Change to rota pharmacies
NEW ARRANGEMENTS for pharmacies’ out-of-hours opening will be introduced at the start of next month by NHS Tayside.
The health authority will now only schedule rota services over Christmas and new year when the usual pharmacy services are not available.
For the Christmas and New Year rota services, NHS Tayside will ensure that a pharmacy is open in each locality across the region. The rota pharmacy will be integrated with other services, such as the out-of-hours arrangements, to make sure patients can access the care that they need.
As the rota organised by NHS Tayside will no longer operate, details of the pharmacies open on Sundays or public holidays will not be routinely published in the local press.
PCCA Cautions U.S. Public About Potassium Iodide
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) today cautioned the public against using potassium iodide (chemical name: KI) unless facing imminent threat of exposure to nuclear radiation. Potassium iodide—an over-the-counter, non-prescription supplement—can cause side effects when used inappropriately.
“We supply an extensive network of excellent and accredited compounding pharmacists”
“Taken inappropriately—as with any drug or supplement—potassium iodide will do more harm than good,” says Gus Bassani, PharmD, PCCA Vice President of Consulting, R&D and Formulations. “When misused, potassium iodide can cause iodine toxicity—with symptoms ranging from relatively mild, such as a metallic taste and sore gums and teeth, all the way to negative effects on the thyroid itself.”
“News reports of potassium iodide’s role in preventing radiation exposure to the human thyroid gland, combined with speculation about the reach of radiation from Japan’s nuclear plants, have led to widespread consumer purchases, particularly on the U.S. West Coast,” says Jim Smith, PCCA President. “We caution the general public to speak with their pharmacist or physician before using potassium iodide.”
When appropriately used in response to nuclear radiation, potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland by saturating the gland with healthy iodine, thereby preventing radioactive Iodine-131 from entering the thyroid, where it could otherwise lead to thyroid cancer or other harmful impacts. “It’s crucial to understand that potassium iodide should only be used if you’re directly exposed to nuclear radiation,” says Bassani. “Inappropriate self-dosing could cause negative physical reactions.”
PCCA is an industry leader providing high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients to pharmacies that specialize in compounding (as contrasted with mass-produced and generic medications). Compounding member pharmacies carefully formulate the active ingredients into unique dosage forms that are appropriate for patients. Compounding pharmacists also work with physicians to provide personalized medications.
“We supply an extensive network of excellent and accredited compounding pharmacists,” says A.J. Day, PharmD, Manager of Pharmacy Consulting. “Should the time ever arise when preventatives such as potassium iodide are called for, this network can support the public’s need safely and effectively.”
Leaders at PCCA continue to closely monitor the supportive effort in Japan. “Our member pharmacists are formulating dosages as needed,” says Smith, “supporting first responders with all they need to do their vital jobs in prosperity or in times of disaster. We provide the high-quality raw materials to compounding pharmacists who then help their patients and the public.”
Rising Prescription And Healthcare Costs Have Employers Worried
Many organizations offer strong benefit plans to employees to attract and retain them, but with the current financial crisis looming, managing the costs of these benefits is becoming increasingly difficult. As the consumer demand for drugs and medications is rising, so is their cost. Add to that the American populations growing reliance on drug therapies and the overall medical inflation and you have a potentially disastrous financial situation at your hands.
Many companies have memberships and plans with various Pharmacy Benefit Management programs to combat this issue. But the ideal solution in this case seems to be the Alternative Prescription System (A.P.S) offered by Prescription Care Management.
The A.P.S is one of a kind, proprietary system that works in conjunction with your existing Pharmacy Plan or as a stand-alone system to advise cheaper alternatives to expensive medications. It promises to help control prescription drug costs for companies while increasing the level of care provided to members. Options such as therapeutic alternatives, target generic alternatives, extended supply pharmacy, or pill splitting is offered and may enable members to save money and increase quality of care. PCM has delivered response rates and results that are significantly higher than traditional health plan cost-saving strategies.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to balance their healthcare expenses and existing income streams in the current economic environment. PCM employs the concept of utilization management to make sure that each of their clients receives the correct prescription at the right time, in the precise amount and exactly for as long as they need. As part of the service offering, the ability to act as an independent audit arm for the company and review the transactions by the PBM is also a valuable part of the program.
Prescription Care Management’s program makes sure that the final decision regarding the drug to be used always rests with the member. To assist them in making alternative drug recommendations, PCM employs a large team of pharmacists to assess the nature of each case individually and make the decisions about the best ways to maintain the patients’ quality of care. This innovative solution includes services that proactively support health plan initiatives to promote changes relating to compliance, formulary management, therapeutic alternatives and disease state management for members.
Prescription Care Management’s largest differentiator is that they are a no-risk operation. Once a company employs PCM to review their prescriptions, the savings are quick and noticeable and best of all, they are constant. Once the system has analyzed a drug request, the resulting suggestions of alternative drug therapies are reviewed by pharmacists and translated to the physician as well as the member to make sure that all parties involved are satisfied with the decision. The approach is both member and physician friendly. Encouraging physicians and patients to discuss options and initiate positive changes allows members to save money and health plans to reduce costs. The A.P.S promises major pharmacy cost-savings and using it effectively can manage medicine –associated costs.
Summary:
Offering health and drug benefits is now becoming very uneconomical for American companies. PCM is trying to change that with its innovative Alternative Prescription System that encourages pharmacy savings even with a company’s existing Pharmacy Plan in place. Prescription Care Management is NOT a PBM. The savings approach to drug prescription management is both member and physician friendly.
About PCM Savings:
Prescription Care Management is a leading independent provider of prescription management services working with self-funded groups, coalitions and MCO’s in a variety of verticals. PCM provides an additional layer of prescription savings through the “Alternative Prescription System” (A.P.S.). Their ability to identify potential efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities while providing savings to clients is their key to success. A.P.S. identifies prescription alternatives and makes the most cost-effective choice based on clinical effectiveness and overall cost to the patient and the plan. The PCM business model also provides full disclosure and transparency assisting companies in managing their PBM.