CMS doesn’t include DIR reform

CMS issued its final Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Drug Pricing Rule, and to the surprise of many, didn’t include DIR-fee reform.

National pharmacy associations were quick to recover from their shock and register their displeasure.

Calling the decision “a significant blow to patients seeking relief from the high out-of-pocket costs they face on drugs,” Sheila Arquette, executive director of the National Specialty Pharmacy Association, said, “Allowing the continued collection of these fees threatens quality, affordable medication access for seniors while giving the largest PBMs leeway to continue anticompetitive market practices and keep more Medicare dollars for themselves.”

Meanwhile, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores issued a joint statement saying they were “disappointed and frustrated” with the decision.

“Pharmacies are in a tenuous situation, and our organizations are exploring all options to accomplish desperately needed reforms to pharmacy DIR. It is necessary for community pharmacies and for the benefit of seniors that this reform take effect as soon as possible.”

Pharmacist Day at the Braves

Check out these pics of GPhA members having a blast at SunTrust park, watching the Braves play the Brewers:

And see some more at GPhA.org/braves!

Pharmacy techs: Free T-shirt

Pharmacy techs — Here’s a cool and comfy reason to register for the Georgia Pharmacy Convention: The first 20 techs to register will get a free convention T-shirt courtesy of Paradigm Education Solutions.

But don’t just come for the shirt. Come for the 20 CE courses accredited for pharmacy technicians. Come for the magical resort with fun for the entire family. Come for the first meeting of GPhA’s Academy of Pharmacy Technicians.

Registration is only $235 for the full convention, or just come Saturday, June 15 for $75 for the day.

The networking opportunity is the best you’ll have all year, and making the right connection is priceless!

Go to GPhAconvention.com for the details — then register and reserve your room!

Fred’s closing more stores

At least 104 more, to be specific.

The danger of charcoal toothpaste

Yet another health trend that really isn’t: charcoal toothpaste. Manufacturers claim it has antibiotic or antifungal properties, or can strengthen tooth structure. In fact, the opposite is more likely true.

“There is simply no scientific proof that these products are capable of detoxifying your mouth, offer any increased antimicrobial activities (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), or can fortify/remineralize/strengthen tooth structure,” said Dr. John Brooks, a researcher at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore.

Charcoal, say the writers of a paper in the British Dental Journal, is too abrasive, and can actually damage tooth enamel. And then there’s the issue of it being a carcinogen… so, yeah, stick with the fluoride toothpastes that actually work.

Self-medication before takeoff

What’s worse than being trapped in a sealed metal tube with a few hundred people with varying levels of personal hygiene?

Answer: Having way too many of them self-medicate and then get abusive. That’s what’s happening to flight attendants.

38% of respondents said they had been physically abused by a passenger who had taken medication, while 46% said they had received a verbal insult from a medicated passenger.

This is on par with what they get from drunk people, so it’s basically doubling the abuse.

(Hint: Do you want to be the other kind of passenger? Bring a box of chocolates for the flight crew on a long trip.)

Mom was right

Broccoli really is good for you. An ingredient in it (and its less-desirable cousins, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, etc.) can deactivate a gene “known to play a role in a variety of common human cancers” and even suppress tumor growth.

The long read: CBD regulation can’t keep up

“Dude, where’s my regulatory framework?” from Stat News