August 16, 2012

IACP Seeks CMS Clarification

As reported in previous issues of Capitol Connections, IACP has been working to get clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding rules that impact billing practices by pharmacies who bill Medicare Part B.

On August 2, 2012 bills were introduced by the House and Senate to allow pharmacies to bill for medications administered through pain pumps.  Click here to view story in its entirety.

Reimbursement Policy Work Group Formed – Volunteers Needed

With more and more compounders accepting third-party billing for their preparations and services, IACP President Scott Karolchyk, MS, RPh, DNM, FIACP, has formed a new Reimbursement Policy Work Group.  The purpose of this work group is to assist the IACP Board of Directors in adopting policies and developing programs and services that assist our members with questions and problems they encounter with public and private payers. 

The work group will meet via teleconference on a regular basis (no travel is required) and its recommendations will be acted upon by the entire Board of Directors.  Some of the topics already on the “to tackle” list include:  inconsistent use of D.0 billing standards by third-parties, communication and education about federal laws and regulations affecting Medicaid/Medicare programs, and the ongoing effort to secure full billing of all compounds by third-party programs. 

If you would like to be considered for appointment to the Reimbursement Policy Work Group by President Karolchyk, please send your name and contact information to iacpinfo@iacprx.org no later than September 1, 2012.

IACP Launches Online Magazine, CustomRx Connection

Last week, IACP launched its new online, quarterly magazine, CustomRx Connection. This new publication will provide IACP Members with an in-depth view of their Academy, colleagues and pharmacy compounding profession. CustomRx Connection has been a long-time dream project for IACP Members Rich Moon, RPh, FIACP; Kate James, RPh, FIACP; and Becca Mitchell, PharmD; all of whom serve on the IACP Communications Committee.  IACP is very pleased to help bring this dream to fruition.

Click here to view story in its entirety.

IACP Presence at AVMA Annual Convention 

For the first time ever, IACP participated in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Annual Convention, held August 3-7, 2012 in San Diego.  In addition to exhibiting and talking with attendees about the value of collaboration between veterinarians and compounders, IACP’s Executive Vice President and CEO David G. Miller, RPh, and Vice President of Government Affairs Sarah Dodge presented a continuing education seminar to more than 100 participants as part of the conference’s “Hot Topics” track.

Click here to view story in its entirety.

FTC Pet Medications Workshop – October

On October 2, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will host a workshop on competition and consumer protection issues in the pet medications industry.

Click here for more details about the event. For more information about topics to be discussed during the workshop, view the FTC’s Federal Register notice. 

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