|
12.29.06 |
Tennessee Controlled
Substance Database
(TPA username and password required) |
|
12.29.06 |
Forgeries Appearing in
Middle Tennessee
|
|
A forged prescription was detected today in Franklin, Tennessee. Larry Fletcher, O.D., an optometrist in Springfield, was listed on the forgery as the prescriber. It did have his correct DEA number but had a suspicious looking change to the phone number. Dr. Fletcher has been advised and requests ANY prescription for controlled substances (written or verbal) be verified by calling his actual phone number at 615-384-5088. |
|
12.28.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"January Preparation...
the Best Medicine for
Beneficiaries"
(TPA username and password required) |
Also covered in this update:
-- Point of Sale Option Improved for 2007
-- Thanks for All You Do
-- CCRx Employer Retiree Plans Go into Effect on January 1
|
|
12.22.06 |
Use of Proair HFA |
TPA has received several calls from pharmacists who received the TennCare communication regarding the status of Proair HFA on the TennCare PDL. Those pharmacists have been asking questions regarding their ability to substitute Proair HFA for other albuterol CFC products. Read complete article (TPA username and password required)
|
|
12.21.06 |
CoverRx Information
(TPA username and
password required) |
|
12.21.06 |
BCBST Offers MTM
Services in 2007
(TPA username and
password required) |
|
12.20.06 |
TennCare Notice: Status
Change of Proair®
HFA
(TPA username and password required) |
|
12.19.06 |
12/25 is Deadline for
1st Controlled Substance
Database Submission
(TPA username and password required) |
|
12.19.06 |
TennCare Notice:
Pharmacy Provider
Conference Call on 12/19
and 12/20
(TPA username and password required) |
|
12.18.06 |
Proposed Rule on
Medicaid AMP Released |
|
On Friday, December 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced proposed changes in the payment for certain prescription drugs in the Medicaid program. These changes implement provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). The DRA changes how the federal government limits payments to state Medicaid agencies for the aggregate costs of prescription drugs when a generic substitute is available. The DRA establishes a new FUL calculation that is based on 250% of the lowest Average Manufacturers' Price (AMP) in a drug class. Complete article (TPA username and password required) |
|
12.14.06 |
TennCare PDL Changes and
More |
|
TennCare has issued provider communications
regarding PDL changes effective on January 4, 2007. In the
first notice,
TennCare announced that all carisoprodol agents (brand, generic, and combination
products) would be considered non-preferred on the TennCare PDL.
TennCare's
second recent notice
outlined additional PDL changes that will be
effective January 4, as well as information about a Provider Education
Conference Call scheduled for December 19-20, a new Prior Authorization Fax
Form, and Multi-Ingredient Claims. (TPA username and password required) |
|
12.14.06 |
Room Rate Extension for
Southeastern Leadership
Weekend at Grove Park
Inn, Asheville, NC |
The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, has extended our special room rate deadline to Monday, December 18, 2006. The special $125 nightly room rate is a STEAL at the Grove Park Inn - available for the weekend of January 19 -21, 2007, for the Southeastern "Girls of Pharmacy" Leadership Weekend. After December 18, the list price for rooms goes up to approximately $265 per night. The Grove Park Inn is award-winning and nationally recognized. Call (800) 532-4033 today to take advantage of this incredible rate at a top-rated resort. For spa appointments, please contact Jennifer Simmons at (803) 354-9977. Limited appointments and times are available! Even though the weekend is fondly referred to as the "Girls of Pharmacy" weekend, men are more than welcome to attend. Click here for the program and registration form.
|
|
12.14.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"CCRx Recommends All MTM
Cases Be Completed and
Billed by Dec. 15"
(TPA username and
password required) |
|
Also in this Update: "CMS Announces Deemed Accreditation Organizations for Suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies." |
|
11.27.06 |
TennCare:
PDL
Status Change on Januvia®
(sitagliptin)
(TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.27.06 |
TennCare
Pharmacy Benefit
Workshop - Program
Information, Schedule
and RSVP Form
(TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.21.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"Encourage Medicare
Beneficiaries to Enroll
in Part D Before Dec. 8"
(TPA
username and password
required) |
Includes links to:
-- CMS Open Enrollment Center
-- CMS Partner Center
-- www.medicare.gov
-- “Make the Most of Your Medicare Drug Plan Options by Comparing Plan Performance” – CMS Pub. No. 11226
-- “How to Make the Most of Medicare’s Information About Quality to Compare Plans and Providers” – CMS Pub. No. 11266
-- “Understanding the Choices You Have in How You Get Your Medicare Healthcare Coverage” – CMS Pub. No. 11225
-- New Plan Performance Information Now Available on the Personal Plan Finder
-- Fall 2006 Mailings Chart
-- Press Release: MemberHealth Acquires Medicare Part D Lines from AmeriHealth Insurance Company
-- MemberHealth Offers Co-op Advertising Opportunity |
|
11.20.06 |
CoverRx Program to Begin
January 1, 2007
(TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.16.06 |
Tennessee Controlled
Substance Database
Update
(TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.14.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"CCRx MTM Target: All
Patients Should Be
Scheduled by December 1"
(TPA
username and password
required) |
-- Open Enrollment Begins TOMORROW, November 15
-- CMS Mailing Affected Beneficiaries Reassignment Notices: Plan Reassignment Notices
-- Beneficiaries Losing LIS Status |
|
11.9.06 |
FDA:
Nationwide Recall of
Acetaminophen 500 mg
Caplets |
|
11.9.06 |
TennCare: PDL
Changes and Much More
(TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.7.06 |
Medicare Part B-TennCare
Crossover Information
|
|
First Health writes: "There has been some confusion surrounding Medicare Part D and the crossover payments from Medicare to TennCare for recipients who have utilized Medicare Part B services (i.e. diabetic supplies). The attached document hopes to clarify the confusion. Thank you for your commitment to the TennCare Pharmacy Program." (TPA username and password required) |
|
11.7.06 |
Update MedicareRx:
Pharmacy Open Door Forum
TODAY
(TPA
username and password
required) |
-- Pharmacy Open Door Forum TODAY: Internet Relay Services
-- Information about LIS beneficiaries
-- CMTM Techncial Support - Email and website
-- MTM information on TPA website
-- Information on Premium Withhold |
|
11.7.06 |
APhA Immunization
Incentive Grants - Apply
by November 20 (TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.6.06 |
2006-07 Influenza
Season - Recommendations
for Using Antiviral
Agents (TPA
username and password
required) |
|
11.6.06 |
Larry Hill, D.Ph.,
Appointed to Board of
Pharmacy |
|
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association is pleased to announce the appointment by Governor Bredesen of Larry Hill, D.Ph., to a six-year term on the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. Dr. Hill, owner of Chase Drugs in Harriman, Tennessee, fills the seat vacated by Dr. Reggie Dilliard upon the completion of his term. Watch for more information in the upcoming Tennessee Pharmacist! TPA is grateful to Dr. Dilliard for his dedication and hard work for the last six years, and we thank Dr. Hill and the others nominated, for their willingness to serve. |
|
11.6.06 |
Shipments Started for
Plan B OTC Product |
|
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. began shipments of its dual label Plan B product to wholesalers and distributors today, November 6. The product is expected to be in pharmacies later this week. In August, FDA approved Barr’s application for Plan B to be available as an over-the-counter medication for women 18-and-older, while retaining its prescription status for women 17-and-under. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has developed a "Frequently Asked Questions" document to help pharmacists navigate this new product. (TPA username and password required) |
|
11.2.06 |
Upcoming DMEPOS -
Diabetes Competitive
Bidding Rule
|
|
The Tennessee Pharmacists Association has received the following information from the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) regarding the upcoming DMEPOS - diabetes competitive bidding rule mandated by MMA. Complete article... (TPA username and password required) |
|
11.2.06 |
Vivian Loveless Elected
to APhA Office |
|
We are excited to announce that a third TPA member has successfully run for office in the American Pharmacists Association! Dr. Vivian Loveless (vloveless@utmem.edu), U.T. College of Pharmacy Associate Professor, has been elected Member-at-Large in APhA's Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management (APhA-APPM) Nuclear Pharmacy Practice Section. Congratulations, Dr. Loveless!! Dr. Loveless joins Drs. Tim Tucker (President-Elect) and Dick Gourley (Board of Trustees) as Tennesseans elected to APhA offices this year. All will be installed at the 2007 APhA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, March 16-19, 2007. |
|
11.1.06 |
Controlled Substance
Reporting in Tennessee |
|
A number of members have requested information about a mailing received from Optimum Technology on behalf of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy, regarding the new controlled substance reporting requirements that will begin in December.
Complete article... (TPA username and password required) |
|
10.20.06 |
Tim Tucker and Dick
Gourley Win APhA
Elections |
|
We are thrilled to announce that Tim Tucker and Dick Gourley have BOTH won their elections in the American Pharmacists Association! This extremely well-deserved honor is, for each of them, a reflection of their extraordinary achievements and commitment. We are very proud that their experience and abilities have been recognized at the national level, and we know that APhA and pharmacy will benefit greatly from their influence. Congratulations, Tim and Dick!
Tim Tucker, Pharm.D., has been elected APhA President-Elect!
mailto:tltucker@aeneas.net, P.O. Box 189, Huntingdon, TN 38344
Dick Gourley, Pharm.D., has been elected to the APhA Board of Trustees!
mailto:dgourley@utmem.edu, 847 Monroe Avenue, Suite 226, Memphis, TN 38163 |
|
10.20.06 |
Bogus Prescrptions |
|
T. K. Creson, Jr., M.D., in Memphis, Tennessee (901-795-1465) has asked the Tennessee Pharmacists Association to alert pharmacists that their office has become aware of 4 bogus prescriptions that have been turned in to pharmacies. They were written on Dr. Creson's prescription pad, and 3 were signed "T. K. CreAson." They are dated 10/04, 10/06, 10/11 and 10/13, 2006, and are written for Ampicillin, Tussionex, Lortab and Xanax. |
|
10.17.06 |
Update MedicareRx - "New
Tools Available to Help
with Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan
Choices for 2007"
(TPA username and password required) |
-- Press Release: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder
-- Fact Sheet on Enhancements to Plan Finder Tools on www.medicare.gov
-- Press Release: Fact sheet on Price Analysis for Drugs for Common Health Problems and Savings in 2007
-- Medicare Advantage Cost Plans and Demonstrations in Tennessee for 2007
-- Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans in Tennessee for 2007 |
|
10.16.06 |
Update MedicareRx - LIS
Re-determination Letters
Are in the Mail
(TPA username and password required) |
Links Included:
-- Notice to beneficiaries who are no longer automatically eligible for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) in 2007, and information about the notice
-- Notice to beneficiaries whose LIS level is changing in 2007, and and information about the notice
-- Help for beneficiaries applying for LIS (Social Security Administration
-- Ad informing Medicare beneficiaries about Prescription Drug Plan options for 2007
-- "Navigating the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder, " a short tutorial |
|
10.11.06 |
Medicare Prescription
Drug Plan Finder -
Recorded Webinar
Available
(TPA username and password required) |
|
10.10.06 |
Coumadin: New Medication
Guide
(TPA username and password required) |
|
10.6.06 |
Reminder - Cast Your
Vote for APhA Elections
by Friday, October 13! |
|
10.5.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"Drug Plan Options in
Tennessee for 2007"
(TPA username and password required) |
|
-- Includes link to list of Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans in Tennessee for 2007 |
|
10.3.06 |
Use
It or Lose It: The
Volunteer State Needs to
Take the Lead in MTM |
|
9.27.06 |
Federal Meth Law - Staff
Training and
Self-Certification
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.27.06 |
CCRx
Recontracting Begins
December 1
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.26.06 |
Federal Meth Law
Requirements - New
Information about Staff
Training Requirements
and Pharmacist-Issued
Prescriptions
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.26.06 |
NPI
Application Information
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.22.06 |
Pharmacy CE Sept. 28,
8:15 a.m. Eastern -
Live & Webcast |
|
9.21.06 |
TPA Will Produce Logbook
for Sale of
Pseudoephedrine
--
ORDER FORM for
Logbook |
|
9.19.06 |
BCBST
Seeks Pharmacists for
Medication Therapy
Management (MTM)
Provider Network
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.14.06 |
Update MedicareRx - "Planning
Medicare Part D
Awareness… for 2007"
(TPA username and password required) |
Links included:
-- Medicare’s Preventive Services
-- Timeline of upcoming events for pharmacists
-- Letter being sent to beneficiaries (on blue paper) who no longer automatically qualify for extra help
-- Model documents for use by Plans (Annual Notice of Change, Summary of Benefits, and more)
-- Prescription Drug Plan Finder |
|
9.13.06 |
Additional Information
Regarding
Pseudoephedrine Sales
Records
(TPA username and password required)
--
Attorney General's
Opinion regarding access
to methamphetamine sales
records and how HIPAA
applies |
|
9.12.06 |
Sales Logbook for State
& Federal Meth Laws May
Be Available
|
|
9.8.06 |
URGENT NOTICE: New
Federal Law Requirements
for the Sale of
Pseudoephedrine Begin
SEPTEMBER 30
(TPA username and password required) |
|
9.8.06 |
Tennesseans Bid for APhA
Offices; Ballots Due
October 13 |
|
9.7.06 |
Participate in U.T. Golf
Tournament, September
13, in Memphis, TN
|
|
9.7.06 |
Deadline Extended for
BCBST Pharmacy Workshops |
|
9.7.06 |
Help Students Attend
NCPA Meeting |
|
9.6.06 |
Update MedicareRx
- "Medicare Chief
McClellan Steps Down"
(TPA username and password required) |
|
Also covered: CCRx Meets Medicare Part D Low Income Benchmark in Our Region for the 2007 Plan Year |
|
9.1.06 |
Update MedicareRx -
"Pharmacy Open Door
Forum - Wednesday, Sept.
6"
(TPA username and password required) |
Links included:
-- Internet Relay Service for Pharmacy Open Door Forum
-- E-mail address for questions about Durable Medical Equipment for NPI Roundtable
-- Additional CMS information at NPI
-- Apply for NPI
-- Information regarding 9-day payment hold for Medicare Parts A & B (Deficit Reduction Act of 2005) |
|
8.31.06 |
RECALL: Alaris Infusion
Pumps |
|
8.30.06 |
Update MedicareRx: "CMS
Takes Steps to Correct
Erroneous Plan Premium
Refunds"
(TPA username and password required) |
Links included:
-- First CMS letter to beneficiaries
-- Second CMS letter to beneficiaries
-- Partner Tip Sheet
-- Article formatted for posting or publication |
|
8.28.06 |
UML Survey Ends
Thursday, August 31 |
|
In June, TPA’s Continuum of Care Committee posted an online survey seeking the advice of pharmacists and other healthcare providers to guide the development of a Universal Medication List (UML) form for patient use in Tennessee. The ultimate goal is to have an electronic system available to access the patient information needed for appropriate medication management across the continuum of care. The last day to complete the survey is this Thursday, August 31, 2006. If you have not already done so, please read the letter located at www.tnpharm.org/UML_SurveyInvitation.pdf and complete the survey by following the link provided. |
|
8.28.06 |
BCBST Announces Annual
Pharmacy Workshop
Schedule
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.23.06 |
Substitution Law
Clarification
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.22.06 |
Pharmacists Invited to
Patient Safety Symposium
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.21.06 |
TennCare PDL Update:
Zoloft® and Sertraline
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.16.06 |
Update MedicareRx:
"Medication Therapy
Management Through
Humana"
(TPA username and password required) |
Links included:
-- Humana's MTM Program Information
-- Tip Sheet: - "How the Coverage Gap Works for People with Medicare Prescription Drug Plans"
-- Tip Sheet - "Bridging the Coverage Gap"
-- Reference chart of Patient Assistance Programs (prepared by the private organization RxAssist)
-- Updated "Monthly Deemed Notice"
-- HIPAA Privacy Guidance on Disclosing Protected Health Information - CMS Memo and CMS FAQ
-- REQUIRED Notice: "Medicare Prescription Coverage and Your Rights" |
|
8.8.06 |
SouthEastern College of
Anticoagulation /
Antithrombotic Providers
(SECAPS)
Annual Conference -
Sept. 22-23 in Nashville
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.8.06 |
Commission for
Certification in
Geriatric Pharmacy
(CCGP)
Paper & Pencil Exam to
Be Held in Phoenix, AZ
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.7.06 |
CMS To Link Medicare
Provider Numbers with
NPIs
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.7.06 |
Jeanne Ezell Quoted on
Medication Errors in
Hospitals
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.2.06 |
TennCare Notice:
PDL Changes Effective
9/5/06
(TPA username and password required) |
|
8.2.06 |
Stolen Prescription Pads |
|
Jill McDonald, DDS, of Paris, Tennessee, has asked the Tenness |
