QCompass

In this week’s update on the COVID-19 vaccination update, we discuss the latest from the CDC, week 3 of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership and Reporting requirements, and how pharmacies should begin to clean up patient demographics to help for easier reporting.

Wintry weather across most of the country is impacting the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to pharmacies, the National Governors Association is sending a letter to federal leaders, and the soft rollout of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership are just a few of the topics in this week's RedSail Technologies' COVID-19 vaccination update.

QS/1 will release Service Pack 19.1.34 for NRx soon. It includes the new RedSail Technologies Patient Chart. Zach Princell, Pharm.D. and Assistant Product Manager, tells us more on how the new patient chart can help pharmacies as well as a few other of the new features included in the enhancements in the new service pack.

In this week's COVID-19 vaccination update, we discuss reporting requirements that have been updated for several states, who will control decisions in the coming vaccine phases, and how pharmacies can help senior citizens navigate technology to sign-up for the COVID-19 vaccination registration.

Pharmacies and LTC operations continue to tackle challenges as the first phases of the CDC COVID-19 vaccine ramp up. This week, David Pope, Pharm.D., chief innovation officer for OmniSYS and Ed Vess, R.Ph. RedSail Technologies' director of professional pharmacy affairs talk about what pharmacists need to do to get ready for implementation of the next phase as well as educating patients about potential vaccine scams that are already being reported. If you have questions for Ed or David, email them to qcompass@redsailtechnologies.com.

In this week's RedSail Technologies COVID-19 vaccine update, Ed Vess, R.Ph, director of professional pharmacy affairs, and David Pope, Pharm.D., chief innovation officer for OmniSYS, discuss changes on what pharmacies need to report, pressure from the CDC to ramp up the number of vaccinations administered, and the push to show pharmacies can make the difference in delivering those vaccines.

With 2021 underway, COVID-19 vaccination of frontline workers continues. But as independent pharmacies gear up to administer the vaccine, Ed Vess and David Pope have the latest on what you need to know in the first episode of our third season!

In this week's COVID-19 vaccination update, Ed Vess and David Pope discuss federal vs state guidelines, states making reporting information changes, and how COVID-19 is helping the effort to grant provider status to pharmacists.

RedSail Technologies announced the acquisition of PioneerRx®, becoming the largest community-focused pharmacy network in the country. RedSail Technologies CEO Kraig McEwen talks about how this move will better position community pharmacy for the future.

By a vote of 17-4, an FDA advisory panel recommended the agency give emergency use authorization to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. RedSail Technologies' Ed Vess and David Pope from OmniSYS discuss the latest information as we get closer to community pharmacies and long-term care operations administering the COVID-19 vaccine to the public.

With two COVID-19 vaccines close to getting EUA from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, RedSail Technologies continues to update CDC discussions about distribution across the country. This week we talk to RedSail Technologies' Ed Vess, R.Ph., David Pope, PharmD, from OnmiSYS, and ASCP's Chad Worz, PharmD, and Arnie Clayman, PD, about the latest details.

Two pharmaceutical companies are on the cusp of asking for Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccination. Get the latest on Operation Warp Speed with our guests Ed Vess and David Pope on this week's QCompass.

QS/1 is excited to share the news that a new sales representative will now serve our customers in the western region. Jerry Grannis has 22 years of experience with Rx30 and a deep knowledge of the area’s independent pharmacy landscape. Reach him via email at Jerry.Grannis@redsailtechnologies.com or via mobile phone at 909.732.1301.

In our weekly update on Operation Warp Speed from the CDC, RedSail Technologies' Ed Vess, R.Ph., and David Pope, Pharm.D., chief innovation officer for OmniSYS, tell us about how fields from pharmacies will be reported and more on federal partnerships.

Busy pharmacists rely on NRx to handle everything a day brings. It’s a complete solution built with decades of experience in the tools and integrations community pharmacists need. QS/1's Brian Sullivan talks about its streamlined workflow, modern health tools, flexible patient service, and how pharmacies can make sure they are getting all of the performance available.Visit www.qs1.com/nrx for more details.

Ed Vess, R.Ph, QS/1®director of professional pharmacy affairs and OmniSYS® chief innovation officer David Pope, Pharm.D., discuss registering as a mass immunizer vs. a pharmacy immunizer and an update on allocation once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved in this week's update.

Pharmacies and LTC operations are learning the reimbursement fees that will be paid when administering COVID-19 vaccines. Ed Vess, R.Ph., director of pharmacy professional affairs for RedSail Technologies and David Pope, Pharm. D., chief innovation officer for OmniSYS® give us the fourth update from the CDC on a COVID-19 vaccination.

Ed Vess, R.Ph., director of pharmacy professional affairs for RedSail Technologies and David Pope, Pharm.D., chief innovation officer for OmniSYS® give us the third update from the CDC on a COVID-19 vaccination that will be given out in pharmacies and long-term care operations.

Late last Friday, HHS announced a partnership with two chain pharmacies to deliver COVID-19 vaccine options to LTC facilities. It is important to note the program is not limited to these pharmacies. Independent pharmacies are still critical to the success of the program, especially in rural and medically under served areas. Our Ed Vess, R.Ph., director of professional pharmacy affairs, discusses the misinformation and confusion this announcement is causing.

The CDC continues its weekly update for pharmacies in preparation of a COVID-19 vaccination. Our own Ed Vess, director of Pharmacy Professional Affairs, and OmniSYS® Chief Innovation Officer David Pope sit down with us on the latest information from this update.  

The CDC is giving weekly updates for pharmacies in preparation for a COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns will be among the first to administer a vaccine once it’s approved for use. Our own Ed Vess, director of Pharmacy Professional Affairs, and OmniSYS® Chief Innovation Officer David Pope are among those taking part in providing those updates. They share what they are learning to help pharmacies get ready.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance that authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines when they are made available. Kurt Proctor, R.Ph. and Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at NCPA, talks about the decision and what pharmacists should be doing to prepare when a vaccine is approved. More information is available on the HHS website.

Lou Ann Brubaker talks about a two-part accredited session during the upcoming iQ Virtual Series that will show pharmacies how to create successful attraction and retention strategies during COVID-19. Learn more at iQVirtualSeries.com.  

Pharmacy is navigating tremendous demands now. QS/1 affirms its commitment to be here with you now – and well into the future. Our new parent company, RedSail Technologies, LLC, reflects the direction and confidence that come from game-changing new investment: in support services, core platforms, and accelerated innovation. Listen now to The Community of Now. You can also get more information at www.qs1.com/now.  

Most clinical service opportunities fall under medical coverage, so you need a partner who will navigate these complexities for you and provide you with claim reimbursements faster than ever. With our enhanced partnership with OmniSYS®, RedSail Technologies, LLC, is now able to provide access to more tools that can help you level up. David Pope, Chief Innovation Officer for OmniSYS, discusses what services available.

The Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Brad Kile, president of Kile Consulting, shares how long-term care operations can use this program to serve patients while protecting jobs.

In today's changing environment and expectations from customers, pharmacies now, more than ever, need to find efficient ways to offer delivery of prescription and over-the-counter products. Learn about a feature coming in NRx® Service Pack 19.1.32 that will help community pharmacies create scalable delivery programs.

QS/1 hosted a breakout breakfast discussion at the PDS Super Conference in February. ComputerTalk Magazine's Maggie Lockwood moderated the discussion with the panel and took questions from pharmacists who were attending. Here is a wrap-up of some of the topics on the minds of pharmacists.

Get ready for the iQ Virtual Series! This virtual education series is designed to provide valuable, flexible interaction – industry education, product training, continuing education credits, and opportunities for networking. Other interactive inclusions are a full Exhibit Hall, live customer panels, the Interface Café, and giveaways. Visit http://iqvirtualseries.com  

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on April 8, 2020 that it would allow licensed pharmacists to order and administer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests to their patients. The HHS guidance directs pharmacists to review Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices to diagnose and respond to public health emergencies. Additional information is available on the Diagnostic Testing from SARS-CoV-2 FAQs. In part two of our discussion on QCompass with Hannah Fish, Pharm.D., from the National Community Pharmacists Association, we learn what pharmacists should be doing if they decide to conduct testing inside the pharmacy.

Did you know pharmacies can take advantage of money allocated in the CARES Act passed by Congress? These funds will help small businesses operate and pay employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Hannah Fish, PharmD, Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives for National Community Pharmacists Association, talked to us in the first of two discussions about assistance for community pharmacies. https://ncpa.org/coronavirus-information https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options  

QS/1's Point-of-Sale Product Manager Justin Buckland talks about DeliveryRx, Accounts Receivable, and other tools pharmacies can use to continue serving patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available from QS/1 at www.qs1.com/COVID.  

We are excited to introduce to you Kraig McEwen, the CEO of the new RedSail Technologies, the parent company of QS/1®. RedSail Technologies reflects our bicoastal presence, our deep, rich history and experience, and our confidence as we partner with you on this new journey. The brands you know will remain unchanged.

Pharmacists are in the trenches in the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacies around the country are working to serve patients while keeping pharmacy staff healthy to serve the communities where they work and live. QS/1's Ed Vess, RPh., director of professional pharmacy affairs, discusses ways pharmacists can make a difference and ideas that can be easily implemented. Here are resources to help pharmacies during this time: https://www.qs1.com/2020/03/20/covid-19-resources-for-community-pharmacists/    

The iQ Conference is a brand-new event built on the strong foundation of both the Integra and QS/1 Annual Conferences. This newly relaunched event will continue to provide access to the latest solutions for pharmacy management and product integration, while also extending into continuing education, business enhancements, and industry trends. Kirsten Henry, director of Branding Experiences, discusses what is being planned for the inaugural event. Learn more at www.iqconference.com.  

QS/1 is hosting a breakout breakfast session at the PDS Super-Conference February 29, 2020. ComputerTalk Magazine's Maggie Lockwood will moderate the popular panel discussion. She talks with us about the importance of the PDS Super-Conference, what participants can expect at the panel discussion, and the chance to win QS/1's $1,500 charitable giveway at the conference. More details at www.redsetgo.com/pds.

All systems are go for the new ePrescribing standard. QS/1 is here to ensure your pharmacy is a leader in the January 2020 change to SCRIPT 2017071, which replaces current version 10.6. Crystal Ratliff, Product Manager Vendor Relations, talks about the final steps to make sure your pharmacy is ready. Get more information on getting your pharmacy ready at https://www.qs1.com/sp30  

On average, community pharmacies interact with patients with chronic disease(s) 35 times per year. In comparison, patients may only visit their primary care physician four times per year. This provides a huge opportunity for pharmacists to have an impact on their patients. QS/1’s Dr. Zachary Princell, PharmD talks about the value of eCare Plans.

Pharmacist Dana Tate of New Horizon Family Health Services (NHFHS) was the winner of the QS/1 charity giveaway at the 2019 Customer Conference in Hershey, PA earlier this year. Since NHFHS is a qualified charity organization, Dana was able to donate the money to the health center and see the money directly help patients she so proudly serves. Listen to QCompass to discover the good things happening at the operation.

Audits can break a community pharmacy, that's why it's important that your operation is prepared should you ever face one. Trenton Thiede is the Chief Operating Officer of PAAS National, an organization that helps pharmacies prepare for an audit before it even happens.

John W. Pugh, PharmD, RPh has practiced pharmacy at Prosperity Drug since 2006. He enjoys working with patients to solve their medication related problems. He shares unique collaboration actions pharmacy's can take to increase business.

CPESN USA empowers community-based pharmacies that are deeply rooted within the local care team community by fostering and enabling the provision of high quality and high integrity patient-centered enhanced services. CPESN network pharmacies are integrated with the other providers on the patient’s care team and offer coordinated medical treatment which has led to increased medication adherence, improved patient satisfaction, and lower health care costs.  CPESN's Jay Williams discusses the benefits of the organization.

QS/1 is pleased to announce it is certified by Surescripts® to send and receive electronic prescriptions and prescription-related information using the new SCRIPT Standard version 2017071. Pharmacies must begin using the new standard on January 1, 2020. Crystal Ratliff, QS/1's Product Manager for Vendor Relations talks about what all of the changes mean for pharmacies and what they must do to prepare before the deadline.

Pharmacy expert Bruce Kneeland joins us in the studio to talk about unique ways community pharmacy can market itself to better compete against the big-box chains. Bruce shares interesting ideas that let you tap into the data and resources already at your disposal. Join us for less than 20 minutes to hear his unique perspective as he explains these marketing ideas.

The 2019 QS/1 Customer Conference is May 8 - 10, 2019 in Hershey, PA. QS/1 Brand Experiences Manager Kirsten Henry talks about what is planned.

Windows 7 will reach "end-of-life" on January 14, 2020. This means Microsoft will no longer update or support the operating system after that date. QS/1 is recommending pharmacies begin planning now about replacing any workstations and servers running Windows 7. QS/1's Les Hutchins talks about the process of sunsetting an operating system and how pharmacies can react to avoid a huge capital investment at one time.

QS1’s Director of Pharmacy Professional Affairs Ed Vess, R.Ph., discusses the Breakfast Panel at the 2019 PDS Conference in Orlando, FL., including medication synchronization, pre- and post-edits, business analytics, and ways to think outside the box.