DIR reform in 2024: One step forward, two steps back

The article delves into the advancements and obstacles facing Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) reform in 2024 within the pharmacy sector. It outlines the move from retroactive to upfront DIR fees, the financial pressures on pharmacies, and initiatives to broaden the scope of pharmacy services. Despite certain improvements like clawback elimination, the transition has introduced cash flow difficulties and decreased transparency. The article underscores the significance of comprehending and managing these reforms to bolster pharmacy viability and promote value-based care endeavors.

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Successful Returns Management Starts With An Effective Returns Policy

Establishing a clear and consistent returns policy is an absolute requirement for any drug- or device-maker committed to successfully mitigating the financial liability attached to product flowing back through the supply chain.

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The Push for Healthcare Price Transparency: Will Pharmacies See a Benefit?

By Jason Murry, Senior Director, Healthcare Sales: Recent passage of the Lower Costs, More Transparency (LCMT) Act in a bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives is being heralded by the bill’s sponsors as “landmark legislation,” but is it really? The bill -- which is a long way from becoming law -- is focused on the very politically popular issue of lowering prescription drug prices for consumers. But where is the benefit for pharmacies?  

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What does the future hold for retail media?

Leah Logan: Expect a shift from retail media standardization to transparency.  As brands continue to invest more in retail media, they’re looking for a consistent way to talk about and measure performance across the multiple retail media networks — to determine where to invest their budgets. While both brands and retailers see standardization at some level as a necessary step in the evolution of retail media, more complex metrics will be needed to provide rationale for how one RMN is differentiated from another. 

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Tips For Payer Contract Negotiation, Reconciliation and Recoupment

To take the sting out of contracting’s difficult process, pharmacy leaders need to have a solid understanding of best practices when working with payers.

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How To Master Hazardous Rx Returns Rules For Every State

Did you know 23 states have hazardous waste management rules that differ from federal rules? Did you know 35 states have adopted Subpart P?  As if this weren’t complicated enough, on both levels — federal and state — these regulations are constantly changing. Keeping up is like constantly trying to hit a moving target, but unfortunately, it’s not optional.

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Get On Track With DSCSA Requirements

For pharmacies nationwide, this November brings more than just the holidays. It brings full enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). And though the industry has spent the last 10 years preparing, with the deadline fast approaching, there’s been an uptick in urgency.  Dispensers need to understand their responsibilities.

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What You Should Know About Mandated Drug Stewardship

By Kirk Herweck, Sr. Director, Consumer Drug Take-Back: State governments have ramped up their efforts to address public health and environmental issues. That’s good — except that they’ve focused solely on pharmaceutical manufacturers. The result? Legislated, manufacturer-funded drug stewardship programs.

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IT’S TIME TO MAKE A MOVE ON THOSE GLOBAL LOCATION NUMBERS

It’s only six short months until your pharmacy needs to be in compliance with the full enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). And it’s up to you to make sure there aren’t any missing pieces. Global location numbers (GLNs) are required for all supply chain trading partners. If you’re still not sure about how GLNs relate to DSCSA compliance and your facility, it’s time to look into these compliance basics.

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