Texas boosts R.Ph. Medicaid reimbursement
June 11th 2007The Texas legislature passed a $153 billion budget that includes a higher Medicaid dispensing fee as well as stipulations to direct savings from the switch to average manufacturers price (AMP) to pharmacists. The bill, which has yet to be signed by Gov. Rick Perry, represents the most comprehensive approach yet taken by a state to deflect the expected impact of CMS' plan to use the AMP to determine pharmacy reimbursement.
Caremark, Medco awarded PBM contracts
June 11th 2007The Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association's governmentwide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP), has awarded administration of its retail pharmacy program and clinical services program to Caremark. Additionally, Medco was awarded the mail-service prescription drug program, including specialty pharmacy, effective Jan. 1, 2008.
Guidelines on evidence-based medicine to be introduced
June 11th 2007n a joint venture between Sanovia Corp. and the Advanced Concepts Institute (ACI), a department within the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP), a library of evidence-based prior-authorization criteria for the appropriate use of high-cost drugs and biologics will be developed.
Independent R.Ph. vows to remain last man standing
June 11th 2007Gary Linderman, R.Ph., owner of Ole Miners Pharmacy in Picher, Okla., has vowed that he will stay in town and keep dispensing to its remaining populace. The 1,500 residents in this small mining town are evacuating because of severe lead and zinc contamination.
Latebreakers: New drug for bacterial vaginosis
June 4th 2007Tinidazole (Tindamax) is the first new drug for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in 10 years and will provide a shorter course of treatment with fewer daily doses than the current standard of treatment, according to its manufacturer Mission Pharmacal.
CMS plans to crack down on Part D, MA programs
June 4th 2007Following a series of reports that private insurers involved in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program were using questionable tactics and high-pressured sales efforts, CMS plans to institute reforms and increase supervision of both MA and Medicare Part D plans.
Drug combo for myeloma treatment gets OK
June 4th 2007The combination of doxorubicin HCl liposome injection (Doxil, Ortho Biotech) and bortezomib (Velcade, Millennium/Johnson & Johnson) has been granted FDA approval for treating patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy but have not received earlier treatment with bortezomib.
Fibrosis warning added to MRI contrast agents
June 4th 2007A new boxed warning has been added to the labeling for five gadolinium-based contrast agents used to improve the visibility of internal structures during MRI scans. This came after the FDA received reports of the risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a potentially fatal disease causing thickening of the skin and connective tissues that inhibits their movement.
Diabetes tracking software released
June 4th 2007Home Diagnostics has launched TrackRecord Data Management Software, an electronic diabetes management system. The system is designed for use with Home Diagnostics' blood glucose meters and will enable people with diabetes and healthcare professionals who treat them to better understand how various lifestyle and behavior choices impact blood glucose levels.