PHARMACIST STEVE

I talk and exchange emails with RPH’s across the country.. I also read numerous things that other RPH’s have to say.. either as comments on my blog,  what other RPH bloggers have posted on their blogs and/or comments on their blogs.

The facts are that maybe a single RPH will make a written comment for every several hundred – maybe thousand(s) – reads of blog pages out there.

I talk to and hear from RPH’s that have let go, fired for nebulous reason(s) or no reason at all… One thing that most of these RPH’s have in common is that they are 45 + y/o and have =>10 years of service at the company.

I am in the process of revamping one of my websites  www.steveariens.com ..  Unlike most of you.. I no longer really have to work… although I still do some temp work… I do so mostly to have my “foot in the door” of the profession.

There are some RPH’s out there that are in the process of suing their former employers and there is a nearly completed network of attorneys that will be able to represent RPH’s in nearly ever state. It is my understanding that this network has came together mostly in the last 12 months… that demonstrates just how quickly things are changing out there.

The DEA seems to be every more invasive between the prescribers, you and your patients.. I sense/perceive a growing number of “denial of service” lawsuits… and just like everything else in our “professional world”… the DEA  – just like your employer – will not be held responsible/liable for the consequences of their edicts.

There is a new “threat” on the horizon that came to light this weekend.. it is section 3000A of Obamacare/ACA…  This provides for the hospitals who spend – on average – the least amount of $$$ per pt… will get a BONUS for doing so.

When the hospitals first had to live under DRG reimbursements… the Home Medical Equipment industry exploded… because the term “discharging quicker and sicker” was coined to describe  how hospitals were dealing with the reimbursements provided under the DRG program of Medicare.

While we hear a lot now about improving patient’s health… I think that we can take a page from the DRG playbook and expect to see/hear a term that will equate to the best patient care for the least expense.

IMO.. there are going to be lawsuit abound for denial of service… these poor sick patients will will not have mental/physically strength to deal with the system in the appeal process.

I am changing my website because someone in this early stages of what seems to be developing… has to help coordinate all the various parties .. so that some positive action for these patients and these Senior RPH’s can be accomplished.  As National Public Relations Director for The Pharmacy Alliance, I can pull its name recognition along this journey.

The main way that this word is going to get out… it by you telling your pts, friends, colleagues about this project. You can remain part of the “silent majority” or you can be part of  the solution to the problem that faces or will face all of us.. at some time or another.

My website is still under construction and while the core is there… there are a lot of things that need to be added… I welcome any/all input !

Filed under: General Problems