Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy
-
J Manag Care Spec Pharm · Jan 2020
Estimating the Effect of a National Pharmacy-Led Influenza Vaccination Voucher Program on Morbidity, Mortality, and Costs.
Influenza (also known as "flu") is estimated to cause between 12,000 and 79,000 deaths annually. Vaccinations are beneficial in preventing influenza cases and reducing the likelihood of severe outcomes. Unfortunately, vaccination coverage is low among uninsured populations. Removing the cost barrier can help increase vaccination coverage in this group, averting flu cases and related morbidity and costs. ⋯ This study was funded by Walgreen Co. All authors are employees of Walgreen Co. and affiliated with Walgreens Center for Health and Wellbeing Research. Findings from this study were presented as a podium presentation at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Nexus 2018; October 22-25, 2018; Orlando, FL.
-
J Manag Care Spec Pharm · Jan 2020
Financial Sustainability of an Oregon Rural Health, Primary Care, and Pharmacist-Run Comprehensive Medication Management Program Through Direct Medical Billing.
Although several states recognize pharmacists as providers and allow credentialing, this practice is not recognized nationwide. Following adoption of Oregon House Bill 2028, pharmacists are recognized as providers, allowing "health insurers to provide payment or reimbursement for their services to patients." Before this law, and in several instances currently, pharmacist-run programs were financially justified through soft dollars saved by improving patient outcomes, reducing emergency department use, and decreasing readmission rates. ⋯ No outside funding provided support for this research; however, funding from Willamette Valley Community Health was given in the form of a grant to partially fund the comprehensive medication management pilot program. Pharmacists were paid from this grant, while Sublimity Pharmacy compensated pharmacists in the form of benefits. The authors have nothing to disclose. This work was presented in part as a poster at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting; December 4, 2018; Anaheim, CA, and as a peer-reviewed podium presentation at the Northwestern States Residency Conference; May 4, 2019; Portland, OR.