Insight: Winter 2021

Winter 2021 | 10 Tap CPESN Ed Vess, R.Ph., Director of Pharmacy Professional Affairs In November 2020, CPESN networks reached a major growth milestone – surpassing 3,000 pharmacies. With 50 networks in 45 states and Washington D.C. and a proven track record, CPESN has gained momentum to open doors for payer contracts and additional opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the value of pharmacists as vital members of the healthcare team. For millions of Americans, a pharmacist is the most accessible – if not the only – healthcare provider readily available. Nearly 95% of the population lives within five miles of a pharmacy. And for thousands of communities, an independent pharmacy is their only pharmacy. While access to many healthcare providers has been restricted during the pandemic, pharmacy has adapted and made workflow changes to accommodate the needs of its patients, reinforcing pharmacists as a key source of healthcare information. As the home page states, “CPESN USA is a clinically integrated network of community pharmacies that coordinates patient care with broader care teams to provide medication optimization activities and enhanced services for high- risk patients.” CPESN has backed its words with actions, which are evident in its early response to COVID testing, pharmacy best practices, and most recently COVID vaccine guidance. The coordinated efforts of CPESN, national pharmacy organizations, and state pharmacy associations over the past year have provided direction and guidance during one of our nation’s most trying times. Pharmacy has risen to the needs of its patients, and pharmacists all over the country have firmly established themselves as healthcare providers in the truest sense of the words. As we continue our work to care for our patients, we will also seek appropriate reimbursement for our actions. If not already a member, visit the CPESN website for additional information as well as contact information for your local chapter. There are at least two other pharmacy organizations you should consider committing to: your state pharmacy association and a professional organization that aligns with your practice model and services rendered. State pharmacy association: The practice of pharmacy is governed primarily by state Boards of Pharmacy. Representing all aspects of pharmacy, state pharmacy associations develop and maintain relationships with individuals, officials, and organizations who may influence the opportunities and regulations that impact the practice of pharmacy. Being local provides numerous opportunities to engage and work to improve the practice of pharmacy and the well- being of patients. Working with pharmacists of different practice settings presents an opportunity to collaborate on mutual challenges and share successes. Go to www .naspa.us/ for contact information for your state pharmacy association. Professional organization: Collaboration with like-minded professionals is always an educational and informative experience. Various professional organizations have represented us well over the past year – educating and influencing policy makers. Without doubt, the COVID vaccine rollout would look much different without the efforts of our national organizations. The benefit of the webinars and programs presented by APhA, ASCP, and NCPA ® over the past year have been invaluable in preparing our profession for the future of pharmacy. Engagement at the network, state association, and professional organization level provides the information we need for independent pharmacy’s success. Get involved to not only advocate for the profession, but for patient care. The Power of Engagement