This
is a very important question for our society section and it’s members.
It is fair to say that not all of us share
the very same vision for LTC-Senior Care Pharmacy, although there are a
number of areas where we have common ground. It has been said “People
who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are
going quicker and easier traveling on the flex of one another”.
Another vital component to realizing our
vision of LTC-Senior Care Pharmacy is to stay knowledgeable and active in
the political arena. To that end, I cannot think of a better way to
achieve this than attending the PSW Legislative Day, March 6, 2002, in
Madison. It will be time well spent. At the time this newsletter went to
print, our efforts to hold Medicaid reimbursement at current levels have
been successful. However, there will surely be renewed attempts by state
government to erode reimbursement. Other key issues we have yet to face
include the State of Wisconsin Senior Drug benefit program and Federal
Prescription Drug Discount cards (one card does not fit all, especially
LTC).
Your PSW-LTC Section board routinely
discusses its vision of LTC-Senior Care Pharmacy for the future. A
reoccurring theme of these discussions is the promotion and reimbursement
of cognitive pharmacist services. In my mind, this year 2002, must be the
time that LTC pharmacy moves forward on this issue. The days of being
properly reimbursed for our services strictly from a product-based formula
are quickly waning. An enhanced professional work environment would be a
well-received by-product of reimbursement for cognitive services.
Together, as a society section, we have
accomplished much. This is mainly through the efforts of many PSW members
and staff. To continue this, I ask all LTC-Senior Care Pharmacists to
stand shoulder to shoulder with us and give of their TIME, Talent, and
RESOURCES to help share the vision of Senior Care Pharmacy in our state.
