Letter from the Editor #523

Sometimes you like to take credit for things that you had no effect on but happened anyway. That’s the case with a bill now in front of the United States House of Representatives.

Three weeks ago our intern, Issak Smith, broke the story: Medicare Part D: A Boon for Industry and Insurers Alike. In this feature he described the way that PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) and insurers were making a windfall from Medicare Part D. Then, two weeks ago, our PharmD candidate, Lindsey Harris pointed to this again, in her article CMS Issues Guidance on Doughnut Hole Discount Program.

In December, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the House that might just help fix the problems with PBMs and the profits that they are making. HR 4199, sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans alike, is making its way around the chamber. This new bill, which guarantees patients the right to use local chain and independent pharmacies and pharmacists, also takes the big bucks out of the PBM pockets and redirects them to pay for medications and education for patients. This bill will actually save money while improving care. If you are concerned about your patients and want them to have the freedom to choose their pharmacy and take back some of the money from the PBMs then you will take the time to read the bill and Congressman G.K Butterfield’s and Walter B. Jones’ summary and then click here to ask your congressman to endorse the bill.
 

***

Last week we sent out some very valuable information in a Special Edition on how you can develop more income for your practice by using SMAs. To learn what an SMA is and how you can use it please read Greg Milliger’s excellent article, Providing Follow-up Care through Shared Medical Appointments is a Win-Win-Win Approach.

Announcements:

4th Annual Diabetes Forum, presented by TCOYD and Close Concerns: Monday, June 28, Orlando, Florida
A Benefit For: Taking Control of Your Diabetes. Close Concerns invites you to attend the 4th annual diabetes forum to benefit Taking Control of Your Diabetes, 501(c)3. On Monday, June 28th, at at The Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida, an esteemed panel of diabetes experts will present a fast-paced panel discussion. For more 2010 upcoming conference details, please go to TCOYD.org.

dLife.com: May 30, 7PM ET on CNBC
Topics:  dLife goes behind the scenes on the set of a TV series that dramatizes diabetes, and does it right. Featuring actress Kim Delaney. Plus, Chef Michel Nischan with a fresh Asian twist on a healthy fish dish; and Dr. Emily Senay explains what to look for on a lab report. Special Guest: Kim Delaney. Sundays on CNBC at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, and 4 PM PT. Catch up on dLife.com.

Please answer this week’s Poll question:

What do you use to screen for diabetes in your practice?

*****************************

 

We can make a difference!

 

*****************************

Check out this week’s “Test Your Diabetes Knowledge” question!

Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief