A Statement on Racism in Our Nation
By: Steven C. Anderson, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
On May 25, George Floyd’s breath was taken from him tragically and senselessly. Many Americans feel that their breath was taken along with his. For many others, George Floyd’s life has passed into a deeper consciousness of the realities faced by Black Americans — realities that have been too easy to disregard.
George Floyd’s family said that his killing was caused by a pandemic of racism and discrimination. Maybe this is a unique and timely comparison that can sink in. After all, over the past three months…
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
This article was published first by Morning Consult on February 26, 2020
A simple truth is emerging about the complex topic known as pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fees: They are as damaging to patients and to pharmacies as advertised.
Adam J. Fein, Ph.D., the chief executive officer of Drug Channels Institute, on Feb. 13 announced his analysis that these fees “have grown faster than most people realize” — and reached a record $9.1 billion in 2019.
Fein wrote powerfully: “Our long time readers know…
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
The 300,000+ influential readers of Harvard Business Review are seeing pharmacists positioned as part of the solution to high-quality and affordable healthcare.
An article in the January-February 2020 edition, “Managing the Most Expensive Patients: A New Primary-Care Model Can Lower Costs and Improve Outcomes,” describes important findings of Kaiser Permanente.
Among the findings:
Added recently to the model, pharmacists can access laboratory data and, using protocols created by the physicians, make many of the medication changes needed, saving doctors even more time.
The new model…
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Reductions in pharmacy access, particularly for the underserved, would prove devastating for health and wellness. Reduced access also would decimate our nation’s emergency response capabilities.
NACDS and member companies fielded media inquiries this week about the demand and supply of surgical masks amid coronavirus fears.
This shows yet again that consumers think of pharmacies when they think of accessible solutions to health problems of many different types. The authorities think of pharmacies, too — especially when the health problems are potentially epidemic in scope.
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Instinctively, doctors and pharmacists recognize that opioid addiction, abuse and diversion are extremely complex issues that require collaboration among all stakeholders. However, one of the least understood aspects of this collaboration is the “corresponding responsibility” that federal regulations place on pharmacists to assess whether prescriptions for controlled substances are written for a legitimate medical purpose.
“Corresponding responsibility” required by the DEA
Given that this “corresponding responsibility” can be unknown or misunderstood, NACDS wants to foster open dialogue and communication with prescribers on this issue to help prevent frustration that it may…
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
I want to invite you to view the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ 30-second message on one of the vitally important commitments made by pharmacies and pharmacists. That commitment is to serve as part of the solution for the prevention of opioid abuse and addiction, while also caring for those suffering with pain.
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Addressing surprise medical bills has emerged as a focal point of healthcare discussions on Capitol Hill. That is with good reason, as such bills can devastate patients and their families. However, pharmacy DIR fees (direct and indirect remuneration fees) could qualify as surprise bills of a different kind.
Put simply, pharmacy DIR fees result from a regulatory loophole. Payers claw back reimbursement paid to pharmacies for Medicare prescriptions. …
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
As part of NACDS’ Campaign to Advance Public Policy for Opioid-Abuse Prevention and Pharmacy’s Role as Part of the Solution, NACDS has developed four additional policy recommendations.
The new recommendations include:
· Additional prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) reforms
· Health plan design reforms to identify patients with substance abuse disorders, and to facilitate treatment
· Improved coverage for non-opioid pain-management options
· Enabling patient access to naloxone — the overdose antidote — when opioids are prescribed.
These recommendations complement existing NACDS-backed policy recommendations, related…
By Ken Breda
Director of Pharmacy, Brookshire Brothers
President, Texas Federation of Drug Stores
Every day, pharmacists serve patients suffering tragically with chronic pain. They also see first-hand the ravages of addiction, including dependence on legitimate opioids and on similar drugs that are made and sold illegally.
With experience on the front lines of healthcare delivery, pharmacists also know viable public policy solutions when they present themselves. We see a tremendous opportunity right now in the Texas Legislature to help solve the opioid abuse epidemic, while remaining sensitive to those suffering with chronic pain.
Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who chairs the…
By: Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, President and CEO, National Association of Chain Drug Stores
We may be just days from learning whether a pending Medicare rule will provide relief from pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees, and thus live up to the vision of “American Patients First: The Trump Administration Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs.”
DIR fee relief, proposed by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, remains essential to save money for patients and for the government alike. This opportunity can be described in a four-part sequence:
· DIR relief will reduce patients’…
NACDS
National Association of Chain Drug Stores advocates for pharmacies, the face of neighborhood healthcare.
