THE NUMBERS Inside: MISS AMERICA TO KEYNOTE CONVENTION LEGISLATURE TACKLES PBMS AND MCOS - " Georgia Pharmacy Association
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February/March 2020
Inside:
MISS AMERICA
TO KEYNOTE
CONVENTION
LEGISLATURE
TACKLES PBMS
AND MCOS
THE NUMBERS
ISSUE
Pharmacy Insurance
Tomorrow.
Imagine That.
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contents
12
THE NUMBERS ISSUE
Each year we collect the most
interesting statistics, facts, and data
points we can find, then offer them up in
graphic form. If a picture is worth 1,000
words, there’s plenty of reading inside.
7
8
shout outs
GPhAers in the news, congrats to
be had, plus the latest entries into
the 100% Club and President’s
Circle, and — new! — Opioid
Safety Champions!
5
10
2 6 student update 17
prescript news News and updates from Georgia’s
PharmPAC
CEO Bob Coleman asks whether What GPhA’s been up to lately: a Investors in the future of
pharmacy schools
you’re a ”Pharmacist or politician?” major legislative update and the pharmacy in Georgia
while President Chris Thumond looks annual call for nominations to the
8
both back and forward in his “New board of directors. 19
Year’s Resolution” — setting the contact us
stage for a big 2020. 7 Who does what at GPhA —
socially speaking and how to reach us
4 A sampling of what’s been
calendar happening on GPhA’s social media 20
The GPhA events, programs, classes channels. See anyone you know? the back page
and more coming up — mark your The quirkier side of pharmacy
calendars. and healthcare news
Georgia Pharmacy magazine Chief Executive Officer Editor SUBSCRIPTIONS
is the official publication of the Bob Coleman Andrew Kantor Georgia Pharmacy is distributed as a regular
Georgia Pharmacy Association. Director of Communication membership service, paid for with membership dues.
President and Chair of the Board Single issues are $10 per issue domestic and $20
akantor@gpha.org
Chris Thurmond international. Practicing Georgia pharmacists who are
Unless otherwise noted, the entire contents
Art Director not members of GPhA are not eligible for subscriptions.
of this publication is licensed under a Creative President-Elect
Carole Erger-Fass
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- Wes Chapman POSTAL
ShareAlike 4.0 International license. Direct any Georgia Pharmacy (ISSN 1075-6965) is published
Immediate Past President
questions to the editor at akantor@gpha.org. ADVERTISING bi-monthly by GPhA, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite
Tim Short
All advertising inquiries should be directed to 100 Sandy Springs, GA, 30328. Periodicals postage
Kenna Little at klittle@gpha.org or paid at Atlanta, GA and at additional mailing offices.
(404) 419-8129. Media kit and rates available POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Georgia
upon request. Pharmacy magazine, 6065 Barfield Road NE, Suite 100,
Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 1
PRESCRIPT
From the CEO
Pharmacist or politician?
We’ve all heard the often-used is like no other year. And if you haven’t heard,
expression, “Be at the table, or the Supreme Court of the United States will be
be on the menu!” It may be a hearing an appeal of the 8th Circuit Court’s ruling
bit overused, but it’s very much on the ERISA question, i.e., should ERISA preempt
true in pharmacy today. In fact, states from regulating PBMs. A favorable ruling
I’m sure some pharmacists are will change the ballgame dramatically, so there is
beginning to feel more like pol- reason for great optimism in 2020.
iticians these days. While you
BOB COLEMAN
may have attended a Day at the Welcome to Wellstar pharmacists and
Dome or lobbied as part of a Pharmacist Advocacy pharmacy technicians
Team, I’m pretty sure that politics wasn’t a major 2020 also started out with big news on the GPhA
topic you studied during your days in pharmacy membership front. More than 200 pharmacy techs
school. Perhaps it should have been. and 300 pharmacists joined GPhA through Well-
I don’t think anyone would argue that pharma- Star’s corporate membership. We couldn’t be more
cy is one of the most regulated industries in the excited to welcome these additions to the Acad-
U.S. In fact, it is so regulated, it’s not hard to find emy of Clinical and Health-System Pharmacists
regulations that are in conflict with one another, and the Academy of Pharmacy Technicians. Please
change drastically from state to state, or are even be sure to extend a warm welcome at Region Presi-
a bit antiquated. Try to explain that to a non-phar- dents’ Meetings and at the convention this year!
macist politician who probably has two dozen
other top priorities to understand and vote on! This year’s convention
My point is simple: Get involved. Advocacy is If you haven’t already heard (where have you
and will continue to be our primary reason for been?), this year’s featured keynote speaker will be
being. Rest assured we’re advocating for you Miss America, Camille Schrier! She takes the stage
each and every day. But you need to be involved during Friday’s general session, so be sure not to
as well. Consider running for public office at the miss it. Don’t forget, we’re going to be in Asheville,
state or national level. We only have two pharma- North Carolina, this year from June 18-21! GPhA
cists in this year’s state assembly and only one in has fewer room nights blocked out than usual, so
Washington. (See President Thurmund’s excellent if you want to take advantage of our room-block
column for suggestions for supporting the fight.) special pricing, don’t wait until the last minute to
Being involved also means being involved with book your rooms.
GPhA. If you’ve never served on a committee or
a board, please give it careful consideration. I’ve The numbers issue
been in association management more than 25 Lastly, welcome to the 2020 numbers issue. Mem-
Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
years, and I can promise you the 80/20 rule applies bers tell us its one of their favorite editions, so we
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
across the board: 20% of the membership does the hope you enjoy this year’s.GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
work while 80% watches from the sidelines. Get
1
off the sidelines and get in the game. If you don’t
know how or need some help connecting, drop me
an e-mail or phone call. And to all those who have
served the association in the past, my sincere and
heartfelt thanks!
I’m excited about what may come out of this Bob Coleman is chief executive officer of the
year’s assembly. I can promise what we’re planning Georgia Pharmacy Association.
2 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020
PRESCRIPT
From the President
New Year’s Resolution
The idea of New Year’s time, GPhA is seeing a growth in member-
Resolutions is not a novel ship, as many state associations struggle with
concept. The Babylonians declining numbers, and, of course, I took over
are credited with initiating the GPhA presidency back in June. So, looking
the practice more than back, it was not all bad.
4,000 years ago, although Looking into 2020, we have many a battle
their “new year” probably to prepare for. The 2020 Georgia legislative
CHRIS THURMOND began in mid-March when session began on January 13, and we are going
planting began. The more to need all of you to continue the fight for our
modern concept and tradition began with amazing profession. GPhA is there to fight
Roman Emperor Julius Caesar when he imple- for and with us, but ultimately it is individual
mented the Julian Calendar to begin on the pharmacists and pharmacy technician mem-
first of January in 45 B.C. bers who have the most impact. You are the
January was named for Janus, the Roman constituents, you are the voter and you are the
god of beginnings and endings who inhabited ones that truly have the ear of your represen-
gates and doorways and was usually depicted tatives and senators. Do not sit back and be
as having two faces: one looking to the past silent! Do not allow others to speak for you!
and one looking toward the future. Sacrifices Stand up and be heard!
were common for past mistakes and promises With advocacy being one of the pillars of
were made for future good behavior. Thus, GPhA, I can promise you that GPhA will be ac-
the tradition continues, minus the bloody tively engaged in legislative affairs. Keep your
sacrifices ... we hope. eyes and ears open as we will surely be sending
For many in the pharmacy world, 2019 was a out multiple “calls to arms”. These may come
rough year. Pharmacist layoffs, a declining job as e-mails, letters, or phone calls, but do not
market, CMS’s elimination of the mention of let them fall on deaf ears. The 2020 legislative
DIR fees in its final rule, decreased job satis- session is set to be a major battlefield and we
faction and the continued downward pressure will need all pharmacists and members to fight
from pharmacy benefits managers left many with us.
companies and individual pharmacists feel- Be prepared to increase your donation
ing tired and weary, almost like we had been to PharmPAC (and if you don’t currently
offered as the annual sacrifice to Janus. donate to PharmPAC, shame on you), make
But there were also some great successes in e-mail and phone requests to your elected
2019, especially here in the great State of Geor- officials, and talk to your patients, colleagues,
gia. HB 233 and HB 323 were passed and signed and neighbors. You as the voter have the most
into law by Governor Kemp, taking effect Jan- sway at the capitol. GPhA has and will contin-
uary 1, 2020. And pharmacy issues continue to ue to fight for our profession and the citi-
enjoy the ear of many high-ranking politicians zens of Georgia, but ultimately GPhA is you!
Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
that have appreciated our strong, clear mes- Remember, together we are better. Together
sage of patient care and doing the right thing we are stronger.
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
for the citizens of Georgia. We have the benefit
1
of being on the right side of justice with our Chris Thurmond is GPhA’s 2019–2020 president
fight against the PBMs, and our reputation has and owner of Village Drug Shop of Athens. Write
flourished at the Georgia Capitol. At the same to him at vildrug@bellsouth.net.
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 3
CALENDAR
FEBRUARY March 24: CPEasy Live:
Healthy Patients=Healthy
February 2: Certificate pro- Business, Part 3: Optimizing
gram: APhA’s The Pharmacist & Diabetes Control (GPhA.org/
Patient-Centered Diabetes Care healthypatients)
(GPhA.org/diabetes)
March 29: Certificate program:
February 4: Day at the Dome: APhA’s Pharmacy-Based
PCOM and UGA students Immunization Delivery (GPhA.
(GPhA.org/dayatthedome) org/immunization)
February 11: CPEasy Live: LEARN POINT-OF-CARE TESTING WITH
Healthy Patients=Healthy GPHA AND NACDS
Business, Part 2: Diet & Exercise
for Diabetes (GPhA.org/healt- March 15
hypatients)
Patients who use point-of-care “at home” tests need you.
February 27: Day at the Dome: Don’t send them home without a helping hand. Learn how
Mercer and South students you can help them take control of their health with these
(GPhA.org/dayatthedome) APRIL-MAY tests ... and how to best advise them when they show you
February 29: Practical Skills the results.
April 19: AIP Spring Meeting
Refresher Course (GPhA.org/ The 20-hour certificate program (ACPE-accredited, of
practicalskills) May 2: Academy of Pharmacy
course) includes comprehensive material regarding key
Technicians’ Tech U (see below)
disease states, physical assessment, point-of-care tests,
May 30: Practical Skills collaborative practice models, and even business models.
MARCH Refresher Course (GPhA.org/ It’s 16 hours of home study, four hours live. (Note: Techs
March 15: Certificate program: practicalskills) can earn the certificate, but not the CE.)
NACDS’s Community Pharma-
Check out the NACDS “Community Pharmacy-based
cy-based Point-of-Care Testing
JUNE Point-of-Care Testing Certificate Program” at GPhA.org/
(see below)
pointofcare.
March 20–23: APhA Annual June 18-21: 2020 Georgia
Pharmacy Convention; Ashe- The details:
Meeting & Exposition; National
Harbor, Md. ville, N.C. Sunday, March 15, 2020
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
GPhA Headquarters
6065 Barfield Rd., Sandy Springs
TECHU
May 2
It’s the number one event for Georgia’s pharmacy
technicians in 2020!
Starting at GPhA’s headquarters in Sandy Springs with
networking, seminars, and CE courses, the inaugural event
for Georgia pharmacy techs will then head over to TopGolf in
Alpharetta for an afternoon of fun and socializing.
Registration is open! Get more information and sign up
today at GPhA.org/techu!
4 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020
THE 2020 GEORGIA PHARMACY CONVENTION
June 18-21 • Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C.
The Georgia Pharmacy Convention is the biggest Things to see and do for the whole family
gathering of Georgia’s pharmacy professionals At the resort
all year.
• Restaurants, lounges, cafés, and the famous
Hundreds of pharmacists, pharmacy owners, Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
technicians, and students from across Georgia • Want something a bit out of the box? Find your
will come to Asheville to grow, play, and connect. own food with the “No Taste Like Home” Wild
Be sure to check out all the courses and events — Food Foraging Tour
and the ways to have fun. • 18 holes of golf, including a full pro shop and
MISS AMERICA
General sessions and education instruction
Don’t miss Friday • An indoor tennis center with clinics for adults
The anchors of the 2020 Georgia Pharmacy Con-
vention are our three general sessions, flanked by keynoter Camille and kids
hours and hours of CPE. You can easily acquire Schrier — Miss • On-the-grounds subterranean spa (voted one
15 hours of CPE, choosing from the more than 48 America 2020 of the “Top Resort Spas in the U.S.” by Condé
hours we’re offering. These are Nast Traveler), plus pools, a sports complex, and
... a student
topics you want and need — we know because walking trails
pharmacist
we asked. Right nearby
at Virginia
From cholesterol control to cannabis oil, business Commonwealth • The Biltmore Estate
planning to leadership training, opioid safety to University! • Little Switzerland (“The flag is a big plus”)
vaccine protocols — get updated on the latest • Art, music, and microbreweries*
trends, treatments, and laws. And more. Lots more. • Golf and tennis
All in one place, all up to date. You won’t get that • Galleries, shopping, arcades, and a whole town
anywhere else. to explore
* Some not so ‘micro’
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 5
NEWS
Legislative update: House NOMINATE SOMEONE
prepares to tackle PBMs, MCOs FOR THE 2020-21
GPHA BOARD OF
Although the 2020 legislative session
has only just opened, there’s already DIRECTORS
some major news.
In a rare pre-session hearing, lead- The GPhA Board of Directors
ers of the Georgia House of Repre- sets the goals of the association
sentatives heard from pharmacists, — what services to offer, what
physicians, and patients about how Nikki Bryant policies to support, how best to
PBMs are flaunting Georgia law, hurt- spend the association’s resources,
ing patient care, and driving smaller and more.
pharmacies out of business. You can be a part of that. You
On January 7, a week before the can be one of the 11 members of
opening of the 2020 legislative session, the board. (Yes, there are require-
the Georgia House convened a Joint ments and responsibilities; you
Special Committee on Access to Health can read them at GPhA.org/
Care and Insurance. It heard testimo- Jennifer Shannon 2020board. There you will also
ny from pharmacists, physicians, and find a link to the actual applica-
their patients how the PBMs and Medicaid managed care organiza- tion form.)
tions “rig the system” and end up hurting patient care. We encourage applications
GPhA members Nikki Bryant (owner of Adams Family Phar- from all pharmacy practice
macy in Preston) and Jennifer Shannon (owner of Lily’s Pharma- settings. If you have questions
cy in Johns Creek) were among those who testified. before you apply, feel free to con-
“They don’t care about patients nor do they care about improv- tact Governance Manager Diane
ing their disease states,” Shannon said about PBMs. “This local Coleman at dcoleman@gpha.org.
pharmacist does.” Applications are being accepted
Bryant lashed out at Medicaid MCOs: “Government contracts for the following seats:
in this state that my taxpayer dollars are going to,” she said, “are • One (1) representing the Acad-
working to put me out of business.” emy of Clinical and Health
System Pharmacists (three-
year term);
• One (1) at-large member elect-
WHAT COMES NEXT ed by the GPhA membership
Immediately after the hearing, the House GOP — led by Georgia Representative David (three-year term).
Knight — announced its intention to introduce legislation that Knight said would tackle The deadline for applications is
those issues head on and “Reverse Corporate Takeover of Georgia Healthcare.” 11:59 p.m. EST on March 13, 2020.
This new legislation, Knight said, will “bring true transparency to the prescription drug As the bylaws require, an
market; while at the same time closing loopholes in existing laws that MCOs, PBMs, and even online election will commence
state-contracted PBMs use to continue to engage in practices that harm patients.” on May 29, 2020 and will close
Notably, the soon-to-be introduced bill will look to carve out prescription drug benefits at midnight following the first
from Medicaid managed care. In other words, it would pay Medicaid managed care organi- general session of the 2020
zations separately for prescription-drug benefits, allowing the state to better monitor and Georgia Pharmacy Convention,
regulate the spending. (Knight pointed out that West Virginia implemented such a plan “and which is June 18, 2020.
an actuarial study showed that the carve out saved over $50 million dollars while at the GPhA will announce election
same time paying community pharmacies fairly.”) results on June 19, 2020, at the
The bill would also increase state oversight of both PBMs and the Medicaid man- convention’s second general
aged-care organizations that contract and subcontract with the state. session. New directors will be
Obviously it’s too soon to know the full details, but GPhA will have a close eye on what installed at the 2020 General
happens and will be keeping you informed. Membership Meeting on June
20, 2020.
6 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020
SOCIALLY SPEAKING
“December is all about giving”
THE HOTTEST POST OF 2019 Mallory and other from UGA student pharmacists provided
May 13: “Governor Kemp signed our bills!” health screenings for the community. Social icon
Circle
Only use blue and/or white.
For more details check out our
Brand Guidelines.
JANUARY PRACTICAL SKILLS
WORKSHOP
AEP Networking
Hannah Head, Michael Birdsong, and Marsha Kapiloff
were all smiles!
Social icon
Circle
Only use blue and/or white.
For more details check out our
Brand Guidelines.
The RxReel:
The 12 Days
of Christmas
Savannah Cunningham
and Alex Reaves posted
a video from their
trip to the Georgia
Pharmacy Convention
site in Asheville.
LIKE, FRIEND, AND FOLLOW GPHA
NOTABLE MEDICAL NEWS
Social icon
Circle
Only use blue and/or white.
For more details check out our
Brand Guidelines.
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter — you’ll find GPhA being social.
Hopefully the movie was worth it: A single piece of Make sure to follow us to see your friends and colleagues, plus the most
popcorn stuck in a British man’s teeth eventually led to interesting news tidbits from the pharmacy world.
his needing open-heart surgery when mouth bacteria Pick your network: We’re always @gphabuzz!
got into his bloodstream and caused endocarditis.
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 7
SHOUT-OUTS
SHOUT-OUT TO A.J. GREG KIRK PASSES
Grats and a virtual high-five to Well- Georgia State Senator Greg Kirk
Star’s assistant VP of operations, A.J. passed away on December 22,
Brooks of Vinings, who was named about six months after announc-
one of Cobb Life’s “20 Under 40.” ing he had cancer.
In his role at WellStar, Brooks While the Senate remembers
supports more than 130 surgeons him as “A man of outstanding
and medical providers and 400 team character, and one who was
members, spread over 70 practices a champion for doing what is
from Cumming to LaGrange. It is right, made him one of our most
his experience that being part of fervent leaders and also one of
the patient care delivery process is our most gracious,” we at GPhA
exceptionally rewarding, especially will think of him as a good man
when surrounded by a staff that and one of pharmacists’ biggest
makes it a joy to get up every morning. supporters.
Outside WellStar, Brooks is chair of the Cobb Chamber of Com- Our thoughts are with his
merce’s Cobb Young Professionals group, and co-chair of the Young family, including his wife Rosa-
Professional Committee of the Center for Family Resources. lyn, his seven children, and his 10
grandchildren.
APHA RECOGNIZES TWO OF OUR OWN
Two GPhA volunteer members were featured in the the
December issue of Pharmacy Today.
Josh Kinsey (clinical assistant professor at Mercer’s
College of Pharmacy) was the focus of the “Pharmacists in
Action” column, while Jennifer Shannon (owner of Lily’s
Pharmacy in Johns Creek) was noted for her being named
one of 10 people honored by Virginia Commonwealth Uni-
versity’s as a “10 Under 10” — for “distinctive achievements
made by alumni who earned their first VCU degree within-
the past 10 years.”
Congrats to both of you!
NICE JOB, WELLSTAR
WellStar was named one of the
top-50 “Best Workplaces for
Diversity” by workplace culture
tracker Great Place to Work.
It’s one of only three Georgia
companies to make the list*, and
the only one in healthcare. (In
fact, it also made the list of Best
Workplaces in Health Care &
Biopharma.)
Jennifer Shannon Josh Kinsey * Delta and the Alston & Bird
law firm were the others
8 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
PHARMACISTS Emily Glass, Bremen No academy
Academy of Clinical and Gayle Hill, Whitesburg Angela DeVore, Valdosta
Health-System Pharmacists Monifa Jalo, Smyrna Sherri Didas, Decatur 100%
Suzzane Collins, Alpharetta Laure Kassis, Atlanta Kurt Howe, Marietta Club
Gwenneth Davis, Atlanta Megan Krueger, LeRoy Strickland, Bremen
Georgia Pharmacy
Georgia Pharmacy
A S S O C I AT I O N
A S S O C I AT I O N
Snehal Doshi, Alpharetta Thomasville Casey Tarpley, Newnan
Lana Faraj, Lawrenceville Kimberly Neville, Atlanta Aster Tekle, Lawrenceville
GP.Logos.Final.indd 5 3/21/18 1:02 PM
Anthony D Gary, Thomas Nguyen, Athens This is the newest
McDonough Amit Patel, Cumming member of GPhA’s
TECHNICIANS
Uxden Ihimekpen, Lauren Pullen, Leslie 100% Club — Georgia
James Atkins, Cordele
McDonough Wendell Shoemaker, pharmacies where 100
Heather Gore, Montrose
Deidrea Parker, Augusta Conyers percent of employees
Kelli Jackson, Pineview
Nikita Smith, Canton are GPhA members.
1
Valerie Price, Roswell Jenifer Lord, Dudley
1
Susan Rounds, Atlanta Julie Strickland, Bremen Find out more at GPhA.
Amy Manders, Cordele
Karim Sbaa, New Orleans Blessing Udeh, org/100percent.
Powder Springs Jolie McDaniel, Cordele
Academy of Dee Vallee, Johns Creek Heather Royals, Valdosta
Employee Pharmacists Erin Winter, Atlanta Marvin Sikes, Valdosta Jonathan Sinyard
Sade Wise, Fayetteville Lauren Swain, Rochelle Adams Drug Store,
Wollansa Boschulte,
Cordele
Stone Mountain Academy of Independent
Jeffrey Callaway, Savannah Pharmacy
Soren Cordero, Grayson
Carson Brooks, Abbeville
Laura Franklin, Summerville
Danica Robertson, Sugar Hill
Georgia Pharmacy A S S O C I AT I O N
OPIOID SAFETY CHAMPIONS
ENT’S
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
PRESID
CIR E
CL
GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
2018 –19
1
These are the newest
GP.Logos.Final.indd 1 3/28/19 1:42 PM
members of GPhA’s
President’s Circle — people
who recruit their fellow
pharmacists, technicians,
academics, and others
to become part of the
association. Recruit a
member and join!
The Georgia Pharmacy Founda- Ben Elliott, Barnes Drug Store, Valdosta
GOLD LEVEL tion is proud to announce the first Ira Katz, Little 5 Points Pharmacy, Atlanta
Jimmy England, Valdosta group of Foundations of Opioid Olivia Steltenpohl, Barnes Drug Store,
Safety Champions!
SILVER LEVEL Valdosta
These are pharmacists who have
Jim Bartling, Dunwoody Dean Stone, IHS Pharmacy & Gifts, Metter
completed opioid-related education,
Breanna Spires, McRae
adopted and used the Georgia stand-
Jonathan Sinyard, Cordele ing order for naloxone, and demon-
Find out more at
strated patient-centered, opioid best
GPhA.org/champion!
practices at their pharmacies.
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 9STUDENT UPDATES
Student Leadership Board expands the opportunity to represent
South University by serving as
a member on the GPhA Student
Six new student pharmacists way to have a direct impact on Leadership Board. I realize how
have joined GPhA’s Student Lead- Georgia patients.” important it is to advocate for not
ership Board, where they’ll help only our profession but for our
plan activities with their fellow PCOM SCHOOL OF PHARMACY patients as well. Being a member
students from all four pharmacy of the GPhA Student Leadership
schools in the state, and help ev- Krishna Patel, class of 2023 Board will give me the opportuni-
eryone improve their education “The profession of pharmacy ty to become more involved at a
— and future practices. is constantly changing and I’ve local level and to give back to my
always been very intrigued by community, all while encouraging
MERCER UNIVERSITY the different niches in this career more student involvement to
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY field. My goal is to be able to better the future of pharmacy.”
advocate for pharmacy and be
Joseph Brown, class of 2023 involved in the changes that are Dylan Daniels, class of 2022
“We live in Georgia and this soon to come through GPhA!” “An organization like GPhA that
is our pharmacy association. offers opportunities to network
The national levels have a large SOUTH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL with local leaders that are
impact on us and our patients, OF PHARMACY national pioneers in the field of
but the state level organizations pharmacy is a unique prospect
directly impact us and only us. Amanda Bass, class of 2021 for current students. The efforts
GPhA is what I believe the best “I’m thrilled to have been given to integrate a wide variety of
multidisciplinary niches that
exist in pharmacy is a necessary
mission to seek if pharmacists
hope to continue playing a signif-
icant role in all facets of patient
care in the future.”
Genell Singleton, class of 2022
“I want to establish connections
within the pharmacy commu-
nity and gain all the knowledge
needed to be able to give the best
patient care. GPhA will allow me
to gain the necessary skills to
become an effective leader.”
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Kristin DiSalle, class of 2023
“I am interested in being involved
with GPhA because I want to
help bridge the gap between
pharmacists, technicians, and
patients across the state. I think
that it is important to commu-
nicate and work together to
provide the best healthcare to
the residents in Georgia.”
10 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020FOUNDATION
Thank You!
The Georgia Pharmacy Foundation thanks you for your incredible support in 2019. Your donations make a
difference in the lives of patients, pharmacists, and student pharmacists across Georgia. Thank you all!
2019 GEORGIA PHARMACY FOUNDATION DONORS
Ashish Advani Amanda Crowe Ashley London Fred Sharpe
Robert Ault Michelle Cruson Brandall Lovvorn Tim Short
Michael Azzolin Charles Culpepper Mack Lowrey Jonathan Sinyard
Fred Barber Mahlon Davidson Jeff Lurey Renee Smith
Charlie Barnes, III Suleman Daya Eddie Madden Richard Smith
Mark Barnes Sharon Deason Hewitt Matthews Dean Stone
Jim Bartling Al Dixon Roy McClendon Rebecca Stone
Robert Bazemore Wendy Dorminey Michael McGee James Stowe
Lance Boles Jack & Terry Dunn Myrna McIntosh Mike Tarrant
William Boyd Robert Dykes Amy Miller Richard Taylor
Lawrence Bridges Frank Erwin Mindi Miller Christopher Thurmond
Daniel Brock Amy Galloway Amanda Moore Sonny Thurmond
Barry Bryant Charles Gass Robert Newsome Erica Veasley
Bobby Burnley Alexis Giddens William Nicoletti Thuan Vo
Waymon Cannon Ronald Goss Donald Overstreet Karla Wall
David Carr Douglas Hall Walter Pease Bonnie Warren
Sonny Carroll Johnathan Hamrick Sherry Petraroli Flynn Warren
Tina Chancy Gerald Hartman Bradley Piercy Mitch Weitman
Wes Chapman Joe Ed Holt Bill Prather Lindsey Welch
Liza Chapman Robin Hood Robert Probst Benjamin Wheeler
Zach Childs Ray Howard Steven Purvis Thomas Whitworth
Dale Coker Vic Johnson Reginald Pye Chuck Wilson
Kenneth Couch Marsha Kapiloff Mandy Reece Steve Wilson
Guy Cox Joshua Kinsey Ola Reffell Henry Wilson, III
Jeffrey Crisp Jonathan Knight Robert Rogers Kent Wirsing
Ray Crisp Brenton Lake Charles Scott Lily Zheng
Michael Crooks John Leffler Victor Serafy
SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION ...
AND THANK YOU TO
WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME THE FOUNDATION
2019-20 BOARD OF
If you shop on Ama- half a percent to the DIRECTORS
zon, you can support foundation (that’s 50¢
the Georgia Phar- for every $100 you Jim Bartling, Chairman
macy Foundation spend). Michael Azzolin, Vice Chair
every time you make It’s that simple: All Bob Coleman, Secretary
a purchase through you have to do is buy Lance Boles
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Just use Amazon Smile! It’s to buy anyway! Liza Chapman
is an automatic way to support Still looking for the catch? Mike Crooks
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February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 11cover story
BY THE NUMBERS
A
ll year long we find statistics, com- CURRENT GPHA MEMBERS
parisons, ratings, and other facts and
figures that catch our eye. Once a
year we like to combine some of the
most interesting into what you’re
holding: our annual numbers issue.
We obviously take a look at the association
itself to see how it’s growing (and how member-
ship breaks out). And we know members like
a picture of the economics of their professions
and practices.
Then we have the broader views: Drug
pricing continues to be a national talking point
(even if there’s not a lot being done yet), and of • Affiliate: 14 • Student: 581
course there are plenty of simply interesting • Academic (non-RPh): 8 • Chain Employee: 379
stats that give a bit of perspective on the issues, • Academic (RPh): 20 • Independent Employee: 126
or maybe just a bit of water-cooler talk. Enjoy! • Retired: 134 • Hospital/Health System: 213
• Technicians: 233 • Other: 86
—Andrew Kantor • Owner/Co-owner: 341
2500
GPHA MEMBERSHIP OVER TIME
2019
2018
2000 2016 2017
2015
1500
1000
500
0
Individual Emeritus Affiliate Academician Pharmacy Student
Pharmacist Technician Pharmacist
12 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020PHARMACIST AND TECHNICIAN: THE JOB
SPECIALIZE!
Pharmacists in
the U.S. earn an
average of Pharmacists who specialize in
$115,979 dietetics can earn an average of
per year*
69.2% more.
In Georgia it's $106,524
Pharmacy technicians in the
U.S. earn an average of $16.04
per hour* In Georgia it's
Pharmacists who specialize in
$13.54. geriatrics can earn an average of
For certified pharmacy
47.7% more.
technicians it's $15.77
in Georgia.
GET CERTIFIED! OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS TRUST ME
Having a BLS (basic life support) Pharmacy technician positions Who do people trust, according
certification from the American Heart have increased to Gallup?
Association can mean an average 91% from 2018 to
41.2% higher salary. 2019. Nurses 85%
Engineers 66%
Medical Doctors 65%
Pharmacists 64%
Dentists 61%
0 20 40 60 80 100
WHAT'S IN A TITLE? JOB QUALITY
In Georgia, pharmacist salary can depend Georgia ranks #20 out of the 50 states for
on the position. 'where it's good to be a pharmacist.'
• Director of Pharmacy: • Clinical Pharmacist:
Weak spot:
$139,981 $113,979 “Total burglaries and armed
robberies of pharmacies"
• Pharmacy Manager: • Staff Pharmacist:
$120,302 $103,519 Strong spot:
Cost of living.
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 13DOWN, DOWN, DOWN
DOWN: Georgia, in overall U.S. health rankings
The state was ranked #40 in overall health in 2019,
down one spot from the year before.
The Bad The Good
• Infant and children's immunizations— #50 • Adolescent vaccinations (except HPV) — #9
• Uninsured people: #48 • Pertussis cases — #9
• Low Birthweight — #47 • Excessive drinking — #12
• Chlamydia — #45 • Drug deaths — #13
• Dentists (number per 100,000 population) #46 • Violent crime — #24
• Mental Health Providers #46
Source: United Health Foundation's “America’s Health Rankings Annual Report
DOWN: WHERE DOES GEORGIA FALL
U.S. life expectancy FOR LIFE EXPECTANCY?
(for the 3rd year in a row)
• New Mexico: 77.7 years
The biggest culprits: • Iran: 77.4 years
• Georgia: 77.2 years
• Missouri: 77.1 years
• China: 77.1 years #37
Overdoses
Obesity
Suicide
Sources: CDC and OECD data, Simply Insurance
DOWN: DOWN: DOWN:
Abortions in the U.S. Births in the U.S. Average body
(for the 4th year in a row) temperature
1851:
98.6°F
(37°C) And dropping
approximately
2018: 0.05°F per
Down 2% Down 24% 2% drop 7% drop 97.9°F birth decade.
year over year over the last 10 2018-2019 in teenage (36.6°C)
years births
14 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS
SAME OLD SONG BRANDED AND
13 common medications. 50 countries. GENERIC DRUGS —
deviation from median price] :
Americans pay
the highest Lisinopril:
We pay 2,683% more (!)
prices in the than the worldwide
world overall for Branded drugs:
drugs (branded and Americans pay the
highest prices: 422%
generic): 307% above above the worldwide Generic drugs: Not
so bad; we pay only
the worldwide median. average
92% above average
(Germans, the next
highest, pay about 126%
above median.)
Source: Medbelle's 2019 Medicine Price Index
$124,236 $1.2 million: $87,304
IT'S EXPENSIVE in extra medical total cost over a out of pocket
TO SMOKE IN care Only North lifetime for a just for
Carolinians spend Georgia smoker cigarettes
GEORGIA more to light up. Including... and cigars
Source: WalletHub
CUTTING BACK TO PAY
Americans of all age groups with heart trouble report
having difficulty affording their medication —
more than one in eight skipped or
reduced what they were prescribed
because of the cost, including...
8.6% skipped doses because of cost
8.8% took lower doses than prescribed
10.5% intentionally delayed refilling meds
25.7% asked their physicians for a lower cost medication
4% turned to "alternative" therapies
* Includes standalone stores and those in supermarkets and mass merchants
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 15VACCINATIONS
Percent who know that vaccinating children is important.
SEX AGE
82% 85% 83% 80% 85% 91%
Men Women 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+
POLITICAL PARTY CHILDREN OR NO
79% 82% 92% 77% 87%
Republican Independent Democrat Have Children Don't have
Under 18 children under
Source: Gallup 18
CONCERNED
ABOUT YOUR
PORTFOLIO?
Get a cup of coffee and a second opinion.
Integrated Financial Group | 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30338 | miketarrantplanning.com
Securiies offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered
investment advisor. Integrated Financial Group and IFG Advisory, LLC, are separate ennnes from LPL Financial. 1-825371
16 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020INVESTING IN PHARMPAC IS
INVESTING IN YOUR PRACTICE.
2020 PHARMPAC INVESTORS
The following pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students,
and others have joined GPhA’s PharmPAC for the 2019 calendar year.
The contribution levels are based on investment through January 15, 2020.
Diamond Investors ($4,800 or $400/month)
RALPH BALCHIN CHARLES BARNES MAC McCORD SCOTT MEEKS FRED SHARPE
Fayetteville Valdosta Atlanta Douglas Albany
Titanium Platinum EDWARD REYNOLDS MAHLON DAVIDSON NIKKI BRYANT
Investors Investors CASSIE RILEY SHARON DEASON JAMES CARPENTER
($2,400 or ($1,200 or HOUSTON ROGERS BENJAMIN DUPREE DAVID CLEMENTS SR.
$200/month) $100/month) JOHN DAVID SANDLIN JAMES ELROD MICHAEL CROOKS
TIM SHORT KERRY GRIFFIN ED DOZIER
JONATHAN SINYARD JOHNATHAN HAMRICK GREG DRAKE
SCOTTIE BARTON STETSON BENNETT
TERESA SMITH ROBERT HATTON MARSHALL FROST
MICHAEL FARMER TOMMY BRYAN
CARL STANLEY MICHAEL ITEOGU HANNAH HEAD
DAVID GRAVES WILLIAM CAGLE
DENNIS STRICKLAND STEPHANIE KIRKLAND JASON JONES
TED HUNT HUGH CHANCY
CHRISTOPHER GEORGE LAUNIUS SUSAN KANE
LON LEWIS GEORGE CHAPMAN
THURMOND EUGENE MCDONALD LAURA KO
JACKSON LINDSEY KEITH CHAPMAN
DANNY TOTH ROBERT MOODY WILLIE LATCH
BRANDALL LOVVORN DALE COKER
ALEX TUCKER SHERRI MOODY MICHAEL LEWIS
ROBERT MOODY W. CONLEY
THOMAS WHITWORTH SUJAL PATEL ASHLEY LONDON
WALLACE PARTRIDGE BEN CRAVEY
OLA REFFELL EARL MARBUT
STEVEN PURVIS BLAKE DANIEL
AL DIXON Gold Investors DARYL REYNOLDS HILARY MBADUGHA
($600 or ROBERT ROGERS DONALD PIELA
LEE DUNN
$50/month) SHARON SHERRER CYNTHIA PIELA
KEVIN FLORENCE
MIKE TARRANT YOLANDA RIVERS
NEAL FLORENCE
JMARK BARNES JAMES THOMAS VICTOR SERAFY
VIC JOHNSON
JAMES BARTLING WILLIAM TURNER TERRY SHAW
MARSHA KAPILOFF
NICHOLAS BLAND CHUCK WILSON THOMAS SHERRER
IRA KATZ
LANCE BOLES HENRY WILSON III RENEE SMITH
JEFF LUREY
JEFFERY BRAY SILVER RICHARD SMITH
JONATHAN MARQUESS
WILLIAM BREWSTER NELSON ANGLIN DAVID STANLEY
IVEY MCCURDY
BRUCE BROADRICK MICHAEL AZZOLIN AUSTIN TULL
AMY MILLER
LIZA CHAPMAN CLAUDE BATES
DREW MILLER
David Graves, Macon,
February/March 2020 PharmPAC chairman Georgia Pharmacy 172020 PHARMPAC INVESTORS
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL FOR 2020!
Visit GPhA.org/PharmPAC to find out more.
Goal:
$4,668*
$130,000
$0 $130,000
*As of January 15, 2020
Silver Marshall Frost Terry Shaw Matthew Crist
Investors
($300 or
Hannah Head
Jason Jones
Thomas Sherrer
Renee Smith
Michelle Cruson
Douglas Hall
GET
$25/month) Susan Kane Richard Smith James Harkleroad INVESTED
Laura Ko
Willie Latch
David Stanley
Austin Tull
Joe Holt
Phillip James
TODAY
Nelson Anglin
Michael Azzolin Michael Lewis Brenton Lake Visit
Claude Bates Ashley London Bronze GPhA.org/PharmPAC
Nikki Bryant Earl Marbut Investors Member
James Carpenter Hilary Mbadugha ($150 or Investors
David Clements Sr. Donald Piela $12.50/month) (up to $150)
Michael Crooks Cynthia Piela
Ed Dozier Yolanda Rivers Ashlyn Carter Joshua Kinsey David Graves, Macon,
Victor Serafy Bryce Carter PharmPAC chairman
Greg Drake Carla Woodall
We Deliver Solutions for
a Healthier Bottom Line
EPIC Pharmacies, Inc. provides more than 1,500 independent member
pharmacies across the U.S. with the group buying power and managed
care solutions essential to delivering quality patient care.
Membership offers:
• Group volume purchasing power
• Aggressive wholesaler pricing programs
• Profits distributed to members at year-end
• EPIC Pharmacy Network, Inc. (EPN) membership fee
included at no cost – access to third-party contracts
• Clinical services tools, including expert assistance from our in-house
pharmacist and access to custom PrescribeWellness offerings and EQuIPP TM
• – free third-party claims reconciliation
program and automated reimbursements below cost system
PUT THE POWER OF A NETWORK BEHIND YOU • – Web-based solution for pharmacy
regulatory and compliance management
800-965-EPIC | EPICRX.COM
18 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020contact
OPEN
Keep in touch
REACH US AT 404.231.5074 OR GPhA.ORG
FLAT COLOR
GPhA LEADERSHIP For questions about education For membership questions
or the Georgia Pharmacy Mary Ritchie GPhA’S MEMBER
President & Chair of the Board 1
Foundation Director of Membership SERVICE
CHRIS THURMOND, Athens
Teresa Tatum Operations
vildrug@bellsouth.net PARTNERS
Director of Education & (404) 419-8115
President-Elect Foundation Director mritchie@gpha.org Alliance for Patient
WES CHAPMAN (404) 419-8120 Medication Safety
weschapmanpc@gmail.com ttatum@gpha.org medicationsafety.org
Immediate Past President For questions about the GPhA Quality assurance
TIM SHORT, Cumming board or governance policies compliance resources
tshort@gpha.org Diane Coleman (866) 365-7472
Executive Assistant and
Directors Governance Manager For assistance with InfiniTrak
ASHISH ADVANI (404) 419-8173 independent-pharmacy issues infinitrak.us
ashish@inpharmd.com dcoleman@gpha.org Jeff Lurey, R.Ph. Track and trace
VP of Independent Pharmacy compliance software
MAHLON DAVIDSON For questions about (404) 419-8103 (844) 464-4641
mahlondavidson@hotmail.com governmental affairs jlurey@gpha.org
Greg Reybold Pharmacy Technician
KEVIN FLORENCE For questions about your
Vice President of Public Policy Certification Board
add.drug@gmail.com AIP membership
(404) 290-9279 ptcb.org
JOE ED HOLT greybold@gpha.org Verouschka “V” Betancourt-Whigham
(800) 363-8012
jholt@pruitthealth.com Manager of AIP Member Services
For questions or comments (404) 419-8102
ASHLEY LONDON about e-mail, websites, social SoFi
vbwhigham@gpha.org
ashleyslondon@gmail.com media, or this magazine sofi.com/gpha
Andrew Kantor AIP Member Service Student-loan refinancing
AMY MILLER Representatives (855) 456-7634
Director of Communication
amylulapharmacy@gmail.com Rhonda Bonner
akantor@gpha.org
FRED SHARPE (229) 854-2797
For questions about rbonner@gpha.org
fsharpe@u-save-it.com
advertising, insurance
JONATHAN SINYARD products, or operational Charles Boone Got a concern about a GPhA
sinyardj@gmail.com or accounting issues: (478) 538-6425 program or service? Want to
Kenna Little cboone@gpha.org compliment or complain?
Chief Executive Officer Vice President of Finance & Melissa Reybold
Drop a note to
BOB COLEMAN Administration (678) 485-6126 info@gpha.org.
bcoleman@gpha.org (404) 419-8129 mreybold@gpha.org
klittle@gpha.org
Gene Smith
(423) 667-7949
Patricia Aguilar
gsmith@gpha.org
Accounting Coordinator
(404) 419-8124
paguilar@gpha.org
Georgia Pharmacy A S S O C I AT I O N
February/March 2020 Georgia Pharmacy 19the back page BY ANDREW KANTOR
Ask Doctor Google
When it comes to health, here are the
top Google searches in 2019:
1. How to lower blood pressure
2. What is keto?
3. How to get rid of hiccups
4. How long does the flu last?
5. What causes hiccups?
6. What causes kidney stones?
7. What is HPV?
8. How to lower cholesterol
9. How many calories should I eat
a day?
10. How long does alcohol stay in your
system?
How’s your sax life?
It seems that playing in a brass band could be good for your health. The reasons: learning
breath control and having more social interaction.
That dihydrogen monoxide is dangerous stuff
A poll of Europeans found that....
• 30 percent of them are afraid of chemicals
• 39 percent of them want to “live in a world where chemical substances don’t exist.”
• 40 percent of them ‘do everything they can to avoid chemicals in their daily lives’
(Before you start feeling too high and mighty, consider that 25 percent of Americans think the
sun revolves around the Earth.)
Can’t say we
blame them
The Ohio State Medical Board
has received a petition to make
‘being a Bengals or Browns fan’
an eligible condition to receive
medical marijuana. A final vote
is expected this summer.
20 Georgia Pharmacy February/March 2020Committed to providing you the
Workers’ Compensation Coverage You Deserve!
10% dividend paid to eligible GPhA members for the past 5 years!
Georgia Pharmacy Association has built a valuable relationship with
AmeriTrust Group, Inc. formerly Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
who can provide you a competitive, no obligation workers’ compensation
insurance quote.
GPhA Member Benefits Include:
• Dividend opportunities for eligible participating members
• Superior claims handling
• Personal customer service representative
• Access to Safetysurance.com, a virtual library that delivers the
accident-prevention and safety information you need to improve your
daily operations
Contact Kenna Little at GPhA today to get started.
Kenna Little | Georgia Pharmacy Association | P (404) 419-8129 F (404) 237-8435
Edition Date: 07/2018Georgia Pharmacy A S S O C I AT I O N
6065 Barfield Road NE | Suite 100
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
AIP MEMBERS GET IT
BLACK & WHITE OPEN
GLOSS/GRADIENT FLAT COLOR
1
They get benefits
They get help 4 A udit relief (AIP efforts saved members more They get connections
than $320,000)
4 Help working with Medicare and 4 C onnections to other independent
Medicaid 4 S ervices specifically for compounding
pharmacies throughout the state
pharmacies
4 Help with audit relief 4 P artnerships with OTC and nutritional
4 F ree business consultations with pharmacy
4 Help with MAC appeals supplement companies
experts
4 Help buying and selling a 4 A chance to learn and network at AIP’s
4 A ccess to the comprehensive AIP Pharmacy
pharmacy fall and spring statewide meetings
Manual, which offers extensive material about
buying, selling, and managing a pharmacy 4 A ccess to telehealth and chronic care
— including information about regulatory management resources through CriticalKey
issues and agencies
With AIP, independent never means alone.
No other state association in the country has an organization like the Georgia Pharmacy Association’s
Academy of Independent Pharmacy. We are proud to represent our members and our profession!
For more information, visit GPhA.org or call
Verouschka Betancourt-Whigham at (404) 419-8102You can also read
