On Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2008, the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative (WPQC), in conjunction with McKesson, held an all day training session at PSW for pharmacists from Aurora Pharmacy, Marshland Pharmacies, The Medicine Shoppe, Oregon Hometown Pharmacy, and UW Health Pharmacy. These pharmacies will be involved in the beta testing process for the Medication Therapy Management software system in development by McKesson.

 

Thirteen pharmacists were in attendance in addition to six representatives from McKesson. Review of quality network requirements, program description and motivational interviewing principles and techniques were presented. The majority of the day was spent learning how to navigate the MTM software system that standardizes billing and documentation for WPQC-covered services.

 

The beta testing pharmacies will have the opportunity to provide feedback to McKesson on the development of the software system from the user perspective. Future pilot training sessions are planned for late January and early February. The program is scheduled to launch Feb. 18, 2008.

Twice each year, PSW offers Immunization Delivery for Pharmacists, a program designed to provide pharmacists the knowledge of immunology, epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases, indications for vaccination and the skills for implementing and maintaining a pharmacy-based immunization program. This course prepares pharmacists to administer vaccines per Wisconsin Statutes 450.035.

 

Becoming a provider of vaccinations for your pharmacy practice allows you to demonstrate your skill as a public health provider, provides an opportunity for your pharmacy to expand their service offerings and allows you to network with other health care providers in your community.

 

Don't miss your opportunity to take Immunization Delivery for Pharmacists. This course will be offered Feb. 22-23, 2008 at the PSW headquarters building in Madison.

This week, the FDA announced its intention to take enforcement action against companies marketing unapproved prescription drug products containing hydrocodone, a narcotic widely used to treat pain and suppress coughs. The action does not affect other hydrocodone formulations, which have FDA approval.

 

The FDA has received reports of medication errors associated with formulation changes in unapproved hydrocodone products and reports of confusion over the similarity of the names of unapproved products to approved drug products.

 

Some hydrocodone pain-relief products, such as Vicodin, are FDA-approved. However, most of the hydrocodone formulations now marketed to suppress coughs have not been approved. The agency is particularly concerned about improper pediatric labeling of unapproved hydrocodone cough suppressants and the risk of medication error involving the unapproved products.

 

Anyone marketing unapproved hydrocodone products that are currently labeled for use in children younger than 6 years of age were to end further manufacturing and distribution of the products on or before Oct. 31, 2007. Those marketing any other unapproved hydrocodone drug products must stop manufacturing such products on or before December 31, 2007 and must cease further shipment in interstate commerce on or before March 31, 2008. Read more.

 

NACDS and NCPA filed a lawsuit against CMS and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Nov. 7, 2007. The next step in the legal process is a final ruling by the judge on the merits of the lawsuit. Until that time, the AMP rule put forth by CMS will not take effect.

Some advocates have expressed concern over the commercial success of AARP-branded Medicare prescription drug plans, administered by UnitedHealthcare Services. AARP's Medicare drug plans account for the No. 1 selling plan in the nation -- the AARP MedicareRX Preferred -- and two others in the top five. The three plans trump the sales of any other brand of drug plans, including those marketed by UnitedHealthcare that do not carry the AARP name.

 

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Judith Stein, executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, says she is concerned about AARP's dual role as an advocate and commercial enterprise. "The privatization of Medicare in general is a very bad thing and a good thing for the companies that are making a huge profit. When one of those companies is benefited by the AARP brand, I think it's a conflict," said Stein.  

 

Experts attribute the success of AARP's plans to appeal of the brand and the trust consumers have in the organization. The Inquirer reports, "As the Dec. 31 deadline approaches for Medicare members to change plans or sign up, many seniors are choosing AARP to cut through the clutter of a confounding marketplace." Read more.

PSW Pharmacy Interest Networks (PINs) are an exclusive benefit available only to PSW members. Pharmacy practitioners who have a common interest in any one of six practice areas are linked via an email listserve to communicate and share expertise and information on their mutual topic.

 

To get started and get involved, complete and submit a simple application identifying your area(s) of interest. Soon you'll be participating in regular e-conversations with other practitioners who have similar interests and expertise.

 

Current PINs include Acute Care, Diabetes, Immunization, Independent Pharmacy Practice, Medication Use Policy, and Pharmacy Residency.