VerifiedRx Podcast By Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence cover art

VerifiedRx

VerifiedRx

By: Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence
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Delivering short doses of insight for hospitals’ frontline pharmacy professionals, the Vizient pharmacy team brings together experts to verify best practices for navigating today’s pharmacy practice challenges and accelerating career growth. It’s a prescription for success, delivered by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Management Management & Leadership Physical Illness & Disease Science
Episodes
  • 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 Chow, Vice President of the System Pharmacy Service Line, and 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, 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 Balance between:Ready-made ...
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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 Verified Rx Host 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 ...
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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 ...
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    12 mins
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