In the latest episode of our business-focused podcast 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with two executive leaders at The Craneware Group: Chief Customer Officer Lidia Rodriguez-Hupp and Chief Transformation Officer Tara Hanuscak. Founded in 1999, The Craneware Group is a leading provider of healthcare financial performance and 340B management solutions, serving over 12,000 hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. Key Topics Covered: Pathways to 340B Lidia and Tara describe their respective pathways to 340B and to The Craneware Group. Lidia outlines prior roles as a congressional aide and in various 340B provider service leadership positions. Tara outlines her 18 years rising through the ranks in pharmacy administration at OhioHealth and her leadership in 340B compliance and implementation. Trisus Optimization Suites Tara outlines Trisus, The Craneware Group's SaaS-based cloud platform which includes four optimization suites designed to unify financial, clinical, and operational data into one ecosystem. She details how the platform comprehensively builds out the firm's flagship chargemaster solution. Acquisitions and AI Lidia and Tara describe The Craneware Group's acquisition of long-time 340B industry leader Sentry Data Systems and Agilum Healthcare, and how the integration of these platforms enables 340B hospitals to manage their costs, maximize compliance, and capture revenue in supporting sustainable margins for delivering patient care. Tara outlines the firm's moves in leveraging AI, including Trisus Assist, an assistive AI capability that pairs automation with transparency to support better, faster decisions across healthcare finance and operations. Rebate Pilot Resource Center and Contract Pharmacy Restriction Tool Lidia raises concerns about what she sees as the disruptive and harmful impact of the rebate pilot on 340B covered entities. She previews the firm's Rebate Pilot Resource Center which enables clients to help protect cash flow challenges due to rebate recovery delays and harnessing data and documentation to defend against denials. She also provides an overview of the firm's manufacturer restriction tool, a critically important resource since the firm has the largest number of contract pharmacy networks in 340B. 340B Matters Campaign and Advocate Awards Lidia describes the firm's 340B Matters initiative, an informational campaign launched by Sentry in 2016 to be a candid, strong voice in promoting the 340B program's importance to the public and to policymakers. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice-monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or contact us for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
In the latest episode of our business-focused podcast 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with Rob Ferraro, Chief Operating Officer and Principal of Ravin Consultants. A Florida-based company founded by Jennifer Lockwood in 2017, Ravin Consultants specializes in various 340B implementation and compliance matters. The growing company supports a variety of covered entity (CE) types in key dimensions of 340B, including enrollment, implementation, compliance, and optimization. Key Topics Covered: Pharmacy Career Focus Rob describes his education in pharmacy and his roles in a variety of settings including CVS Health, HCA Healthcare, MailMeds and TrellisRx, culminating in being one of the first hires at Ravin Consultants. 340B Specialty Rob outlines Ravin Consultants' strategic decision to focus on 340B, and the four key areas where it provides services: enrollment, implementation, compliance, and optimization. He describes the unique experience and skill sets that distinguishes the team ("Ravineers"), including their deep roots in the 340B program and their 340B ACE certification. Keeping the Lights On - And More Rob shares several inspiring success stories of supporting clients in securing 340B savings which enabled them to provide much-needed services to vulnerable populations. One client was not only able to keep the lights on but add a mobile unit to reach more underserved patients in their community. Another was able to use their savings to enable patients to qualify for medical insurance so they could receive Hepatitis C treatment. Rebate Pilot and Contract Pharmacy Challenges Rob outlines how Ravin Consultants deploys its 340B dashboard to help clients analyze the impact of the soon to be launched rebate pilot and contract pharmacy restrictions, and determine actions that may be needed, such as establishing an in-house pharmacy. Protecting 340B Rob encourages CEs to actively participate in advocacy efforts, including reaching out to lawmakers with compelling stories about how 340B enables them to support their communities. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice-monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or contact us for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
In the latest episode of our business focused podcast 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with Scott Seidelmann, CEO of Nuvem, and Nuvem Chief Customer Officer Brenda Barry. Nuvem, founded in 2013 as 340B Basics and rebranded as Nuvem in 2023 to reflect a broader mission, offers solutions in pharmacy management, 340B technology and compliance largely customized for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Ryan White Clinics (RWCs). Key Topics Covered: Career Journeys Scott and Brenda describe their respective educational backgrounds and career trajectories, including stints in healthcare start ups and with McKesson and Omnicell, among others. Value Proposition Pillars and Upcoming Apollo Launch Scott discusses how Nuvem's integrated portfolio of third party administration (TPA) plus pharmacy management and other key services enables community health centers to achieve better outcomes, increase access and generate much-needed savings. He outlines the key pillars of what differentiates Nuvem in the competitive 340B space: specialization in FQHCs and RWCs; continued investment in an analytics and knowledge function ("mission control"), as well as a proprietary software platform, Apollo. Brenda provides an example of how, thanks to Nuvem's solutions, a rural Pennsylvania FQHC optimized its savings, which the center then invested into much-needed translation and transportation services. 340B Policy Challenges Scott outlines how Nuvem is supporting clients in navigating the compliance and implementation impacts of regulatory headwinds, including contract pharmacy restrictions and the upcoming pilot of a shift in 340B from an upfront discount model to a rebate for certain drug products. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Follow 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or contact us for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
In our latest episode of our business focused podcast 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with Ali Farzad, Chief Executive Officer of CompassRx and Alice Cheng, CompassRx Chief Operating Officer. CompassRx's solution leverages AI to streamline and improve 340B operations, such as signficantly increasing the capture of in-house prescriptions. Key Topics Covered: 340B Career Trajectories Ali and Alice describe their 340B career trajectories and what inspired them to co-found CompassRx, having worked as colleagues at two different healthcare AI startups, Aegis Ventures and Ascertain as well as time at CVS Health and a prestigious national consulting firm. In addition to telling us about their compelling life stories, they discuss how their respective additional experiences on the provider side inform their strong command of the many operational and other challenges facing 340B covered entities. Deploying AI to Increase 340B Capture Rate Ali discusses how CompassRx partners with its health system and community health center clients to create customized AI-powered solutions to increase their 340B in-house pharmacy capture rate, which results not only in significant savings but improved patient outcomes. Alice outlines the benefits and risks of AI and how covered entities can increase efficiency while also ensuring patient safety and data privacy and security. Ongoing Policy Challenges Ali and Alice express their concerns about the ongoing challenges facing covered entities, including contract pharmacy restrictions and the potential shift in the 340B program from an upfront discount to a rebate model. They discuss ways to mitigate the damage and detail how AI is a powerful tool for addressing escalating compliance demands on already strained 340B workflows. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or contact us for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
In the latest episode of our business-focused podcast 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with David Valentine, Chief Operating Officer of the PharmaForce PBM and Anthony Velasquez, PharmaForce's Chief Product Officer. PharmaForce is a pharmacy solutions provider, third-party administrator (TPA), and PBM that provides 340B covered entities (CEs) and self-insured employers with TPA services such as inventory management, contract pharmacy, and split billing implementation, referral capture, and 340B ESP reporting, as well as a PBM offering that is optimized for 340B CEs. It provides a range of 340B pharmacy solutions for health systems and clinics. Key Topics Covered: 340B Career Trajectories David and Anthony describe their pharmacy and 340B career trajectories. David discusses his 30+ year career as a pharmacist in retail, hospital and health plan pharmacy in Michigan, and most recently with a PBM. Anthony describes his career path in business and compliance roles with 340B CEs in the Philadelphia area, starting with a community health center. One Stop Shopping: TPA + PBM Anthony outlines PharmaForce's portfolio which integrates pharmacy solutions, third-party administration and a PBM. He highlights the firm's vision to be a "one-stop shop" for 340B CEs, who without this option often find themselves having to secure and manage contracts with a large array of vendors. PharmaForce PBM David describes the PharmaForce PBM, which the firm built in-house, starting with the claims adjudication engine. Due to their success in deploying the PBM for CEs, PharmaForce expanded the market to include self-funded health plans. David highlights the benefits to their clients of an integrated TPA and PBM. He also shares an exciting success story where a hospital was able to significantly reduce its drug costs. Ongoing Policy Challenges Anthony discusses the ongoing challenges of contract pharmacy restrictions and the potential shift in the 340B program from an upfront discount to a rebate model. He details how PharmaForce supports clients in addressing these and other emerging challenges and encourages 340B professionals to continue to develop their skillset so they can seize opportunities to improve pharmacy care delivery. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice-monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or contact us for a free a 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
As you may know, 340B Report now has two podcasts. In addition to Inside 340B Report—a twice monthly podcast featuring conversations between our editorial team on the latest 340B news developments—we launched a business focused podcast called 340B 360° earlier this year. We are excited to announce that we are changing the name of the business podcast to 340B Leaders Upfront. The new name more accurately reflects the podcast's purpose of showcasing conversations with industry executives who are at the cutting edge of innovation and leadership in the 340B space. In our latest episode of 340B Leaders Upfront, host Anna Mangum sits down with Joy Liu, founder and CEO of Plenful, and Tim L'Hommedieu, Plenful's senior vice president of pharmacy. Built to automate healthcare's most manual, fragmented workflows, Plenful streamlines a diverse range of complex processes. Plenful's Agentic Platform offers end-to-end solutions for leading healthcare organizations including 340B Optimization, Intake Authorization and more. Key Topics Covered: From Healthcare Operations to the C-Suite Joy and Tim describe the progression of their careers from operational roles in health care systems, including specialty pharmacy, to executive leadership posts with Plenful. Joy shares a personal story about serving as a patient advocate for a family member, witnessing firsthand the challenges of navigating specialty pharmacy. At Shields Healthcare Solutions, she helped implement 340B specialty pharmacy programs and gained exposure to workflow inefficiencies. Tim, a third-generation pharmacist, discusses his experiences in 340B, starting in pediatric and other hospital and healthcare system settings, and later, at firms focused on leveraging automation and AI to improve efficiencies and patient outcomes. AI in Pharmacy and 340B Joy outlines Plenful's focus of reducing operational inefficiencies and powering a better health care system for all. Plenful believes that administrative workflows are a major area for optimization and growth, especially for the AI technology that they are building. Joy discusses three key areas where Plenful creates value: 1) time and cost savings, especially in administrative workflows; 2) increasing revenue, margin, and/or capacity expansion, which is highly relevant in maximizing 340B savings; and 3) institutional knowledge and ensuring that a covered entity's specific nuances, such as in 340B, are housed in one platform that can handle that complexity at scale. 340B Audit and Optimization Suite Tim describes Plenful's 340B Audit and Optimization Suite, which includes automation and AI solutions to perform compliance audits, access savings opportunities, capture referrals and meet government and manufacturer reporting requirements. Plenful also offers a tool to enable effective claims reconciliation in the forthcoming 340B rebate pilot program, and an intake authorization suite that is particularly relevant to 340B providers responding to contract pharmacy restrictions. Selecting AI Vendors Tim outlines what to look for in AI vendors, stressing the importance of connecting AI solutions for pharmacy to the organization's overall digital transformation strategy. Among other things, he emphasizes the importance of selecting an AI partner that brings both pharmacy and healthcare expertise, as well as feedback loops that facilitate improved performance of automation and AI tools over time. Preparing for Emerging Challenges Joy highlights the importance of proactively responding to the rapid pace of change in 340B, and engaging partners who understand the unique nuances, compliance requirements and other dimensions of this space. You can learn more about Plenful at plenful.com. You can read the article Tim references, "How to Vet AI Partners: A Pharmacy Leader's Playbook", here in Becker's Hospital Review. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B Leaders Upfront, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B Leaders Upfront on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off when subscribing. Or sign up for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
Episode 4: 340B Clearinghouse Game Changer: A Conversation with Tim Neylan, Chief Operating Officer of RxParadigm In this episode of Inside 340B 360°, host Anna Mangum sits down with RxParadigm COO Tim Neylan. Tim reflects on his career journey from the IT services industry, including with drug manufacturers, to his current leadership role with RxParadigm. RxParadigm is a pharmacy technology services provider offering what Tim describes as the first neutral 340B claims clearinghouse. Tungsten+PLUS™ is a new system to resolve duplicate discounts that does not share data with the drug industry, something many in the 340B community believe could be a game changer in resolving one of the most hotly debated challenges in the 340B program. Key Topics Covered: Professional Roots in IT Tim describes his pathway into 340B from health care IT and how his skills are transferable to the 340B space. He describes the mission orientation that motivates many professionals in the 340B program and the energizing nature of impacting the lives of patients. Mission + Movement: Neutral 340B Clearinghouse Tim outlines what RxParadigm describes as a neutral 340B clearinghouse and the experiences that motivated its founder Mesfin Tegenu to launch this solution with the ultimate aim of reducing drug costs and improving health outcomes. Through their platform, both covered entities and drug manufacturers have what Tim describes as a safe place to collaborate to address the challenge of preventing duplicate discounts. Application of Clearinghouse to Medicare Maximum Fair Price Tim discusses the promising application of the clearinghouse for identifying 340B discounts and MFP claims. The clearinghouse helps covered entities identify MFP claims that overlap with 340B and determine which discount is most applicable to them. The solution also helps manufacturers reimburse MFP claims on time and correctly. Staying Ahead of the Curve on Federal Requirements Tim discusses how RxParadigm's neutral clearinghouse is a proactive step towards the centralized, neutral clearinghouse that is called for in pending federal legislation and solution to a long-time challenge. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B 360°, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B 360° on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube for video interviews. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off your subscription. Or sign up for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
Note: After the taping of this podcast, Maxor rebranded to VytlOne. The new name VytlOne is used below. Episode 3: From Smalltown Pharmacy to National 340B Firm: A Conversation with Joel Wright and Abel Haile of VytlOne In this episode of Inside 340B 360°, host Anna Mangum sits down with VytlOne President of Pharmacy Services Joel Wright and Senior Director of Health System Strategy and Commercial Analytics, Abel Haile. Joel and Abel reflect on their career journeys as a pharmacist and healthcare finance specialist, respectively, to their current leadership roles with VytlOne, which was founded by pharmacist and former Amarillo, Texas Mayor Jerry Hodge nearly a century ago as a community pharmacy, and has expanded to a comprehensive national pharmacy services firm with over 1,500 employees. Key Topics Covered: Pathways to Leadership in 340B Abel and Joel describe their respective pathways into 340B from for-profit retail and specialty pharmacy, as well as stints in healthcare and pharmacy consulting. They reflect on the unique aspects of 340B as a provider of care for vulnerable patients, and as a "downstream" program within larger healthcare provider settings, requiring careful tracking and management of upstream operational and infrastructure developments. Addressing Contract Pharmacy Restrictions Joel outlines VytlOne's compliance solutions and support for covered entities to ensure providers can maximize their savings given the growing number of manufacturer-imposed restrictions in contract pharmacy. Building On-Site Pharmacies, PBMs Joel and Abel tell us how their company supports clients in establishing on-site pharmacies as an effective strategy for improving the patient care experience and meeting financial sustainability objectives. They also describe the firm's PBM solution. Rebate Model Threats to Operations, Cashflow Joel and Abel discuss the potential shift of 340B from a discount program to a rebate model and challenges this may pose to providers, and ultimately, patient care. This includes implications for provider cash flow, workflows and appropriate resolution of disputes over claims eligibility. They encourage covered entities to advocate to protect 340B. Medicaid and Self-Audits Abel discusses the possibility that states will require covered entities to perform self-audits of their 340B Medicaid billing requirements, like what has been instituted in California. He provides advice for entities to ensure overall compliance with their program. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B 360°, which are posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B 360° on your favorite podcast platform or our YouTube channel. Also, listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes view into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off. Or sign up for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
Episode 2: Of Missions and Mergers: A Conversation with Mickey Price, COO of Pillr Health In this episode of Inside 340B 360°, host Anna Mangum sits down with Pillr Health COO Mickey Price. Mickey reflects on his journey as a pharmacist in retail and for-profit hospital pharmacy to 340B, and ultimately to his senior executive role with newly formed Pillr Health, a merger of RxStrategies, Hudson Headwaters 340B and RPh Innovations. Mickey discusses the distinctive merger underlying Pillr Health and the firm's robust product portfolio, including the innovative solutions they offer to support specialty pharmacy. Key Topics Covered: From For-Profit to 340B Mission Mickey describes his entry into 340B from for-profit retail and hospital pharmacy, and his shift to the non-profit space of 340B. He reflects on the compelling values that inspire organizations and professionals to focus their careers in the 340B area and their shared commitment to serving uninsured and underinsured patients. Unique Merger Mickey discusses the creation of Pillr Health through the merger of RxStrategies, Hudson Headwaters 340B and RPh Innovations, the extensive depth and breadth of each firm's experience, and the technical, cultural and other synergies that drive their new venture. Meeting Evolving Compliance Challenges Mickey provides insights into how covered entities can respond to key developments in the 340B landscape, such as contract pharmacy restrictions and reporting requirements. He encourages covered entities to report how they are using their 340B savings to meet their safety net mission and to stay abreast of policy and other changes in the 340B space. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B 360°, which will be posted monthly! Subscribe to 340B 360° on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube for video interviews. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast, to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off. Or sign up for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence.
In the premier episode of Inside 340B 360°, Verity Solutions CEO George Puckett sits down with host Anna Mangum to discuss his fascinating career that began with a stint in the national security area and evolved into developing solutions for 340B stakeholders. Drawing on his extensive career in health care technology, Puckett offers insights on how 340B providers can leverage Verity's customized solutions to enhance compliance, increase efficiency, generate revenue and improve the patient experience. Key Topics Covered: Leadership and Entrepreneurship George walks through the course he has charted in his four-decade career including his education in Europe and working in various parts of the United States. George and his Seattle-based Verity team have come up with solutions to a number of 340B challenges. George discusses these solutions and the importance of staying ahead of the curve. George reflects on key policy and industry developments in the 340B landscape, such as contract pharmacy restrictions, and how providers can respond to uncertainty and complexity. He emphasizes listening to his customers, which can range from small health centers to large health systems. He also talks about adapting to change and staying focused on 340B's purpose: helping covered entities stretch scare resources and expand access to care. Compliance and Transparency Challenges With continued scrutiny around 340B, transparency is an ongoing theme. George talks about the importance of enabling providers to demonstrate how they are using their 340B savings to provide patient care. He also provides a window into how Verity helps clients prepare for audits and meet evolving reporting requirements at both state and federal levels. Follow our Podcasts Stay tuned for more episodes of 340B 360°, which will be posted monthly! 🎧 Subscribe to 340B 360° on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube. Bonus: Listen to Inside 340B Report, our twice monthly podcast to get a behind-the-scenes window into the latest 340B news and developments from the journalists at 340B Report. Special Offer for New 340B Report Subscribers First-time subscribers to 340B Report can use code PODCAST25 for 25% off. Or sign up for a free 15-day trial to see why 340B Report is the indispensable source for 340B news and intelligence. Consider Becoming a 340B Report Sponsor Becoming a 340B Report sponsor is the best way to grow your company or organization's 340B business—without even leaving your office! Ultra-Diamond sponsors receive premium benefits, including being showcased in 340B 360° podcasts. For information, visit https://340breport.com/why-sponsor/.