Episodes

  • From Clinician to Executive: Developing Pharmacy’s Next Leaders

    From Clinician to Executive: Developing Pharmacy’s Next Leaders
    Jun 30 2026

    As health systems grow more complex and executive expectations continue to expand, organizations must develop the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Bonnie Levin and Dr. Cedric Terrell to discuss the growing pharmacy leadership pipeline challenge, the skills today's leaders need to succeed, and practical ways to identify and develop the next generation of pharmacy executives.

    Guests: Bonnie Levin, PharmD, MBA, FASHP VP, Pharmacy Services Medstar Health

    Cedric Terrell, PharmD, MHA SVP & Chief Pharmacy Officer Pharmacy Enterprise Services CommonSpirit Health

    Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

    Show Notes:

    00:54 - The Pharmacy Leadership Pipeline

    • Why healthsystems are facing a shortage of pharmacy leaders.
    • The impact of retirements, workforce changes, and succession planning challenges.
    • How evolving expectations are reshaping leadership roles as pharmacy creates "a table that others want to sit at."

    02:21 - The Modern Pharmacy Executive

    • How pharmacy leadership has changed over the last several years.
    • Why leaders now oversee larger, more complex healthcare enterprises.
    • Why today's leaders must think like pharmacy business executives, not just department directors.

    03:31 - Skills Every Future Leader Needs

    • The growing importance of financial stewardship and business acumen.
    • Why strategic thinking is just as valuable as clinical expertise.
    • How pharmacy leaders create value through operations, finance, and innovation.

    04:46 - Identifying Emerging Leaders

    • What makes an informal leader stand out, from raising their hand to offering solutions instead of problems.
    • Why leadership is a behavior, not a position.
    • The importance of mentoring future leaders and exposing them to experiences beyond their own department.

    06:06 - Preparing the Next Generation

    • Where pharmacy education and leadership development are falling short.
    • Why financial literacy, budgeting, and operational knowledge are essential leadership skills.
    • How early exposure to business decisions helps future leaders build confidence.

    07:31 - Residency and Real World Experience

    • The value residency programs provide in developing clinical expertise.
    • Why practical business experience is equally important for future executives.
    • How mentorship and cross functional learning prepare pharmacists for broader leadership roles.

    09:16 - Moving Into Executive Leadership

    • How clinically trained pharmacists can expand into enterprise leadership.
    • Bonnie shares why saying yes to leading behavioral health became one of the most valuable experiences of her career.
    • Why leaders should seek opportunities that stretch their skills beyond pharmacy.

    11:03 - Career Growth Through Opportunity

    • Why saying yes to unfamiliar challenges accelerates leadership development.
    • Expanding experience into areas like ambulatory care, payer strategy, imaging, and laboratory services.
    • Cedric explains why creating opportunities is more valuable than waiting for them to appear.

    12:07 - Leadership Advice

    • Bonnie shares the quote that shaped her leadership philosophy.
    • Cedric reflects on advice from his mentor to prepare today for the role you want three to five years from now.
    • Why successful leaders stay curious and become comfortable making decisions with uncertainty.

    13:58 - Looking Ahead

    • Why today's pharmacy leaders are optimistic about the future.
    • The value of innovation, persistence, collaboration, and strong professional relationships.
    • Final reflections on building the next generation of pharmacy executives through mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning.

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    16 mins
  • Peeling Back the Layers of Learning in Residency Programs

    Peeling Back the Layers of Learning in Residency Programs
    Jun 16 2026
    What happens when learners teach learners? Layered learning is a teaching model that brings pharmacy students, residents, and preceptors together in a collaborative learning environment. Our host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP of UNC Health REX and Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD of UF Health to discuss how layered learning works in pharmacy residency programs and why it continues to gain traction across healthcare settings. They share perspectives from their own programs and discuss what it takes to create meaningful learning experiences for learners at every stage of training. Guest Speakers: Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP UNC Health REX Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD UF Health Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence Show Notes: 00:05 - What Is Layered Learning? Definition of layered learning and its role in pharmacy educationHow teaching, mentorship, and patient care occur simultaneouslyBenefits for learners, preceptors, and patients 01:08 - Residency Program Overviews UNC Health Rex ambulatory care residency programUF Health pediatric pharmacy residency programOpportunities for students, residents, and advanced learners across diverse practice settings 02:22 - How Layered Learning Works in Practice Senior learners mentoring junior learners under pharmacist supervisionDeveloping teaching skills and professional behaviorsExpanding direct patient care opportunities while supporting preceptor workloads 03:33 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities Setting expectations before the rotation beginsAssessing learner readiness for teaching responsibilitiesCreating structured orientation processes for all learnersProviding feedback and evaluation opportunities for resident preceptors 05:55 - Adapting to Different Learning Styles Tailoring rotations to individual learner needsGradually increasing clinical responsibilitiesUsing regular feedback sessions and midpoint evaluationsBuilding confidence through progressive independence 08:20 - Building Successful Layered Learning Experiences Differences between primary and co precepting modelsLeveraging learners to expand patient access and clinical servicesUsing shared precepting across diverse practice environmentsCreating opportunities for leadership and teaching development 10:42 - Keeping Learners Engaged in Ambulatory Care Managing clinic schedules and patient encountersEvidence based patient case presentationsTopic discussions, drug information requests, and interdisciplinary shadowing opportunitiesExposure to diagnostic testing and specialty practice areas 12:13 - Structuring Layered Learning in the Inpatient Setting Working across multiple specialty consult servicesPresenting to interdisciplinary healthcare teamsShadowing opportunities with nursing and other disciplinesUsing projects to improve patient care and learner engagement 13:39 - Advice for First Time Preceptors Maintaining flexibility and adaptabilityMeeting learners where they are in their developmentKeeping communication open through regular check insEncouraging learners to embrace new challenges and teaching opportunities 14:51 - The Lasting Impact of Layered Learning Benefits for junior learners, advanced learners, and preceptorsStrengthening interdisciplinary collaborationIncreasing awareness of pharmacy residency programsBringing fresh perspectives and new ideas into clinical practice 16:34 - Resources and What's Next ASHP Guide for Best Practices of Layered LearningUpcoming Vizient Layered Learning Toolkit currently in development Links and Resources: Residency Guide Best Practices for Resident Engagement in LLM Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed
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    18 mins
  • Healthcare Without Walls: The Growth of Consumer - Driven Care

    Healthcare Without Walls: The Growth of Consumer - Driven Care
    May 26 2026

    Direct-to-consumer healthcare is changing how patients engage with care, driven by growing demand for convenience, accessibility, and personalized experiences. VerifiedRx host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by Emily Fitt, Hailey Mulliner, and Heather Pace to discuss the continued rise of telehealth and direct-to-consumer healthcare platforms, the areas experiencing the most growth, and what these evolving models may mean for patients, providers, and health systems in the future.

    Guest Speakers: Emily Fitt, MHA, MPH Senior Associate, Sg2 Intelligence Vizient, Inc.

    Hailey Mulliner, MS-HSM Senior Director, Sg2 Intelligence Vizient, Inc.

    Heather Pace, Pharm.D. Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Vizient, Inc.

    Host: Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine Vizient

    Show Notes:

    (00:52) The panel discusses where direct-to-consumer healthcare has gained the most traction, including:

    • Men’s reproductive health
    • Women’s contraceptives
    • Dermatology and acne care
    • Behavioral health
    • GLP-1 and obesity management

    (01:59) Heather explains how GLP-1 medication shortages fueled growth in compounded obesity medications and expanded telehealth services.

    (02:47) Hailey shares insights from SG2 consumer surveys, emphasizing how patients increasingly want customizable, convenient healthcare experiences like other consumer industries.

    (03:26) The group explores future expansion areas for direct-to-consumer healthcare, including:

    • Cardiovascular disease management
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Orthopedic care
    • Cardiometabolic disease monitoring

    (04:31) Discussion shifts to the benefits and drawbacks for patients, including:

    • Increased convenience and access
    • More comfortable treatment environments
    • Greater patient empowerment
    • Risks of fragmented care and disconnected treatment plans

    (06:07) Emily outlines concerns for health systems, including:

    • Increased emergency department utilization
    • Lack of coordinated care
    • Medication management gaps
    • Challenges identifying medications prescribed outside the health system

    (07:03) Heather discusses medication stewardship concerns, particularly as weight loss impacts management of other chronic conditions like hypertension.

    (07:29) The panel highlights operational challenges for hospitals and procedural teams when patients fail to disclose GLP-1 medications prior to surgeries or colonoscopies.

    (07:58) The conversation turns to how direct-to-consumer healthcare is permanently changing consumer expectations around convenience and accessibility.

    (08:36) The panel debates whether health systems should compete with direct-to-consumer companies or pursue partnership strategies.

    (09:51) Emily discusses how health systems can differentiate themselves by offering the full continuum of care that virtual only providers cannot.

    (10:20) Heather Pace emphasizes the importance of partnerships between health systems and direct-to-consumer platforms to improve access while maintaining coordinated care.

    (10:55) The group discusses emerging partnerships in the marketplace, including collaborations between pharmaceutical manufacturers and direct-to-consumer platforms.

    (12:14)Workforce challenges are explored, including:

    • Competition for clinicians
    • Provider burnout
    • Flexibility offered by virtual care employers

    (13:17) The panel examines future trends involving AI, including patients using AI to interpret labs and emerging AI-assisted prescribing models in behavioral health.

    (14:24) Closing thoughts on how direct-to-consumer healthcare is reshaping patient expectations and forcing health systems to rethink care delivery models.

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    15 mins
  • Beyond Revenue: Measuring Specialty Pharmacy Team Value

    Beyond Revenue: Measuring Specialty Pharmacy Team Value
    May 12 2026
    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 ChicagoDr. Thom Platt, UK Healthcare 00:57 – Health System Backgrounds UIC serves a diverse urban population with a strong Medicaid and Medicare presenceUK 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 valueNeed for clearer frameworks to document and report pharmacist interventionsLack of standardized guidance from accrediting bodies and payers 02:56 – Survey Goals and Key Findings Explored how health systems define and document interventionsIdentified major variability in data collection and reportingFound alignment in defining clinical interventions, less consistency in non clinical onesIncluded responses from 24 health systems 04:21 – Broader Impact on Pharmacy Practice Reinforces the value of pharmacist contributions beyond revenueHighlights prevention of hospital visits and improved patient outcomesEmphasizes the need to better capture and communicate this value 05:38 – Applying the Research in Practice UIC developed a structured framework and documentation toolSupports initiatives like waste avoidance studiesAims to quantify cost savings from pharmacist interventions 06:49 – Relevance Beyond Specialty Pharmacy Concepts apply across all pharmacy settingsData can support staffing, funding, and program expansion decisionsHelps communicate value to internal and external stakeholders 07:52 – Role of Pharmacy Technicians 96 percent of sites report technician involvement in non clinical interventionsExamples include resolving medication access issues and addressing social barriersTechnicians play a critical role in patient support and care coordination 09:58 – Future Opportunities Push toward standardizing intervention data collectionOpportunity to reduce duplication of effort across health systemsGoal to create scalable, shared frameworks 10:41 – Strategic Value of Intervention Data Supports conversations with leadership and external partnersDemonstrates impact on outcomes like reduced ED visits and length of stayStrengthens partnerships with payers and manufacturers 11:34 – Additional Resources Study published in the Online Journal of PharmacyLink 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: MDPI - Capturing Value: How Health-System Specialty Pharmacies Define and Document Pharmacist Interventions Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed
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    13 mins
  • Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety

    Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety
    Apr 28 2026
    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
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    14 mins
  • Efficiency to Excellence: AI’s Role in Modern Pharmacy Practice

    Efficiency to Excellence: AI’s Role in Modern Pharmacy Practice
    Apr 14 2026
    AI is rapidly reshaping pharmacy practice, raising both concern and opportunity for healthcare teams. Vizient host Kerry Schwarz is joined by Dr. Jason Chou, Vice President of the System Pharmacy Service Line, and Dr. Catherine Oliver, System AVP of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Ochsner Health, to explore how AI is improving efficiency while redefining how pharmacy teams spend their time. They discuss where technology is already making an impact and where its limits still require human expertise. Guest Speakers: Dr. Jason Chou, Pharm.D., MS Vice President, System Pharmacy Service Line Ochsner Health Dr. Catherine Oliver, Pharm.D., BCPS, DPLA, CPGx System AVP, Clinical Pharmacy Services Ochsner Health Host Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  Shownotes: 00:05 — Introduction Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence. 00:14 — Episode Overview Host Kerry introduces the topic: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and pharmacy.Key themes: Addressing fears of job replacementIdentifying real-world use casesUnderstanding limitations of AIPractical strategies for adoption Guests: Dr. Jason Chou, VP, System Pharmacy Service Line, Ochsner HealthDr. Catherine Oliver, System AVP, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Ochsner Health 01:04 — Will AI Replace Healthcare Jobs? Concern exists, but largely driven by misunderstandingAI is expected to: Augment, not replace, pharmacy rolesImprove efficiency in daily workflows AI is not capable of: Independent clinical judgmentMeaningful patient interactions Human elements—trust, empathy, and nuance—remain essential. 02:20 — Where AI Can Add Value Today Focus should shift from fear to practical use casesIdeal applications: Reducing non-value-added tasksImproving efficiencySupporting clinical decision-making preparation (not replacing it) 02:39 — Early Use Cases: Operational Efficiency AI can reduce administrative burden such as: Prior authorizationsInsurance-related communicationsData gathering and documentation Opportunity to eliminate “busy work” and improve staff satisfaction 03:31 — Clinical Workflow Support AI can: Summarize patient charts, labs, and notesOrganize large volumes of clinical data Enables pharmacists to: Spend less time preparingSpend more time in patient care and provider interaction 04:08 — Additional Opportunities: Supply Chain & Operations AI can support: Inventory managementPurchasing optimizationMulti-site coordination Benefits include: Cost savingsImproved efficiencyBetter resource utilization 05:00 — Where to Draw the Line AI should not replace clinical decision-makingLimitations include: Lack of experience and judgmentInability to incorporate patient values and preferences Final decisions must remain with clinicians. 05:42 — Preserving the Human Element Patient care involves: TrustEmpathyRelationship-building Over-reliance on AI risks eroding patient confidence. 06:11 — Patient Interaction & Transparency Patients want to know: When AI is usedHow it impacts their care Transparency and communication are critical 06:48 — AI in Direct Patient Care: Ambient Listening AI tools can: Capture conversations during patient visitsReduce documentation burden Important considerations: Patient consentAbility to opt outPrivacy concerns 07:31 — Risks of Poor Implementation Poorly designed AI interactions can: Frustrate patientsReduce trust Healthcare AI must avoid: Impersonal experiencesInefficient automation 08:21 — AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement Comparable to tools like: Search engines (e.g., Google) Enhances efficiency without replacing professional roles. 09:12 — Early Success Stories Prior Authorization Optimization AI improves: Data extractionDocumentation speedApproval timelines Benefits: Faster patient access to therapyImproved staff satisfaction 10:07 — Clinical Decision Support Enhancements AI-driven rule systems: Identify high-risk patientsReduce unnecessary chart reviews Example outcome: Reduction in time spent reviewing charts without intervention Frees pharmacists for: Medication reconciliationPatient counseling 11:11 — Impact on Workforce Engagement Staff report: Increased satisfactionMore time for meaningful work AI seen as an enabler rather than a threat 12:03 — Vendor Landscape & Challenges Rapid growth of AI vendors addressing niche problemsKey risks: Data security concernsVendor quality variabilityOverlapping or redundant solutions 12:51 — Integration & Workflow Considerations Successful AI tools must: Integrate with EHRsAlign with pharmacy workflowsAvoid siloed systems Poor integration leads to inefficiency and adoption barriers 14:04 — Vendor Evaluation Considerations Assess: Clinical and operational expertiseProduct maturityImplementation effortRisk vs benefit ...
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    17 mins
  • Inside the Medicare Transaction Facilitator: Early Wins and Growing Pains

    Inside the Medicare Transaction Facilitator: Early Wins and Growing Pains
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode of VerifiedRx, Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Jennifer Tussey, Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager at BJC Health, to discuss early experiences with the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF) and the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. From managing complex data flows and delayed payments to coordinating cross-functional teams and evolving workflows, they share practical insights from the first cycle of implementation. Tune in to learn what’s working, what’s challenging, and how health systems are adapting in real time. Guest speaker:  Jennifer Tussey, PharmD, CSP, AAHIVP Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager Specialty, Oncology, Mail Order BJC Health East Region Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence Show Notes: 00:05 — Introduction Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence. 00:14 — Episode Overview Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the topic: early experiences with the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP) and the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF).Discussion focuses on: Implementation planningEarly operational challengesPayment and data flow issuesLessons learned from initial rollout Guest: Dr. Jennifer Tussey, Senior Specialty Pharmacy Manager at BJC Health. 00:14 — Key Program Definitions Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP): Created under the Inflation Reduction Act (2022)Allows CMS to negotiate prices for select high-cost drugs without generic/biosimilar competitionEstablishes a Maximum Fair Price (MFP) Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF): Operational system supporting: Data exchangePayment processingCoordination between CMS, manufacturers, and dispensers Ensures Part D beneficiaries receive negotiated pricing 02:00 — Health System Context Jennifer oversees specialty, oncology, and mail-order pharmacy operations within BJC Health’s east region.Approximately 12 pharmacies impacted by MTF processes. 02:27 — Implementation Strategy Initial steps: Participation in CMS webinarsFormation of a multidisciplinary team Key roles involved: Pharmacy leadershipData analystBusiness managerReconciliation technicianRevenue cycle team Responsibilities include: Tracking claims and payment statusManaging 340B eligibilityReconciling payments across multiple systems (MTF, Beacon, internal systems) 03:54 — Enrollment Experience Enrollment process was relatively straightforward: Entity signaturesSystem setup for remittance processing Complexity increased post-enrollment due to: Data fragmentation across systemsLimited access for revenue cycle teams Required strong coordination across departments. 05:09 — Data & Payment Flow Challenges Data flow remains slow but improving.Current timeline: ~19 days for payment finalizationUp to 45 days for resolution if inquiries are required Early collection rates: Initially ~10%Improved to ~60% 05:09 — Operational Workflow Adjustments Monitoring cadence evolved: From daily tracking → now biweekly review cycles Teams review claims approximately 45 days in arrears. 06:02 — Inquiry & Tracking Challenges System limitations: Inquiry submissions may not be saved reliablyLack of built-in tracking tools Requires manual documentation and tracking to monitor claim status and follow-ups. 06:18 — Managing Payment Inconsistencies Payment discrepancies handled through inquiry process.Key challenges: Delayed initiation (must wait for processing window)Extended resolution timelines (up to 45 days) Requires proactive and continuous follow-up. 06:53 — Financial & Resource Challenges Low reimbursement margins under standard refund amounts.Even large systems with wholesale discounts experience tight margins.Significant FTE investment required to manage the process.Smaller systems may face: Greater operational burdenLimited staffing capacity 07:33 — Operational Evolution Processes are continuously evolving.Key success factors: Ongoing process refinementStrong internal documentationRapid incorporation of lessons learned Example: Identifying system issues with inquiry tracking and adjusting workflows accordingly 08:14 — Key Advice: Patience & Persistence Success requires: Patience with slow-moving processesMeticulous follow-upStrong tracking systems (e.g., Excel-based workflows) High claim volume (500+ scripts at a time) necessitates structured tracking tools. 09:07 — Additional Financial Considerations Low net margins combined with high operational workload.Challenges amplified for: Smaller pharmaciesSystems with fewer resources Emphasizes importance of operational efficiency and resource planning. 09:36 — Final Takeaways MTF implementation is: ComplexResource-intensiveStill evolving Key themes: Strong cross-functional collaboration is essentialProcesses will require ongoing refinementFinancial sustainability remains a concern 09:46 — Closing ...
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    10 mins
  • Checkpoint Change: Rethinking How PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Are Delivered

    Checkpoint Change: Rethinking How PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Are Delivered
    Mar 17 2026
    Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 have transformed the treatment landscape across a wide variety of cancers, becoming foundational therapies in oncology. Dr. Stacey Sobocinski and Dr. Michele Rice join host Dr. Kerry Schwarz to discuss what the new subcutaneous PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors could mean for oncology practice. They cover the three agents that have become available in subcutaneous formulations, their advantages and disadvantages, other important operational, financial, clinical, and safety issues for health systems to consider. Guest speaker:  Stacey Sobocinski, Pharm.D., BCPS Associate Director, Pharmacy Medication Management & Informatics MD Anderson Cancer Center Michele Rice, Pharm.D., BCOP Senior Consulting Solutions Director Vizient Pharmacy Enterprise Solutions Host: Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  Show Notes: 00:05 — Introduction Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx, produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence. 00:14 — Episode Overview Host Kerry introduces the topic: new subcutaneous formulations of PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors.These therapies have traditionally been administered intravenously (IV) in infusion centers.Recently approved subcutaneous versions include: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda Qlex)Nivolumab (Opdivo Qvantig)Atezolizumab (Tecentriq Hybreza) Potential benefits include shorter administration times and relief for infusion centers operating at capacity.Guests: Stacy Sobacinski, Associate Director of Pharmacy Medication Management and Informatics, MD Anderson Cancer Center Michelle Rice, Senior Pharmacy Enterprise Solutions Director, Vizient 01:39 — Clinical Data: Efficacy, Safety & Pharmacokinetics Subcutaneous formulations were approved in combination with hyaluronidase, allowing full-dose subcutaneous administration.Clinical studies demonstrated: Comparable pharmacokineticsSimilar efficacySimilar safety profiles compared to IV formulations The main difference observed was local injection site reactions, expected with subcutaneous administration. 02:32 — Confidence in Clinical Comparisons Although direct head-to-head trials are limited, extensive experience with IV formulations supports confidence in safety and efficacy.Differences largely relate to administration method, not drug activity. 03:11 — Operational Impact: Changes to Workflow Subcutaneous administration introduces new operational considerations.Shorter injection times may appear advantageous, but real-world workflow impact is still being evaluatedMuch of a patient’s visit still involves: Waiting room timeLaboratory testingProvider visitsCare coordination 04:06 — Chair Time vs Total Visit Time For therapies previously requiring longer infusions, switching to subcutaneous injections can significantly reduce chair time.For therapies previously infused over 30 minutes, the difference between IV and subcutaneous administration time may be less impactful. 04:24 — Administration Challenges Subcutaneous doses are not small-volume injections.Injection volumes may reach 10–15 mLNursing considerations include: Patient tolerance for larger-volume injections.IV infusions allow nurses to start the infusion and attend to other tasks.Subcutaneous injections require continuous nursing presence during administration.This may increase direct nursing time. 05:05 — Equipment Considerations Some centers may use syringe pumps to administer subcutaneous injections.Many adult infusion centers do not currently have pumps since chemotherapy is typically delivered via IV using infusion pumps.Implementing syringe pumps could require additional equipment and associated procedures. 05:32 — Operational Complexity Transitioning to subcutaneous therapy involves more than simply switching order sets.Organizations must evaluate: Staffing modelsNursing workflowsEquipment availabilityInfusion center capacity management. 06:25 — Financial Considerations Subcutaneous formulations are currently priced roughly at parity with IV versions.Manufacturers may be incentivized to transition providers to subcutaneous formulations before biosimilars enter the market. 07:07 — Anticipating Market Dynamics Over time, pricing strategies may shift to encourage broader adoption.Biosimilar competition for these agents is expected within the next few years. 07:11 — Site of Care Considerations Adoption may vary by care setting: Hospital outpatient departmentsPhysician officesFreestanding infusion centers 08:06 — Strategic Timing Decisions Health systems may weigh: Operational advantages of subcutaneous administrationPotential cost reductions from future biosimilars Some organizations may delay adoption until biosimilar competition arrives. 08:24 — Infusion Center Optimization Subcutaneous therapies ...
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    12 mins