Remember, the camera adds 10 pounds....

First off, Stuart Speedie is Dean Speedie's husband, and is a researcher in health information technology. He's also quoted in this article on telemedicine. This is going to be a short post-but I just want to make one connection that you likely have made already-how could this affect pharmacy? A lot of pharmacist are consultants to nursing homes and review their charts once a month. Well, what if they could do it remotely and talk to patients through these means? Same with MTM-do people have to be in the same room in order to deliver pharmaceutical care? I guess we'll see where this change in compensation leads....

Ethical stuff

First, for dramatic interlude, listen to this song in the background while reading the next two posts. Just open it up in another window and enjoy. That's right, even though no one is looking at this, I'm demanding my own background music. I guess my ego knows no bounds....

Awhile back I threw out that the WSJ, and specifically the WSJ blog, were must reads for health news. Current and up-to-date reporting, good insight, you know, that stuff. And, of course Pharmalot is great for pharma related news too. Well, the New York Times is making a run at them. Last week they had a great piece on research being done on real patients, with real problems. Ever look at a journal article and check out the exclusion criteria? I'm pretty sure I'd be excluded for stepping on a nail as a kid. You would be excluded (yes, you!) for reading this blog (read this) But when used in real life patients, you can't exactly exclude everyone from using your drug. You'll miss out on market share. But then, how would a drug become approved-so many complications/adverse events would show up in the study it'd be laughed at. Now you see why I labeled this "Ethical Stuff."

Well, the New York Times wowed me yesterday with this article looking at the cost of a life. In the time of serious calls for health care reform and complaints of rising health care costs, you have to ask: At what point does it stop? At what point do payors, and possibly, if we go to a single-payor system, does the government, say that it is too much for a drug. For a great analysis, check out the Pharmalot blog, and read the comments, particularly from "Michael" on December 3rd at 9:39am. Obviously, he's an insider for Pharma, but still, it's a strong point.

Things to consider as we get ready for change. Also, be sure to respond to the APhA Call to Action to actually participate in health care reform. If pharmacists aren't at the table, pharmacists won't have a say. It's that simple.