Did You Know You're Special: Clinical and Business Opportunities for the Community Pharmacist in Specialty Pharmacy

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ACPE Universal Program Number: 207-000-08-123-H04-P and 207-000-08-123-H04-T
Release Date: October 12, 2008
Expiration Date: October 12, 2011

Statement of Need
Specialty pharmaceuticals are growing faster than traditional pharmaceuticals in drug development and market share. Currently, it is approximated that 26% of all drug expenditures are attributed to 197 specialty pharmaceuticals. Not too far in the future, more money will be spent on specialty pharmaceuticals/biotech products than traditional pharmaceuticals.

The patient who uses specialty pharmaceuticals is generally on complex therapies for expensive conditions. The typical patient using specialty pharmaceuticals usually has serious diseases and complex therapies. They are a natural market for the contact, care and counseling of the independent community pharmacist.

While this is a market that is especially suited for the unique characteristics of independent community pharmacy, it is not without its challenges. Current distribution is limited to mail order in many cases. If you do have the ability to dispense these medications, you will have financial risk in high inventory costs, storage and reimbursement. However, the financial and practice ROI can be significant.

This activity will walk you through how to position your pharmacy in this niche and the business opportunities for your practice. It will help you identify your place in this niche and will bring you the unique perspectives of your pharmacy colleagues.

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this activity, the pharmacist should be able to:

1. Discuss the increase in the specialty pharmacy market and its impact on pharmacy profits.
2. List the characteristics of the specialty pharmaceutical patient.
3. Outline the practice attributes that a pharmacy must have to successfully provide care to the specialty pharmacy patient.

Target Audience
The target market for this activity is pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Instructions for Participation
To receive a certificate of completion that indicates your eligibility for continuing education credit, you must:

• Review the content of the activity.
• Successfully complete the post-test (70% or higher).
• You will have two (2) opportunities to successfully complete the activity.

Your statement of credit will be issued immediately upon successful completion of the post-test and submission of the evaluation.

Fee
There is no fee for this activity.

Accreditation
Pharmacists
NCPA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This program will provide 1.5 contact hours (.15 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education credit under the number 207-000-08-123-H04-P and 207-000-08-123-H04-T.

Faculty
David Suchanek, RPh (click here to view bio)
Vice President
Biotech & Pharmaceutical Services
VCG & Associates
Sherborn, Massachusetts
Associate Professor
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Dallas, Texas

Lisa Hohn, RPh, MBA (click here to view bio)
Director of Operations
Prosperity Pharmacy
Fairfax, VA

Tom Westrich, RPh
Vice President of Pharmacy Services
Centric Health Resources
Chesterfield, MO

Dan Blakeley, RPh
Foundation Care
Earth City, MO

Disclosure Declaration
It is the policy of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of their continuing education activities.

The author, sponsor, and publisher of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education program. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, precautions) and drug delivery systems are subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer's package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by NCPA of any product or manufacturer identified.

Any medications or treatment methods suggested in this CE activity should not be used by the practitioner without evaluation of their patient's condition(s) and possible contraindication(s) or danger(s) of use of any specific medication.

Commercial Support Statement
Commercial support provided by Merck.

Software Requirements

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