacy Owners and accounting management to 'Master the Margins' of your businesses. The Road-Trip Guy is back with another 'Pharmacy CrossRoads' host Bruce Kneeland. This episode is about growing your compounding pharmacy business. We're proud of the Pediatirc Pharmacist leaders, 'Perfecting Peds' and their latest podcast episode on CFTR (Cystic fibrosis), take a listen! Cardinal Health is focused on 'Why Independent Pharmacy' with Barry Christensen on 'Counter Talk' podcast --this is a great podcast about why it's time to build your community pharmacy, Cardinal Health is ready help build your pharmacy in 2025. What's QHIN and how is Surescripts leading the way in 'qualified health information networks' will impact healthcare. We had a wonderful discussion lead by Dr. Simi Burn, PharmD, with special guests Ashton S. Maaraba, J.D. with IPC and Ritesh Patel with FINN Partners for being part of this discussion about #DigitalHealth inside Community Pharmacy today. The 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy Awards are getting ready to launch! Who do you think is an influential leader in Pharmacy Care? We're so proud to be launching the 4th #Pharmacy50 Awards in October 2024. Shout Out to the # 1 for 2023, Dr. Nadia Ahmad, PharmD --with Walgreens. Thank you Nadia for a special recognition of my work in pharmacy, thank you. First featured guest today on TWIRx is a specialty pharmacy 'Slayer of Healthcare Barriers' Jennifer Noonan, MSN, RN, with Accessia Health, helping patients find funding for their medications when all hope seems lost, this company fights for the patient's pharmacy care. Perigon Pharmacy 360, President Dr. Chris Antypas, PharmD., will be featured at the NASP Annual Event on the PPN's PRess coverage of the conference and he's here with us on TWIRx. Chris shares about how his specialty pharmacy is combining technology, pharmacy care plans, specialty & rare disease specialty pharmacists to innovate pharmacy care. 
Shaun Jensen with JB Consulting will be at NASP ready to talk about helping Specialty Pharmacies build custom systems, software programs, and APIs to make your workflow, your mobile apps, and how to best leverage A.I. to help dial into your specialty pharmacy operations on another level. Shaun and his team build powerful programs specific to your operations needs. We can't wait to talk with Shaun in Nashville. Thank you Shelia Arquette, CEO of the NASP for your unwavering support of Specialty Pharmacy excellence. Your impact on specialty care has been incredible. See everyone in Nashville. 

The Pharmacy Desert Dilemma: Why 1 in 2 Communities Are Affected | TWIRx

Special Guests: Dr. Jay Phipps, PharmD The Pharmacy Gladiator & Dr. Rob Bullington, PharmD
Welcome to this week’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy, where we tackle pressing issues affecting the pharmacy landscape across the United States.
Episode Summary Part One:
In today’s episode, we delve into a critical and increasingly dire issue: the rise of pharmacy deserts in the U.S. According to a recent study from Ohio State, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, half of the communities in America are now facing significant challenges in accessing pharmacy services. With numerous pharmacy closures, both large retail chains and independent pharmacies are becoming scarce, leaving many Americans struggling to obtain essential medications and basic health screenings.
Our special guests today are Dr. Jay Phipps, known as the Pharmacy Gladiator, and Dr. Rob Bullington, who is opening his 9th pharmacy. They bring invaluable perspectives from the field, highlighting the practical and community impacts of these closures.
Key Topics Covered:
Pharmacy Deserts Explained: What constitutes a pharmacy desert, and how widespread is this issue?
Impact on Communities: How the closure of pharmacies affects medication access and primary health care screenings.
Recent Developments: Insights into how the situation has evolved since the 2020 study, especially with Rite Aid’s bankruptcy and CVS's plans to close 900 stores.
Expert Opinions: Dr. Jay Phipps and Dr. Rob Bullington share their experiences and discuss potential solutions to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
Guest Bios:
Dr. Jay Phipps: Known as the Pharmacy Gladiator, Dr. Phipps is a passionate advocate for the pharmacy profession and has been actively involved in efforts to address the challenges faced by pharmacies in underserved areas.
Dr. Rob Bullington: A successful pharmacy owner expanding his reach with his 9th pharmacy, Dr. Bullington provides firsthand insights into the struggles and opportunities within the current pharmacy landscape.
Why You Should Listen: If you’re interested in understanding the current state of pharmacy deserts, how it affects communities, and what can be done to address these challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Phipps and Dr. Bullington provide a wealth of knowledge and real-world examples that shed light on the broader implications of pharmacy closures.
Subscribe & Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights from the pharmacy world.
Contact Us: Have questions or comments about today’s episode? Reach out to us at [email address] or follow us on [social media handles].
Episode Summary Part Two:In today’s second feature, we are thrilled to welcome Scott Becker, the founder, publisher, and chief content officer of Becker's Healthcare. As a leader in healthcare media, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the intersection of healthcare policy, business, and media. His company’s podcast is currently the number one podcast in U.S. Business News for the week of September 8, 2024, highlighting his influence and reach in the industry.
Key Topics Covered:
Healthcare Media Landscape: Scott provides an overview of the current state of healthcare media and its impact on the pharmacy industry.
Trends and Challenges: Insights into emerging trends affecting hospitals, health systems, and pharmacy practices, including the role of media in shaping these trends.
Integration of Business and Healthcare: Discussion on how business strategies and healthcare practices intersect and what that means for pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Future Directions: Scott shares his vision for the future of healthcare media and its role in advancing the pharmacy sector.
Guest Bio:
Scott Becker: Founder and Chief Content Officer of Becker's Healthcare, Scott Becker is a Harvard law graduate and a certified public accountant. His expertise spans across various sectors within the healthcare industry, including hospitals, health systems, surgery center chains, large practices, and private equity funds. His leadership in healthcare media has made Becker's Healthcare a crucial resource for industry professionals.
Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the broader context of healthcare media and its influence on the pharmacy industry. Scott Becker’s insights provide valuable perspectives on how media shapes healthcare policy and business practices, offering a unique view into the evolving landscape of healthcare.
Subscribe & Stay Updated: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and insights from the pharmacy world.
Contact Us: Have questions or comments about today’s episode? Reach out to us at Publisher@PharmacyPodcast.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn by searching 'Pharmacy Podcast".
Thank you for tuning into TWIRx! 

What's Next for Compounding Pharmacy? | TWIRx

Welcome to another episode of "This Week in Pharmacy"! Your host, Todd Eury, is joined by a special co-host, Saleem Shah, the CEO of the Collaborative Patient Care Group (CPCG). Together, they bring you the latest and greatest in pharmacy news and insights.
News of the Week:
Pharmacy Educators and Social Media: We dive into an intriguing story from Pharmacy Times about how pharmacy educators are harnessing the power of social media to inspire and engage the next generation of pharmacists. Find out how these innovative approaches are shaping the future of pharmacy education.
AscellaHealth Recognition: AscellaHealth has been highlighted in the SHSMD Calendar of Healthcare Observances for their efforts in promoting Gene Therapy and Specialty Pharmacy Awareness Month. We discuss what this recognition means for the field and how it reflects ongoing advancements and awareness in these critical areas.
Featured Guest Interview:
Dr. Tenille Davis, PharmD: We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Tenille Davis, PharmD, the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Dr. Davis will share her insights on the current state of pharmacy compounding, its challenges, and future directions.
Upcoming Events:
PPN at NASP 2024: Mark your calendars for the NASP 2024 conference in Nashville from October 6-9! We’ll be at the NASP booth, and we invite you to connect with us and be part of our Podcast Spotlight podcast series. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the pharmacy community and catch our live podcast recordings.
Connect with Us:
Follow us on social media for updates and highlights from the episode.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the topics discussed.
Tune in for a dynamic episode filled with valuable information and engaging discussions!Subscribe today: https://linktr.ee/PharmacyPodcast

Serving the Deaf Community through Pharmacy & Special feature with Bruce Kneeland | TWIRx

 
This Week in Pharmacy --we're in #TWIRx mode, dancing with joy for the opening game of the UConn Huskies, go UConn School of Pharmacy!Today's sponsor is Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) Digital Health platform iCare+ and Happier at Home, helping pharmacies build new revenues through home care services. Perfect fit for Independent Pharmacies! In the news, the Pennsylvania Auditor General says DHS failed to oversee pharmacy benefit managers, costing taxpayers, reported in News from the States. Next, there's Sweeping DEA Operation to investigate Pharmacy Burglaries And Illegal Sales Of Addictive Prescription Medications. And, celebration happy news from High Point University School of Pharmacy --HPU’s New Pharmacy Students Start Their Year with a Day of Service!HPU pharmacy students Sydney Jarrett, Allen Thompson, Briana Jordan, Nicole Nimpson, Breanna Fulton and Roly Eban worked to organize the West End Ministries’ food pantry.The PPN is headed to Nashville October 6-9 to provide press coverage of the NASP 2024, conenct with me if you're going! Today's first guest is an entrepreneur, she has a mission to help the hard of hearing and deaf people who need Pharmacist's care and she's working with Independent Community Pharmacies to help them implement services your community needs, this is Dr. Ashley Walker, PharmD. Our 2nd feature is with the O.G. of Pharmacy Journalism and business innovation over the past 40+ years, host of Pharmacy CrossRoads, Bruce Kneeland. Please share this episode, use hashtag #TWIRx, thank you! 

Focusing on Expanding Wound Care | TWIRx

Welcome to This Week in Pharmacy where we touch base on Pharmacy Times Reports on "Community Pharmacy's Existential Question: Should you Chase Product Revenues or Service Margins by Troy Trygstag PharmD. We talk about the Ohio Capital article on PBMs skimming millions of dollars from tax-payers, and Forbes reports on Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs is disrupting the PBM contracts and their work with Blue Shield of California. Big time news!! 
Let's talk about Wound Care on This Week in Pharmacy: William Padula, PhD from the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and-or David G. Armstrong MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, are talking with Todd Eury on TWIRx about a recent proposal from Medicare is calling to  eliminate coverage of some of skin substitute therapies, and the potential serious health risks that many Americans will face by limiting them.
Skin substitutes, made from donated amniotic tissue, greatly improve wound care outcomes and help patients avoid limb amputations—a procedure that can double the risk of death for diabetic patients. This Medicare proposal under consideration will deny coverage of over 200 skin substitutes and limit how doctors can properly treat patients will leave tens of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries without treatment.

New Rx Leadership & Laughing with a Pharmacy Dad | TWIRx

“Hey Cory, what do you do?”
I am a comedian, pharmacist, author, and speaker. With the eye for detail of a pharmacist and the mind of a comedian, I am out to help others challenge the conventions and PREscriptions holding them back while adapting to the unknown and living in the moment. All while getting some laughs along the way.
 
Rewind to 2013, two years into my pharmacy career and there I was, struggling to adapt to the unscripted world of pharmacy and healthcare. 
​
On paper I had checked all of the boxes: perfect grades, residency, board certifications. But then I realized something was missing - the ability to create meaningful connections in the moment with those I cared for, and the ability to adapt and remain flexible.
​
2013 was the year I went to my first improv class and two simple words changed everything for me: "Yes, and."
 
_____________
 
The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN) is pleased to announce that Dr. Rob Maher has been selected to serve as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Dr. Maher brings over 30 years of experience working in independent community pharmacy practice, ambulatory care pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy and hospital pharmacy.
 
Dr. Maher has an extensive history with PPCN, since its formation in 2015. Dr. Maher has been actively involved in PPCN since by serving as a PPCN luminary, PPCN trainer and technology solution support lead for PioneerRX. Dr. Maher has also represented PPCN nationally, serving for the past three years as Chair of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network's (CPESN) Quality Assurance Committee.
 
Most recently he has served as Director of Pharmacy Services for Klingensmith's Drugstore, a seven-store independent, family-owned chain of PPCN-member pharmacies located in Armstrong and Clarion counties. In this role, Dr. Maher lead the development, implementation, and growth of enhanced community pharmacy services across multiple locations. Through use of key performance indicators (KPIs), careful workflow considerations and by leaning into technology, Dr. Maher was able to position Klingensmith's to serve their communities while growing new business revenue.
 
In addition to his practice experience, Dr. Maher has spent the past 25 years serving as a faculty member and administrative pharmacist at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. During this time, Dr. Maher has taught and inspired countless student pharmacists through didactic courses related to the fundamentals of pharmacy practice management, implementation of pharmacy services and business planning/entrepreneurship.
 
Dr. Maher earned both his B.S. in Pharmacy (’93) and PharmD from the University of Pittsburgh ('97). In 1998, Dr Maher completed a Geriatric pharmacy specialized residency at Duke University's Center for the Study of Aging and the Durham Veteran's Affairs Geriatric Research Education Center. Growing up, Dr. Rob Maher worked in his family’s community pharmacy in Patton, Pa. (Cambria County) that his father owned and operated for 47 years. In 2021, the business was sold to another independent pharmacy owner. Dr. Maher also was a pharmacy owner partner for Mission Pharmacy Services, a long-term care pharmacy.
 
Dr. Maher will be taking over for Dr. Brandon Antinopoulos, the network's first President and COO. Dr. Antinopoulos is embarking on a new career path as an independent pharmacy owner. Current PPCN Executive Director, Stephanie McGrath, will remain in her role leading the network's program design, implementation, and evaluation efforts to advocate for the quality care provided by PPCN pharmacies.  PPCN Director of Engagement, Kelsey Hake, will also remain in her role supporting payer program implementation, evaluation and quality assurance.