VerifiedRx

Defining and documenting pharmacist interventions beyond prescription revenue is essential to demonstrating the full value of pharmacy teams. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Karen Thomas from the University of Illinois Chicago and Dr. Thom Platt from UK Healthcare to share insights from a multi-system survey exploring how interventions are captured and used. They discuss the variability in current practices, the important role of both pharmacists and technicians, and the opportunity to better quantify clinical and operational impact to C-suite.  Guests:  Karen C. Thomas, PharmD, PhD, MBA Associate Director, Specialty and Infusion Pharmacies  University of Illinois Hospital and Health System   Thom Platt, PharmD, PhD, MBA ,BCPS Director of Specialty Pharmacy Services  UK HealthCare    Host:   Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence     Show Notes:  00:05 – Introduction Overview of VerifiedRx and the focus on pharmacy practice excellence. 00:14 – Episode Overview & Guest Introductions Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the topic: capturing the value of pharmacist interventions beyond prescription revenue. Guests: Dr. Karen Thomas, University of Illinois Chicago Dr. Thom Platt, UK Healthcare 00:57 – Health System Backgrounds UIC serves a diverse urban population with a strong Medicaid and Medicare presence UK Healthcare supports patients across Kentucky and surrounding states, including rural populations traveling long distances for specialty care 01:48 – What Sparked the Research Originated from a Vizient work group focused on outcomes and value Need for clearer frameworks to document and report pharmacist interventions Lack of standardized guidance from accrediting bodies and payers 02:56 – Survey Goals and Key Findings Explored how health systems define and document interventions Identified major variability in data collection and reporting Found alignment in defining clinical interventions, less consistency in non clinical ones Included responses from 24 health systems 04:21 – Broader Impact on Pharmacy Practice Reinforces the value of pharmacist contributions beyond revenue Highlights prevention of hospital visits and improved patient outcomes Emphasizes the need to better capture and communicate this value 05:38 – Applying the Research in Practice UIC developed a structured framework and documentation tool Supports initiatives like waste avoidance studies Aims to quantify cost savings from pharmacist interventions 06:49 – Relevance Beyond Specialty Pharmacy Concepts apply across all pharmacy settings Data can support staffing, funding, and program expansion decisions Helps communicate value to internal and external stakeholders 07:52 – Role of Pharmacy Technicians 96 percent of sites report technician involvement in non clinical interventions Examples include resolving medication access issues and addressing social barriers Technicians play a critical role in patient support and care coordination 09:58 – Future Opportunities Push toward standardizing intervention data collection Opportunity to reduce duplication of effort across health systems Goal to create scalable, shared frameworks 10:41 – Strategic Value of Intervention Data Supports conversations with leadership and external partners Demonstrates impact on outcomes like reduced ED visits and length of stay Strengthens partnerships with payers and manufacturers 11:34 – Additional Resources Study published in the Online Journal of Pharmacy Link available for listeners to explore further 12:03 – Closing Remarks Final thoughts and appreciation for guests Call to action: subscribe, share feedback, and stay engaged with VerifiedRx   Links and Resources: https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/13/6/172   Subscribe Today!  Apple Podcasts  Spotify  YouTube  RSS Feed     

Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging and often underrecognized allergy triggered by a tick bite that can cause delayed reactions to red meat and mammalian-derived products. In this episode, host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by clinical experts Zack Stacy and Kyna Henrici to unpack the science behind alpha-gal, its implications in healthcare settings, and the operational challenges providers face in managing this complex condition.    Guest Speakers:   Zachary Stacy, Pharm.D., MS, FCCP, BCPS  Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Surgery  BJC Health   Kyna Henrici, RN  Medical Evidence Director - Cardiovascular  Vizient, Inc.    Host:    Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS  AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine  Vizient, Inc.    00:05 – Introduction  Podcast introduction and welcome to VerifiedRx  00:14 – What is alpha-gal syndrome  Overview of alpha-gal syndrome  Delayed allergic reactions after eating red meat  Often linked to tick bites  00:48 – Meet the Guests   Zack Stacy, clinical pharmacy specialist  Kyna Henrici, medical evidence director  01:10 – Understanding the Allergy  Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate in nonprimate mammals that can trigger an allergy in humans  Key difference is delayed reaction timing  Symptoms are not always easy to trace   01:32 – How It Develops  Triggered by tick bites  Immune system produces IgE antibodies   Oral exposure to alpha-gal leads to delayed reactions  IV exposure to alpha-gal can cause immediate reactions  02:17 – Prevalence and Diagnosis Challenges  More common in Midwest and southern United States  Likely underdiagnosed  Often mistaken for general food allergies  Allergy may fade over time  03:07 – Risks in Healthcare Settings  Patient safety concerns beyond food  Mammalian components in medications and devices  Examples include heparin and surgical materials  03:44 – Hidden Medication Risks  Inactive ingredients can be animal derived  Examples include glycerin, lactose, amino acids, stearates  Difficult to identify and track  04:42 – Lack of Transparency  No centralized ingredient database  Sourcing can change frequently  Variability across manufacturers and batches  05:33 – Screening in Surgical Settings  Medication review at NDC level  Identification of active and inactive ingredients  May require contacting manufacturers  06:45 – Timing Challenges  Urgent procedures limit investigation time  Manufacturer responses may take days  Alternative medications often needed  07:14 – Identifying At Risk Patients  Many patients are unaware they have alpha-gal syndrome  Screening includes questions about dairy tolerance  Three patient categories used for evaluation  08:32 – Using Dairy as a Screening Tool   Dairy tolerance helps guide risk level  Food exposure typically higher than medication exposure  Determines need for deeper review  09:12 – Managing Emergencies  Focus shifts from avoidance to risk mitigation  Use of team communication and clear documentation  Preparation for unavoidable exposure  10:03 – Prevention and Preparedness  Stock alpha-gal safe medications when possible  Prepare for allergic reactions with standard treatments  10:47 – Team Based Care Approach  Collaboration across care teams is essential  Premedication strategies may be used  Close monitoring for reactions  11:11 – Gaps in Care  Limited visibility into product ingredients  Need for better labeling and transparency  11:33 – Need for Standardization  Call for clearer guidance and clinician education  Desire for centralized resource for medication ingredients  12:24 – Monitoring Challenges  CDC tracking decreased after privatization of testing  Cases likely still increasing  12:53 – Closing Remarks    Links and Resources: Alpha-gal Syndrome | Alpha-gal Syndrome | CDC    Subscribe Today!  Apple Podcasts  Spotify  YouTube  RSS Feed