AUG. 2009

How Does YourHospital Compare?

The concrete bricks are 4x8 and can be engraved with up to 14 characters per line, three lines available, spaces and punctuation count as one character. Please fi nd enclosed my check for $_________ for _________ bricks.

PLEASE PRINT: Please charge my ❑ Master Card ❑ Visa

CARD # EXP. DATE

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE (W) (H)

O R D E R F O R M

Send to Florida Pharmacy Foundation, 610 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301,or fax to (850) 561-6758.

Contributions to the Florida Pharmacy Foundation are tax deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. Consult your CPA for complete details. Fed Emp. I.D. #59-2190074

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

The Walkway of Recognition

❑ YES, I want to order _______ concrete brick/s at $250.00 each. (Please copy form for additional inscriptions).

Have you been searching for just the right gift or thought of placing your name in perpetuity? If so, then consider purchasing an engraved brick for you or someone else.

The main sidewalk at the Florida Pharmacy Association needs replacing. The Florida Pharmacy Foundation has undertaken the project to repair and beautify the sidewalk with engraved personal bricks purchased by pharmacists or friends of pharmacy.

Engraved 4x8 bricks can be purchased for $250.00 each with the donor’s name engraved (3 lines available) or you could also purchase an engraved brick for someone you feel should be honored or remembered.

The monies earned from this project will be used to fulfi ll the goals and future of the Foundation. There are a limited number of bricks available – so, it is fi rst come fi rst served.

PLEASE PRINT INSCRIPTION

THE WALKWAY OF RECOGNITION

YOUR NAME HERE

FPA OFFICE

FoundationAdBrickes.indd 1 12/23/08 9:44:48 PM

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 3

VOL. 72 | NO. 8AUGUST 2009 The OfficiAL pUbLicATiON Of ThefLOridA phArmAcy ASSOciATiONP H A R M A C Y T O D A Y

florida

Departments 4 calendar

4 Advertisers

5 president’s Viewpoint

7 executive insight

16 buyer’s Guide

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4 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

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Mission Statements:of the florida pharmacy Today JournalThe Florida Pharmacy Today Journal is

a peer reviewed journal which serves as a

medium through which the Florida Phar-

macy Association can communicate with

the profession on advances in the sciences of

pharmacy, socio-economic issues bearing on

pharmacy and newsworthy items of interest

to the profession. As a self-supported journal,

it solicits and accepts advertising congruent

with its expressed mission.

of the florida pharmacy Today boardof directors The mission of the Florida Pharmacy Today

Board of Directors is to serve in an advisory

capacity to the managing editor and execu-

tive editor of the Florida Pharmacy Today Journal in the establishment and interpreta-

tion of the Journal’s policies and the manage-

ment of the Journal’s fiscal responsibilities.

The Board of Directors also serves to motivate

the Florida Pharmacy Association members

to secure appropriate advertising to assist the

Journal in its goal of self-support.

AdvertisersHeAlTHcAre consulTAnTs .................... 3KAHAn ◆ sHIr, P.l. ....................................... 11

MeDIcAl sTAFFInG ..................................... 12PHArMAcY ProVIDer

serVIces (PPsc)........................................ 11rx relIeF ......................................................... 11

2009

FPA Calendar AUGUst

29-30 FPA Committee And CounCil meetings Orlando

sEptEmbEr

7 lAbor dAy, FPA oFFiCe Closed

12-13 lAw And regulAtory ConFerenCe

Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, Weston, Florida

20 - 27 FloridA PhArmACy AssoCiAtion Ce At seA Port of Canaveral, Florida

oCtobEr

10-11 FPA midyeAr CliniCAl ConFerenCe nuCleAr reCertiFiCAtion ConFerenCe

Sheraton Orlando NorthOrlando

13-14 boArd oF PhArmACy meeting

Tallahassee

17-21 nCPA AnnuAl meeting

New Orleans, LA

novEmbEr

7-8 tentAtiVe - FPA Committee And CounCil meetings

Marriott Orlando Downtown

13-14 nAsPA FAll symPosium

Naples, Florida

17-20 AsCP senior CAre PhArmACy meeting

Anaheim, California

26-27 thAnksgiVing, FPA oFFiCe Closed

dECEmbEr

5-6 sArAsotA lAw ConFerenCe

Hyatt Regency at Sarasota Bay

6-10 AshP midyeAr regionAl ConFerenCe

Las Vegas, NV

24-25 ChristmAs holidAy - FPA oFFiCe Closed

CE CrEdits (ce cycle)The Florida Board of Pharmacy requires 10 hours lIVe continuing education as part

of the required 30 hours general education needed every license renewal period.Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this

biennial period by september 30, 2009 or prior to licensure renewal.*For Pharmacy Technician certification Board Application, exam Information and

study materials, please contact ranada simmons in the FPA office.For More Information on ce Programs or events:contact the Florida Pharmacy Association at (850) 222-2400 or visit our Web site at

www.pharmview.com

ContACtsFPA — Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400FsHP — Michael McQuone (850) 906-9333u/F — Dan robinson (352) 273-6240FAMu — leola cleveland (850) 599-3301nsu — carsten evans (954) 262-1300

disClAimEr Articles in this publication are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the under-standing that neither Florida Pharmacy Today nor the Florida Pharmacy Association are engaged in rendering legal or other professional services through this publication. If expert assistance or legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The use of all medications or other pharmaceutical products should be used according to the recommendations of the manufacturers. Information provided by the maker of the product should always be consulted before use.

For a complete calendar of events go to www.pharmview.com

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 5

NOTE: The following is a transcript of Karen Whalen’s presidential address to the membership of the Florida Pharmacy Asso-ciation at the 119th Annual Meeting and Convention in St. Augustine.

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the new President of the Flor-ida Pharmacy Association. As your President, it is my duty to guide the or-ganization effectively through the 2009-2010 year, and I am humbled by the responsibility with which you have en-trusted me.

As I began to prepare for my year as President, I turned to the principles of stephen covey, author of The 7 Hab-its of Highly Effective People. In his inter-national bestseller, covey advises us to always, “Begin with the end in mind.” He states that, “If the ladder is not lean-ing against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.” With those words in mind, the leadership of the FPA met in May to re-view the mission and vision of our As-sociation to make sure we were head-ing in the right direction to best meet the needs of our members in the com-ing years. What came out of that lead-ership retreat were brand new mission and vision statements. These items are pending final approval from the Board of Directors, but it gives me great pride to introduce them to you.

The mission of the FPA is as follows:Florida Pharmacy Association is the

professional society representing Flori-da pharmacists, united to improve public health and patient care, enhance profes-sional development and advocate for the interests of the profession. The Associ-ation is organized to preserve and ad-vance the practice of pharmacy and to serve the professional needs of all phar-macists, pharmacy students, and phar-macy technicians.

the vision of the FpA:To be the premier organization rep-

resenting pharmacy stakeholders in their endeavors to provide quality healthcare.

covey also reminds us to, “Put first things first.” To help the Association “put first things first,” the leadership devised a strategic plan with four key

elements. Within each of the key ele-ments are priority projects designed to allow the organization to strive toward our new vision. Following is a brief overview of the four strategic issues and associated priority projects:

strategic issue #1 – membership services, recruitment & retention

The FPA has set the goal of increas-ing membership by 5-10 percent annu-ally. The Association will also aim to improve and maintain the retention rate of current members to 90 percent. To achieve this, we must provide high-quality services that satisfy the needs of our members. The priority project for this area is to develop marketing plans for members, non-members, students, and recent graduates.

strategic issue #2 – public policy, politics, and Advocacy

In this area, the FPA will endeavor to be the most effective, proactive, and powerful pharmacy advocacy group in Florida. While the Association has a successful grassroots network, we need to strengthen and solidify this network by establishing a formal framework and communication infrastructure. The pri-ority project for strategic Issue #2 is to identify at least one key pharmacist per state legislative district, and have them conduct face-to-face visits with legisla-tors in their home office.

strategic issue #3 – the transitioning role of the profession

Goals in this area include the fol-lowing: (1) expansion of the number and types of quality healthcare servic-es provided to patients by pharmacist members; and (2) An increase in the number of Florida pharmacists who are recognized and paid for providing quality patient care services above and

The FPA has set the goal

of increasing membership by

5-10 percent annually.

collaboration is Key

The President’s ViewpointKArEn WHAlEn, FpA prEsidEnt

Karen Whalen, 2009-2010 FpA president

6 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

The Florida Pharmacy Association gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the following members of the FPA leadership who work deligently all year long on behalf of our members.

Norman Tomaka ....................................Chairman of the Board of DirectorsKaren Whalen ..............................................................................................FPA PresidentDon Bergemann ....................................................................................................TreasurerAlexander Pytlarz .................................Speaker of the House of DelegatesDean William Riffee ..................Vice Speaker of the House of DelegatesAlexander Pytlarz .....................................................................................Speaker Elect Preston McDonald, Director ...........................................................................Region 1Marcus Dodd-o, Director .................................................................................Region 2Al Tower, Director .................................................................................................Region 3 Raul N. Correa, Interim Director ................................................................Region 4 John Noriega, Director ......................................................................................Region 5 Chris Lent, Director ..............................................................................................Region 6Kim Murray, Director ........................................................................................... Region 7Joy Marcus, Director...........................................................................................Region 8Ayala Fishel, Director ..........................................................................................Region 9Richard Montgomery ......................................................................... President FSHPMichael Jackson .......................................Executive Vice President and CEO

Florida pharmacy today Journal board

Treasurer ...................Stephen Grabowski, sgrabowski@seniormmc.comSecretary ..................................................................Stuart Ulrich, Stuarx@aol.comMember ......................................................... Betty Harris, beejpharm@gmail.comMember ................................................Joseph Koptowsky, docjik1215@aol.comMember ..............................................Jennifer Pytlarz, jlc_rxdoc@hotmail.comExecutive Editor ...............Michael Jackson, mjackson@pharmview.comManaging Editor ..................Dave Fiore, dave@fiorecommunications.com

2009/2010 FpA board of directors beyond dispensing. The priority project for this area is to identify and connect a network of pharmacists being paid for patient care services with other phar-macists willing to provide the services.

strategic issue #4 – Financial viability of the Association

even our own Association has not escaped the effects of the current reces-sion. We have had to implement some cost-conscious decisions with regard to staffing in the office, watched our re-serves diminish as the stock market de-clined, and faced challenges with mem-bership as people are more reluctant to spend disposable income on associ-ation membership in a bad economy. To maintain financial viability, the As-sociation needs to identify and develop potential sources of revenue other than membership monies. The priority proj-ect in this area is to facilitate a think-tank meeting to identify other possible viable sources of non-dues revenue.

In the strategic plan, the leadership has outlined a number of remarkable goals and projects, but the leadership alone can’t accomplish these things. In covey’s terminology, we need to “syn-ergize” to accomplish our objectives. In other words, two heads are better than one and collaboration is key to achiev-ing these goals. so, who are our key collaborators? clearly, the councils and committees are crucial to the success of our mission. I am proud to introduce the leadership of each of the councils and committees.

organizational AffairsThe chair of the organizational Af-

fairs council is Kim Murray. Kim and her council will work on development of the marketing plans for recruitment and retention as outlined in strategic Is-sue #1. organizational Affairs will also be reviewing a compilation of data from last year’s organizational enhancement survey and conducting on-line satisfac-tion surveys with our student members. on the basis of this information, orga-nizational Affairs will make recommen-dations on how the FPA can better meet the needs of its members.

See “Viewpoint”, continued on page 8

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 7

Executive Insightby miCHAEl JACKson, rpH

Florida recognizes new Pharmacy Title

The FPA House of Delegates de-bated some interesting issues this summer. one item of in-

terest was a discussion on the proper designation of practicing pharmacists. This issue was brought to the House by the leon county Pharmacy Associ-ation and presented by FPA Past Pres-ident Jim Powers and FPA’s eVP Mi-chael Jackson. Most of us use “rPh,” which is the shortened terminology for “registered Pharmacist.” You would be amazed to learn that this label is actual-ly an outdated phrase for how pharma-cists used to be titled. To understand this, let’s go back in time to when rPh had a viable meaning.

A register is an official record, often in the form of a list. Years ago, in order to practice pharmacy your name had to somehow appear on this special regis-ter. This may not necessarily mean that achieving registry status required the passing of a test. This perhaps could be the reason why we have become accus-tomed to using rPh as a suffix to our name when applying a signature on a professional document.

This is likely to be part of a similar identifying mark for pharmacy techni-cians when the registry requirements begin in october of this year (see FPA Web site for more information). Indi-viduals wishing to take on the role of a pharmacy technician in Florida will need to begin “registering” or getting onto a Board of Pharmacy list. Initially, technicians can get on this list by either completing a Board-approved train-ing program, passing a certification ex-amination recognized by the national commission for certifying Agencies (nccA), or working under a licensed pharmacist for 1,500 hours. Beyond the grandfather period, which ends on De-cember 31, 2010, technicians will need

to simply complete a Board-approved training program. It is likely that tech-nicians will take on the suffix “rPT,” or registered pharmacy technician.

since the “rPh” label is somewhat dated, how should pharmacists code their credentials on official health care documents? consider that physicians use either “MD” for medical doctor

or “Do” for doctor of osteopathy.” If a pharmacist were to use the more ap-propriate suffix tag line, the designation that is relevant today would be “lPh” or licensed pharmacists. Members at-tending the FPA convention this sum-mer preferred a different designation related more to the degree credential rather than the licensure credential.

It is fairly common for those who have graduated within the last 20 years or so to apply “PharmD” as a suffix to their name. The question that needs answering is what suffix other than “rPh” should those practicing phar-macists use who did not graduate with the doctor of pharmacy degree? The FPA House of Delegates has fully en-dorsed the term “BPharm” for bache-lor of pharmacy. It is important for our members to know and understand that the profession of pharmacy in Florida has transitioned over the years and that

the Association has a desire to recog-nize Florida pharmacists in a manner consistent with how it is done in nation-al peer-reviewed professional publica-tions today.

We recognize that change can be difficult, however, we can all begin to accept this new descriptive term. We hope that you will acknowledge this new paradigm and apply it in your dai-ly life. Yes, some may suggest that by dropping the descriptor “rPh” it may call into question whether or not a pharmacist is licensed by a state agen-cy. My response to that is that very few of us use the suffix “lD” or licensed driver after our name when we suc-cessfully pass the written and practical road test for the privilege of operating a motor vehicle on the highways.

Please join with me in this newly rec-ognized designation and sign your doc-uments with “BPharm” or “PharmD” where appropriate. Delegates from throughout Florida have unanimously endorsed this new concept at the 119th annual meeting and convention in st. Augustine, Florida. n

Most of us use “RPh,” which is the shortened terminology for “Registered Pharmacist.”

You would be amazed to learn that this label is actually

an outdated phrase for how pharmacists used to be titled.

by miCHAEl JACKson, FpA ExECUtivE viCE prEsidEnt/CEo

michael Jackson, bpharm

8 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

Executive Vice President/CEOMichael Jackson

(850) 222-2400, ext. 200Director of Continuing Education

Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120Controller

Wanda Hall , ext. 211Membership CoordinatorRanada Simmons , ext. 110

Educational Services Office AssistantStacey Brooks , ext. 210

FloridA pHArmACy todAy boArdTreasurer ..............................Stephen Grabowski, TampaSecretary ........................Stuart Ulrich, Boynton BeachMember ..........................Betty Harris, Lighthouse Point Member .................................... Joseph Koptowsky, MiamiMember ..................................... Jennifer Pytlarz, BrandonExecutive Editor ........Michael Jackson, TallahasseeManaging Editor ........................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee

This is a peer reviewed publication. ©2009, FLORIDA PHARMACY JOURNAL, INC.ARTICLE ACCEPTANCE: The Florida Phar-macy Today is a publication that welcomes articles that have a direct pertinence to the current practice of pharmacy. All articles are subject to review by the Publication Review Committee, editors and other outside referees. Submitted articles are received with the understanding that they are not being considered by another publication. All articles become the property of the Florida Pharmacy Today and may not be published without written permission from both the author and the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Florida Pharmacy Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions made by the authors to the Florida Pharmacy Today.

The Journal of the Florida Pharmacy Association does not accept for publication articles or letters concerning religion, politics or any other subject the editors/publishers deem unsuitable for the readership of this journal. In addition, The Journal does not accept advertising material from persons who are running for office in the association. The editors reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Letters and materials submitted for consideration for publication may be subject to review by the Editorial Review Board.

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY, Annual sub-scription - United States and foreign, Indi-vidual $36; Institution $70/year; $5.00 single copies. Florida residents add 7% sales tax.

Florida Pharmacy association

610 N. Adams St. • Tallahassee, FL 32301850/222-2400 • FAX 850/561-6758

Web Address: http://www.pharmview.com

FPA STAFFpublic Affairs

The Public Affairs council, un-der the direction of Kathy Petsos, is charged with creating a timeline of sig-nificant accomplishments the Associ-ation has achieved since its inception. After constructing the timeline, Public Affairs will collaborate with organiza-tional Affairs and utilize the timeline in designing membership recruitment and retention tools. As they have done in previous years, Public Affairs will

also work with the legislative commit-tee to prepare for the health fair held during Pharmacist legislative Days.

legislative CommitteeThe legislative committee will be

chaired by Ken Wisniewski. In ad-dition to deciding upon the Associa-tion’s legislative agenda for the upcom-ing year, Ken and the committee are charged with developing the formal-ized grassroots network as described in strategic Issue #2. This priority proj-ect proposes that the key pharmacist contacts visit local legislators in their home offices. For the pharmacist leg-islative contacts that are identified, the FPA will develop, train, and provide resources in order for them to conduct successful visits. The legislative com-mittee, in collaboration with the educa-tional Affairs council, will be instru-mental in composing these materials.

Educational Affairscarol Motycka will lead the educa-

tional Affairs council. under carol’s direction, educational Affairs will con-tinue to design educational programs in the area of innovative quality phar-macy services. For the first time this year, we are privileged to have a phar-macy technician educator, Gail Brown, on the council. educational Affairs will be utilizing her talents to better meet the needs of our technician members.

professional AffairsThe chair of the Professional Af-

fairs council is suzy Wise. suzy and her group will be responsible for iden-tifying pharmacists who are being re-imbursed for patient care services and helping to network those pharmacists with others who are interested in pro-viding these services, as specified in strategic Issue #3. Professional Affairs will also assist in the collection and dissemination of pharmacy influenza immunization data, with the intention that this data will lead to the expansion of regulatory authority for pharmacist immunizations.

Thus, we have a great plan, and we have appointed key individuals who will collaborate to carry out the plan. However, even the best of plans can fail if appropriate deadlines are not es-tablished, accountability of key play-ers is not maintained, or a breakdown in communication occurs. To prevent this from happening, I have appointed Don Bergemann as our strategic Plan champion. In the role of strategic Plan

"Viewpoint" continued from page 7

The Public Affairs Council, under the direction of Kathy Petsos, is charged with creating a timeline of significant

accomplishments the Association has achieved since its inception.

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 9

JOIN TODAY!

Florida Pharmacy Association

champion, Don’s job will be to monitor and report on plan progress or setbacks at each meeting of the Board of Direc-tors. As the incoming Treasurer of the Association, he will be keeping an es-pecially close watch on strategic Issue #4 – financial viability of the Associ-ation.

now that we have looked within our own organization and identified teams that will collaborate to get the job done, the next step is to “get out of the box” and think outside the Association. What external collaborations would help strengthen the Association and en-hance the vitality of the profession?

one group that comes quickly to mind is the five colleges of pharma-cy within our state. The colleges hold within their walls the pharmacists of tomorrow – the next generation of our profession and a vital resource for our organization. Through collaboration with the Association of student Phar-macists chapters at each school, we will attempt to engage the student member-ship of FPA. During the year, the lead-ership of our Association will person-ally visit each college for White coat ceremonies or FPA outreach activities.

The FPA must also collaborate with our fellow pharmacy organizations and major pharmacy stakeholders in Flori-da. The association has already initiat-ed this through its involvement with the Florida Advisory council on Pharmacy Practice. By identifying issues of com-mon interest among the key stakehold-ers, pharmacy can present a more unit-ed front to the legislators. This year we aim to combine efforts with other Flor-ida pharmacy organizations to make a more impressive presence of Florida pharmacists at legislative Days.

lastly, we must work together with our biggest potential advocates, our pa-tients. recently my husband e-mailed me the following headline from Forbes.com: “Top-paying jobs for women – no. 1: Pharmacist.” I was elated until I scrolled down to read the job descrip-tion of this highly paid professional – “Pharmacists - what they do: distribute pharmaceutical drugs. “ – PERIOD. By the looks of this statement, there is still a big gap in public knowledge about our education, training, and the ability

of the pharmacist to impact health out-comes.

This concern was further validated during our trip to Tallahassee for Phar-macist legislative Days. We were sit-ting in the office of one of the legislators informing him of all the great patient care services pharmacists can provide. He looked at us point-blank and said, “I don’t see that happening in my phar-macy.” Therefore, we must each make a personal effort to do what we can to move pharmacy forward, to get out of that box, and work one-on-one with

our patients. If we want to be at the ta-ble, and not on the menu, during this era of health care reform, then we need to become “indispensable” in the eyes of our patients.

In the “good old days,” in order to be successful in pharmacy, one might only need to work hard. Today, however, pharmacists face a very different work environment. regulation, a downturn in the economy, vast changes in medical economics, and an overall “health care crisis” have created a very different cli-mate for us. now, more than ever, it is imperative that we all work together. It is my sincere hope that you will keep in mind that collaboration Is Key. n

The FPA must also collaborate with our

fellow pharmacy organizations and major pharmacy stakeholders

in Florida.

10 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

Important new information has been added today to the centers for Medicare & Medicaid services’ (cMs) Hospital compare Web site that reports how frequently patients re-turn to a hospital after being discharged, a possible indicator of how well the facility did the first time around. The site is www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

on average, 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries who are dis-charged from a hospital today will re-enter the hospital with-in a month. reducing the rate of hospital readmissions to im-prove quality and achieve savings are key components of President obama’s health care reform agenda.

“The President and congress have both identified the re-duction of readmissions as a target area for health reform,” said HHs secretary Kathleen sebelius. “When we reduce re-admissions, we improve the quality of care patients receive and cut health care costs.”

With the update announced today, Hospital compare will provide better data on the previously posted mortality rates for individual hospitals, as well as the new data on 30-day readmissions for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia. Previously, Hospital compare had provided only mortality rates for these three conditions.

research has shown that hospital readmissions are reduc-ing the quality of health care while increasing hospital costs. Hospital compare data show that for patients admitted to a hospital for heart attack treatment, 19.9 percent of them will return to the hospital within 30 days, 24.5 percent of patients admitted for heart failure will return to the hospital within 30 days, and 18.2 percent of patients admitted for pneumonia will return to the hospital within 30 days.

“Providing readmission rates by hospital will give con-sumers even better information with which to compare lo-cal providers,” said charlene Frizzera, cMs Acting Adminis-trator. “readmission rates will help consumers identify those providers in the community who are furnishing high-value healthcare with the best results.”

cMs has been tracking the outcomes of hospital care since 2007 when Hospital compare debuted 30-day mortality rates for heart attack and heart failure. Thirty-day mortality rates for pneumonia were added to the Web site in 2008.

New Ratings for America’s Hospitals Now Available on Hospital Compare Web Site Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Individual Rates Provided on More Than 4,000 Hospitals Nationwide, New Mortality and Readmission Data Included

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 11

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This year, cMs has changed the way it calculates the mor-tality data to provide even better information to consumers. In 2007 and 2008, Medicare used only one year of claims data to compute mortality, while the rates added to the Web site today encompass three full years of claims data (from July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2008). Although this means that consumers cannot compare data from last year’s rate with this year’s rate, the expanded data set should provide a clearer picture of how well hospitals are performing.

using the three-year data method, cMs estimates that the national 30-day mortality rate for patients originally admit-ted for heart attack care is 16.6 percent. For heart failure pa-tients, the national 30-day mortality rate is 11.1 percent, and for pneumonia patients the national rate is 11.5 percent.

“using three years of data for our mortality measures is a critical development in our effort to inform the public about hospital quality,” said Barry M. straube, M.D., cMs chief Medical officer and Director of the Agency’s office of clini-cal standards & Quality. “More data gives a clearer picture of the quality of care delivered at different hospitals over time, which ultimately increases the value of our mortality infor-mation to hospital patients, health care payers, employers, policymakers, and other health care stakeholders.”

Both the mortality and the readmissions measures have been endorsed by the national Quality Forum (nQF) and are supported by the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA). These measure endorsement processes are instrumental in facilitat-ing cMs’s communication with hospitals and helping to mo-

tivate those hospitals to continually analyze and improve the quality of their care. collaboration achieved through the cMs measure development process, the nQF and HQA continues to ensure that public reporting efforts for hospitals are sup-ported by a broad cross section of the health care communi-ty.

Both sets of measures are risk-adjusted and take into ac-count previous health problems to “level the playing field” among hospitals and to help ensure accuracy in performance reporting.

The Hospital compare Web site will show a hospital’s mortality or readmissions rate is “Better than,” “no different from,” or “Worse than” the u.s. national rate. This data infor-mation includes each hospital’s risk-standardized mortality rate (rsMr), an estimate of the rate’s certainty (also known as the interval estimate), and the number of eligible cases for each hospital. By posting hospital rsMrs, interval estimates, and the number of eligible cases, cMs is giving consumers and communities additional insight into the performance of their local hospitals in hopes that this will prompt all hospi-tals to work toward achieving the level of the top-performing hospitals in the country.

Hospital compare also includes 10 measures that capture patient satisfaction with hospital care, 25 process of care mea-sures, and two children’s asthma care measures. The site also features information about the number of selected elective hospital procedures provided to patients and what Medicare pays for those services.

Public reporting of these and other measures is intend-ed to empower patients and their families with information they need to engage their local hospitals and physicians in ac-tive discussions about quality of care. “cMs believes that all hospitals, regardless of their readmission and mortality rates, should use the data available in these free, detailed reports to find ways to continually improve the care they deliver,” said Frizzera.

cMs urges consumers not to view any one process or out-come measure on Hospital compare as a tool to “shop” for a hospital. The information contained on Hospital compare is available for consumers to use in making health care deci-sions; although, consumers should gather information from multiple sources when choosing a hospital. For example, pa-tients and caregivers could use the Web site to help them dis-cuss plans of care with their trusted health care providers. In an emergency situation, patients should always go to the nearest, most easily accessible facility.

consumers have relied on Hospital compare since 2005 to provide information about the quality of care provided in over 4,700 of America’s acute-care hospitals. In 2008 alone, Hospital compare had over 18 million page views, and has received about 1 million page views each month of 2009 thus far.

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A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 13

Preventing Weight GainSource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If you’re currently at a healthy weight, you’re already one step ahead of the game. To stay at a healthy weight, it’s worth doing a little planning now.

or maybe you are overweight but aren’t ready to lose weight yet. If this is the case, preventing further weight gain is a worthy goal.

As people age, their body composi-tion gradually shifts — the proportion of muscle decreases and the propor-tion of fat increases. This shift slows their metabolism, making it easier to gain weight. In addition, some people become less physically active as they get older, increasing the risk of weight gain.

The good news is that weight gain can be prevented by choosing a life-style that includes good eating habits and daily physical activity. By avoid-ing weight gain, you avoid higher risks of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and some forms of cancer.

Choosing an Eating plan to prevent Weight Gain

so, how do you choose a health-ful eating plan that will enable you to maintain your current weight? The goal is to make a habit out of choosing foods that are nutritious and healthful. To learn more, visit Healthy eating for a Healthy Weight.

If your goal is to prevent weight gain, then you’ll want to choose foods that supply you with the appropriate number of calories to maintain your weight. This number varies from per-son to person. It depends on many fac-tors, including your height, weight, age, sex, and activity level. For more, see Balancing calories.

Get moving!In addition to a healthy eating plan,

an active lifestyle will help you main-tain your weight. By choosing to add more physical activity to your day,

you’ll increase the amount of calories your body burns. This makes it more likely you’ll maintain your weight.

Although physical activity is an in-tegral part of weight management, it’s also a vital part of health in general. regular physical activity can reduce your risk for many chronic diseases and it can help keep your body healthy and strong. To learn more about how physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, visit Physical Activity for Healthy Weight.

self-monitoringYou may also find it helpful to weigh

yourself on a regular basis. If you see a few pounds creeping on, take the time to examine your lifestyle. With these

strategies, you make it more likely that you’ll catch small weight gains more quickly.

Ask yourself—Has my activity level changed? n

Am I eating more than usual? You n

may find it helpful to keep a food diary for a few days to make you more aware of your eating choices.

If you ask yourself these questions and find that you’ve decreased your activity level or made some poor food choices, make a commitment to your-self to get back on track. set some rea-sonable goals to help you get more physical activity and make better food choices.

14 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

At the recent-ly completed 119th Annual Meeting of the Florida Phar-macy Association, the FP-PAcce held one of the most successful events in our h istory. Joining close to 100 pharmacists and guests were Flori-da state represen-tatives David rive-ra, Mike Weinstein, clay Ford, Greg evers and Alan Hays, who enjoyed an evening of fine wine and friends. We had the opportunity to hear from each of the representatives and give them a contribution to their respective re-election campaigns. It was a great kickoff to a busy political season, and we won’t stop there. But we need your support!

What exactly is the PAcce? Flori-da Pharmacy Political Action commit-tee of continuing existence (PAcce) is an advocacy committee for the pro-fession of pharmacy in Florida without political party affiliation. Your current board members include Theresa Tolle (serving as Treasurer), Joy Marcus, Tom cuomo, nick Generalovich, Ken Wis-niewski, Val Ingoldsby, Alex Pytlarz, and me serving as chair. Its purposes are (1) To promote and strive for the im-provement of government by encour-aging and stimulating the profession and business of pharmacy and oth-ers to take a more active and effective part in governmental affairs; (2) To en-courage pharmacists and others to un-derstand the nature and actions of their government, as to important political issues, and as to the records of office-holders and candidates for elective of-fice; (3) To assist pharmacists and oth-ers in organizing themselves for more effective political action and in carrying

out their civic responsibilities; and (4 )To do any and all things necessary or desirable for the attainment of the pur-poses stated above.

The Florida Pharmacy Association has as one of its primary goals to be the most effective, proactive, and powerful pharmacy advocacy group in the state. At the same time, we are moving into one of the most significant election cy-cles in the history of our state. We will see a change in leadership at not only the executive level, but up to half the senate seats in the state will change hands. It is critical to our profession that we fill these seats with individu-als who support our profession. That is why your money is so critical. contri-butions to the FP-PAcce in turn helps us to evaluate these candidates and give donations to those who will support us in the state legislature. Isn’t it worth at least $1/day to support your profes-sion?

How can you help? If you’re inter-ested, I need to hear from you! You can e-mail me at hobbsrx@msn.com. More importantly, make a contribution To-DAY! You can send a check directly to FPPAcce. or if you choose, you can make a monthly contribution on your VIsA or Master card.

Setting the Pace with PACCE!Mark Hobbs, Chair

In memoriam of our colleagues

Barnard s. Varn

calvin William Brown

Bernard schuster

Fletcher Gibson

leonard Mitrick

Gerald Dominey

lorraine Ford

constantine lopilato

William Mount

John Marcus

Gus Marcus

Joe Baldridge

Jack Pieper

Arnold Albert

reva l. Massey

richard “Dick” Witas

the state representatives are from left to right: rep david rivera, rep. Alan Hayes, rep. mike Weinstein, rep. Clay Ford and rep. Greg Evers

A U G U S T 2 0 0 9 | 15

Email/Fax network Hotlinereceive up-to-date and up-to-the-min-ute information on legislative Develop-ments, Board of Pharmacy changes and other topics affecting the profession of pharmacy. call FPA Member services at (850) 222-2400 ext. 110 – rsimmons@pharmview.com.

tax resourceProvides defense and protection of your assets when you are audited. Tax resource will defend their clients for any income tax audit, Federal or state, for any tax year. Tax resource pio-neered the tax audit service business, and is the largest audit defense firm in the united states. call (800) 92-AuDIT (800-922-8348).

Atlantic Coupon redemption Center receive payment in 25 working days of coupon’s face value plus a rebate of 1/6 cents based on store volume. call Meredith Mccord (800) 223-0398.

Florida Commerce Federal Credit Union The chief objective of a credit union is not generating profits for stockholders, but to provide service to its member. The members benefit by getting attrac-tive returns on savings, loans made at fair rates of interest plus enhanced and expanded services. This is probably one of the best deals around. call (850) 488-0035.

Collection services For past due accounts call I. c. system, Inc. call (800) 328-9595.

other member benefits n Discounted continuing education

Programsn Monthly Issues of the Florida Phar-

macy Today Journal

itC deltacom offering FPA members exclusive associa-tion discounts on telecommunication ser-vices including local services, long dis-tance, data networks, telephone systems and dedicated internet access. call 850-701-3200 or visit www.itcdeltacom.com

pharmacy resource materials FPA provides the most recent and rele-vant resources necessary to meet your professional needs. This includes the continuous Quality Improvement Manu-al, controlled substance Inventory Book-lets and Pharmacy signs. Please call FPA Members services for more information: 850-222-2400 ext. 110.

FpA Website Visit our FPA Website at ww.pharmview.com. The site, launched in December 2004 and revised in october 2008, includes a members only section. The website of-fers a secure server so that you can reg-isters for ce programs, renew your mem-bership or purchase resources materials with your credit card.

in keeping with a tradition of offering our members real benefits, the Florida Pharmacy association (FPa) is proud to announce the introduction of sponsored discount Benefits Program. these vendors are dedicated to providing an excellent value to all FPa members and associates. to take advantage of benefits contact the vendors directly at the numbers listed below and identify yourself as a FPa member and have your membership id number handy.

mEmbErsHip mAttErs!

Florida Pharmacy Association

16 | f L O r i d A p h A r m A c y T O d A y

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pHArmACy ConsUltAnts

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Meadowbrookworkers ComP insurAnCe endorsed by FPA(800) 825-9489

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Kahan ◆ Shir, P.L.briAn A. kAhAn, r.Ph., And Attorney At lAw

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HealthCare Consultants Pharmacy Staffingbob miller

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bUyer’S GUideADVERTISERS: This is a special section designed to give your company more exposure and to act as an easy reference for the pharmacist.

P H A R M A C Y T O D A Yflorida

Advertising in Florida pharmacy todaydisplay Advertising: please call (850) 264-5111 for a media kit and rate sheet. buyers’ Guide: A signed insertion of at least 3X per year, 1/3 page or larger display ad, earns a placement in the Buyers’ Guide. A screened ad is furnished at additional cost to the advertiser. professional referral Ads: FPA Members: $50 per 50 words; Non-members: $100 per 50 words; No discounts for advertising agencies. All Professional Referral ads must be paid in advance, at the time of ad receipt.

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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH SYSTEM PHARMACISTSBethesda, MD (301) 657-3000www.ashp.com/main.htm

DRug INFORMATION CENTERPalm Beach Atlantic university(561) 803-2728druginfocenter@pba.edu

FLORIDA BOARD OF PHARMACY4052 Bald cypress WayBin #c04

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FLORIDA POISON INFORMATION CENTER NETWORK1-800-282-3171http://ora.umc.ufl.edu/pcc/fpicjax.htm

NATIONAL COMMuNITY PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION 100 Daingerfield road Alexandria, VA 22314703.683.8200703.683.3619 faxinfo@ncpanet.org

RECOVERINg PHARMACISTS NETWORK OF FLORIDA(407) 257-6606 “Pharmacists Helping Pharmacists”

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