In 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unveiled a plan ratings system that uses stars to rate Medicare health and prescription drug plans based on quality. These ratings are featured on Medicare’s Plan Finder that beneficiaries can use to compare and select a Medicare plan.

“Star Power” is a 10-minute online tutorial developed to show pharmacists the downstream effect the plan ratings will have on their Medicare patients and pharmacy practice. New patient safety quality measures, including medication adherence, provide opportunities for pharmacists to work with their patients to promote safer, more effective therapies. These measures can also translate to prescription volume and sales growth and may eventually be the basis for quality-based pharmacy reimbursement.

With Medicare plans now receiving financial and enrollment incentives tied to their star rating, it’s important that pharmacy is taking proactive steps to help drive better clinical outcomes, especially since their reimbursement may soon be tied to their performance.

At the end of the tutorial, participants will be able to download the lists of the drugs on which these quality measures are based to help give pharmacists the tools they need to identify and effectively counsel patients on these medications. These include:

• High-Risk Medications (discouraged for use in patients 65+)
• ACEI/ARB Medications (encouraged for patients with diabetes)
• Statins, ACEI/ARBs, Oral Diabetes Medications (current medications used to measure adherence)

» Watch the tutorial

Commercial support provided by Community CCRx^SM PDP.

Learn how to protect yourself and your pharmacy from costly recoupments and possible exclusion from the Medicare Part D program. Find out what mistakes will raise a red flag during your next Medicare audit.

This 10-minute online tutorial will give pharmacists a list of the top 5 pharmacy billing errors and how you can avoid them. Learn tips for properly documenting and submiting Part D claims so you can avoid expensive penalties.

Plus, participants will be able to download tools to help prepare for your next Medicare Part D audit, including:

• Audit Readiness Checklist
• Tips for Identifying Fraudulent Prescriptions

This program is sponsored by Community CCRx^SM Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.