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Resources

IPA has developed comprehensive resources on practice issues relating to the profession of pharmacy. Click on the links above for more information. If you would like to recommend additional topics to be included on this page, please email IPA at ipa@iarx.org.

Trouble with E-prescribing or PBM audits?

Report your issues and help document the need for change.  The Iowa Pharmacy Association has heard from pharmacists regarding an increase in challenges with e-prescribing and PBM auditing practices. IPA strongly encourages pharmacists to report their issues through the appropriate channels and has provided the appropriate links below. Although it takes time to do this, your report will help identify trends and help interested parties understand the magnitude of these important issues.

To report issues or concerns with e-prescribing: Pharmacy and Provider e-Prescribing Experience Reporting (PEER) Portal

To read the rules regulating PBMs in Iowa: Insurance Division – Pharmacy Benefits Managers

To file a PBM auditing practices complaint: (Select “submit your complaint through this web site” and fill out the required fields)  Iowa Insurance Division – File a complaint

E-prescribing Helpline for Independent Pharmacies

The Independent Pharmacy Line (IPL), developed by Surescripts in conjunction with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), offers a direct, live resource for independent pharmacists. IPL is managed by certified pharmacy technicians, and will offer assistance in three ways: 1) helping to document and classify issues; 2) executing the research needed to help address and define a plan of action; and 3) providing personal follow-up with answers and additional assistance as needed.

IPL can be reached in three ways, Phone: 1-877-877-3962, E-mail: independent-assistance@surescripts.com, Fax: 1-703-880-0149

IPL is available Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm (Eastern Time).  During weekends and off hours, pharmacists will be able to leave a voice message and receive a call back on next business day. For HIPAA compliance reasons, patient-specific health information should not be discussed on IPL.

E-Prescribing of Controlled Substances Q&A

Utilize this Q&A guide to educate your pharmacy and local prescribers on the rules and regulations on electronic prescribing of controlled substances.

IME 15 Day Supply Limit

Beginning August 1, 2011, the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) will implement a 15 day supply limit for the initial fill of select medications identified as having high side effect profiles, having high discontinuation rates, or needing frequent dose adjustments.  To view a list of medications under this limit, click here.  Updates to this list will be communicated to providers via an Informational Letter as well as being posted on the Iowa Medicaid Preferred Drug List website.

Additional questions may be directed to:
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Pharmacy Point of Sale (POS) Help Desk: 877-463-7671 from 8am-5pm (after-hours on-call available)
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Email: info@iowamedicaidpos.com

APPOINTMENT BASED MODEL (ABM)

The appointment based model (ABM), created in California in 1996 and now being further developed by NASPA, aims to help pharmacies synchronize medication regimens in order to improve convenience for the patient as well as efficiency for the pharmacy. The model does not require any integration or modification of the pharmacy’s management system. Pharmacists who use ABM have advocated that it leads to more counseling time with patients, better patient care, improved medication adherence, improved time efficiency and improved workflow.

For more information on ABM, click here.

If your pharmacy is interested in implementing ABM, click here for an implementation instruction manual.

PEER Portal

Let your suggestions and concerns be known through the Pharmacy and Prescriber E-prescribing Experience Reporting (PEER) portal, found at https://www.pqc.net/eprescribe.  This portal is run by the Pharmacy Quality Commitment (PQC) and is open for all pharmacists to comment.  The data will be used by Alliance for Patient Medication Safety (APMS) to improve the quality and effectiveness of e-prescribing technologies.  See the flier here

MedCards

Create free edCards and other patient handouts online for at http://www.MyMedSchedule.com.  Information on each MedCard can include the name, strength, and picture of each drug as well as specific dosing instructions for each medication.  Pharmacists and patients can print out or email completed MedCards or handouts in large, easy-to-read font as well as in English and Spanish.

 

Rxownership.com

In an effort to keep independent pharmacies independent, Rxownership is a database powered by McKesson to help pharmacists plan for the purchase or sale of an independent pharmacy. It was initiated to help the transition of independent pharmacy ownership by allowing potential interested buyers an easy way to connect with independent pharmacy owners. Members can also be students, allowing them a place to learn about the benefits of owning an independent pharmacy in the future and how to prepare for ownership.

For more information visit Rxownership.com

For specific questions relating to this initiative, contact Anthony Pudlo, at apudlo@iarx.org

ASHP offers “Medication Reconciliation Toolkit” as a valuable resource

ASHP has developed a “Medication Reconciliation Toolkit” equipped with many resources needed to   initiate and maintain pharmacist-based medication reconciliation services. This web-based resource includes sample policies and procedures, example documents, past research, and medication lists. The website also includes recommendations, ideas, success stories, and lessons learned from other pharmacists.  Click here for more information.

 

 

 

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