Podcasts about rph

Let us chat about today the inches all around us and also about how there is no market in healthcare all at once in this show. Today I am talking with Ivana Krajcinovic. And let me give you some examples of the inches. Two members of a plan get infusions at a hospital. And if these two members had gone down the street to get their infusions, the total cost of the two of them would have been $1 million less … $1 million less! How many inches is a million dollars? For a full transcript of this episode, click here. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter to be a member of the Relentless Tribe. Or the examples Ivana Krajcinovic talks about coming up where an independent practice was charging $135 for a chemo infusion and the hospital down the street was charging for the same exact drug, by the way—the same exact infusion—$13,560 … $135 versus $13,560! We talk about affordability in this country? Member's paying coinsurance off that 13K, by the way. And if you're doing the math at home, that is a 10,000% markup. Or if we start from the Medicare price, it was a 40,000% markup. Then there's another example that Ivana talks about where a plan member went to a hospital and got a $90,000 bill for a series of infusions that, again, down the street would have been $185—all in. Inches much? So, it's pretty clear why the show is part of "The Inches Are All Around Us" series. Why do I say this is part of the "No Market" series? Because look, functioning markets rationalize prices. That's just what they do. So, if you have two places in the exact same geography and one of them is charging 500 times or whatever the other one, you don't have a market if they're both still in business a year later. Ongoing wild price variations is a big tell that there's no market to be had. Another tell, though, is that carrier networks, who are supposed to be the demand curve here—or at least that's what their marketing says or what we are all kind of led to believe—they advertise as high-value networks, right? The fact that any given network experiences essentially no business repercussions for spending a million dollars extra of its plan sponsors' (its customers') money—because that's who's paying for this, the self-insured employer or union, at the end of the day—and the network, the carrier network doesn't lose business as a result … Right? Listen to the show from last week with Jacob Asher, MD (Take Two: EP398) about the carrier nonmarket and why this is the case. But bottom line, if anyone is waiting on a market to constrain prices for them, that is very magical thinking. Where this whole thing is gonna wind up, by the way, is with my guest today, Ivana Krajcinovic, suggesting a roadmap to make a whole lot more likely that you'll pay $135 for an infusion instead of 13 grand. For more on this, do go back and listen to the show with Keith Hartman, RPh, by the way. We teed this off a couple of years ago. That was episode 369. But in Ivana's upcoming roadmap that you're gonna hear about (just doubling down on the spoilers—if I'm gonna do something, I might as well do it well), but in that roadmap, direct contracts with indie practices will feature a starring role. I'm telling you this because if you're one of those folks that listens to like 23 minutes of any given podcast and then bails, make sure you make it to around the 30-minute mark of the show. As I have said several times already, my guest today is the incomparable Ivana Krajcinovic, the outgoing vice president of healthcare delivery at UNITE HERE HEALTH. Ivana has just retired, but she spent over three decades with her team protecting the health and the hard-earned wages of 230,000 hospitality workers. She is exactly the kind of "dangerous expert" that we love to have on the show—someone with the wisdom about how the system actually works and the articulate willingness to talk about it. Okay … so, this conversation about the inches and the nonmarket for infusions specifically in this country, for more information, do go back and read the really excellent Bloomberg News exposé by John Tozzi. It's a really good article, and you'll see everything that we talk about today in writing with all the fact-checking that one would expect from Bloomberg News. So, okay … what we'll do in this episode is, first, we're gonna talk about the infusion nonmarket, the inches and its implications, such as an infusion costing 500 times Medicare when there are 1.5x Medicare options in the same exact health system. Sometimes I just can't even with some of this stuff. But another nonmarket tell, again, is that carrier networks are still in business. We talk all about that. What happens next in this episode is we deconstruct the roadmap that Ivana used to fight back, which starts with (no surprises) drilling into data and ends with direct contracting with independent doctors. And how that happens is by carving out utilization management so that there is site-of-care steerage. So, this is a conversation about fiduciary duty. It's a conversation about transparency, the power of collective action. This podcast is sponsored by Aventria Health Group with an assist from Payerset. And I thank Payerset very much for the financial support. Also mentioned in this episode are UNITE HERE HEALTH; Jacob Asher, MD; Keith Hartman, RPh; Stan Schwartz, MD; ZERO.health; John Tozzi; Aventria Health Group; Payerset; Cora Opsahl; 32BJ Union Health Fund; Jonathan Baran; Peter Hayes; Erik Davis; Autumn Yongchu; Brian Cotter; Bright Spot Insights; John Quinn; Mark Newman; Nomi Health; Preston Alexander; Health Here; Ann Lewandowski; HealthCheck360; Sam Flanders, MD; Shane Cerone; Kada Health; and Cristin Dickerson, MD. For a list of healthcare industry acronyms and terms that may be unfamiliar to you, click here.   You can learn more at uhh.org and by connecting with Ivana on LinkedIn.   Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD, recently retired as vice president for healthcare delivery at UNITE HERE HEALTH (UHH), a national Taft-Hartley Fund that purchases healthcare for over 200,000 unionized hospitality workers and their families. Combining her training as a health economist with more than 30 years working directly with immigrants and the working poor, Ivana oversaw a wide variety of projects. She has deep expertise in engaging participants, ranging from benefit education to chronic disease self-management, as well as in developing peer-to-peer programs. Ivana led a team whose challenge was to radically bend the cost curve while maintaining quality coverage as every dollar that UHH spends on healthcare is a dollar that could go to a worker in wages—higher wages that are likely to do more for workers' health than increasing spending on their healthcare. Ivana and her team have utilized narrow networks, value-based contracts, and direct contracting and have established health centers designed for their members. Ivana has a PhD in economics from Yale University and is the author of From Company Doctors to Managed Care: The United Mineworkers' Noble Experiment (Cornell University Press).   00:00 $135 vs $13,560: How infusion drug prices play into the "Inches All Around Us" series. 02:02 How infusion drug pricing fits into the "No Market" series. 03:19 A roadmap and more episodes on this topic. 04:36 Introducing this week's expert, Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD. 05:10 A must-read Bloomberg News article on infusion pricing. 05:33 An overview of what to expect from this episode. 06:54 The first tell of the infusion nonmarket. 07:41 The price variations that Ivana has seen in the infusion nonmarket. 11:39 How hospital spend affects wage increases affects patients and employees twice over. 12:04 EP373 with Cora Opsahl. 13:43 The second tell of the infusion nonmarket. 14:33 Take Two: EP398 with Jacob Asher, MD. 14:55 EP483 with Jonathan Baran. 16:15 Why networks are apathetic to this pricing discrepancy. 17:55 The factors that play into the nonmarket issue of infusion drug pricing variations. 18:26 EP475 with Peter Hayes. 19:18 EP370 with Erik Davis and Autumn Yongchu. 19:45 Are pricing discrepancies easy to spot? 22:38 Where we have power in a nonmarket situation. 23:22 A recap of the advice in the show so far. 23:39 EP493 with John Quinn. 23:41 EP496 with Mark Newman. 25:51 How you place pricing pressure on an entity. 28:47 EP482 with Preston Alexander. 29:34 How an improved market creates time for better care coordination. 30:52 EP486 with Stan Schwartz, MD. 33:23 The fourth part of the roadmap. 36:41 EP492 and EP490 with Sam Flanders, MD, and Shane Cerone. 36:49 Why serving the community and being fiscally responsible should go hand in hand. 38:05 EP500 with Stacey.   You can learn more at uhh.org and by connecting with Ivana on LinkedIn.   Ivana Krajcinovic, PhD, discusses #infusion #drugpricing on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #commericalpayermarketplace #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Dr Jacob Asher (Take Two: EP398), Stacey Richter (EP500), Dr Jay Kimmel, Mark Noel, Gary Campbell (Take Two: EP341), Zack Kanter, Mark Newman, Stacey Richter (INBW45)

The thyroid helps keep the body working at the right speed — but what happens if yours isn't functioning well? Many people know that fatigue is a symptom of a dysfunctional thyroid, but it can affect a wide variety of functions in addition to that because thyroid hormone is involved in nearly all aspects of how our bodies function.   If there are issues with it — which there are for an estimated one in seven people, many of whom are unaware of it — it can hinder your ability to live a healthy and active lifestyle in a myriad of ways.   In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, dives into this topic, explaining why thyroid health is vital for staying active and energized.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/why-thyroid-health-matters-for-an-active-life-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program.    Life Time provides administrative, non-clinical support to MIORA as well as services and amenities related to general wellness and fitness; Life Time does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care.

With the onset of perimenopause, women's estrogen levels begin to shift, with many experiencing notable changes to how they feel and function. This can leave them feeling resigned to a new, less ideal, baseline of health. Yet few understand what today's science how bioidentical hormone treatments can support women in feeling more vital and resilient.   In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explores the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including how it can support skin quality, cognition, weight management, sexual health, cellular health, bone health, cardiovascular disease risk, and more. He dives into the newest findings on estrogen therapy and what bioidentical options may mean for long-term wellness.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/bioidentical-hormones-and-womens-health-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program.   Life Time provides administrative, non-clinical support to MIORA as well as services and amenities related to general wellness and fitness; Life Time does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care.

With the launch of a new journal, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is also launching a brand new podcast. The Points of CARE, the official podcast of Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE, will highlight key research findings, clinical implications, and emerging themes across diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic health through interviews with journal authors and subject-matter experts. In this special inaugural episode, host Richard Beaser, MD also discusses the ADA's Obesity Association and the "Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity." 4:15 Beaser speaks with Alissa Segal, PharmD, RPh, CDCES, CDTC, FCCP. Dr. Segal is editor in chief of Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE and professor of pharmacy practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Her editorial, "Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE: Building New From a Strong Foundation," is available for free at doi.org/10.2337/doci25-0010. 13:00 Samar Hafida, MBCCh, joins the conversation. Dr. Hafida is a board-certified endocrinologist and weight management specialist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition & Weight Management) at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She is also vice president of the ADA's Obesity Association. Her editorial, "Introducing the Obesity Association and the Launch of Our Official Journal," is available for free at doi.org/10.2337/doci25-0012. 17:55 Dr. Hafida discusses "Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity in Adults: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity." This article is available for free at doi.org/10.2337/doci25-0008. 20:05 Richard and Alissa highlight a few articles from the first issue of Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE. Simpkins et al. "Association of Type 2 Diabetes Subgroups With Incident Peripheral Neuropathy" doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0051 Livingston et al. "The Benefits and Costs of Treating Obesity Among Adults in the Medicaid Program" doi.org/10.2337/doci25-0005. Davidson et al. "Effectiveness of Using Patient-Defined Meal Sizes to Determine Bolus Doses of Insulin" doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0018 Ali et al. "Patterns of Prescription Discontinuation, Reinitiation, and Switching of Subcutaneous Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Adults With Obesity" doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0026 Masiano et al. "Type 2 Diabetes Treatment and Experience With Hospitalization in Older Adults: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study" doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0009 Young et al. "The Critical Role of Diabetology Pharmacists in Improving Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Care and Outcome" doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0049 To learn more about Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic CARE please visit diabetesjournals.org/docm-care. Thank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe.

From reimbursements to inventory management, independent pharmacists face ongoing pressure to optimize the financial health of their business. In this episode, Jean Paul Gibeault, PharmD, RPh of Atlantic Health System shares how their two retail pharmacies have maintained strong financial performance using solutions like Cardinal Health™ Reimbursement Consulting Services (RCS). He discusses how real-time intelligence and a robust analytics and consulting platform can transform a pharmacy's bottom line.  Listen to uncover financial strategies that can help boost revenue and expand patient reach while upholding an unwavering commitment to quality, community care. 

From reimbursements to inventory management, independent pharmacists face ongoing pressure to optimize the financial health of their business. In this episode, Jean Paul Gibeault, PharmD, RPh of Atlantic Health System shares how their two retail pharmacies have maintained strong financial performance using solutions like Cardinal Health™ Reimbursement Consulting Services (RCS). He discusses how real-time intelligence and a robust analytics and consulting platform can transform a pharmacy's bottom line.  Listen to uncover financial strategies that can help boost revenue and expand patient reach while upholding an unwavering commitment to quality, community care. 

RPH is BACK! Amy Bowers-Cordalis joins RPH Co-host Elena Ortiz to talk about her new book, the liberation of the Klamath River and her family's contributions to that struggle. This is a story of hope and triumph. Watch the video edition on The Red Nation Podcast YouTube channel Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Peptides have taken the health and wellness space by storm. Is it hype, or do they have significant health outcomes? Jim LaValle, a pioneer in the world of peptides, is here to break down why they're the future of medicine and how they can help you live a healthier, longer life. Jim has dedicated over 40 years to the science of health and wellness. As an expert in integrative and precision medicine, he has been at the forefront of peptide therapy for 15 years. He's seen firsthand how peptides can help people regain their vitality, whether recovering from an injury, battling hormonal imbalances, or even combating metabolic disorders.  In this episode, Jim and I explore the fascinating world of peptides and how they're being used to enhance everything from weight loss to improved sleep. You'll discover which peptides you should consider, how they work in your body, and why they're the next frontier in preventive healthcare.  "The advantage of peptides is that they're signaling molecules that our bodies are already familiar with. So it's a gentler way of correcting problems that you may have."  ~ Jim LaValle In This Episode: - Meet Jim LaValle - History and basics of peptides - Finding the right peptides and providers - Popular peptides and their benefits - The best peptides for overall wellbeing - Future of peptides and potential side effects - MIORA: Personalized peptides & lifestyle programs - Jim La Valle's daily routine for optimal health - Episode wrap-up and Jim's message to the world About Jim LaValle: Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, is a clinical pharmacist, board-certified nutritionist, and author with 40+ years of experience. He specializes in precision and performance health, integrating metabolic-based care. Founder of Metabolic Code Enterprises, he has taught at institutions like the University of Cincinnati and George Washington School of Medicine. LaValle has worked with elite sports teams, the military, and first responders to optimize their performance and recovery. He has authored 26 books, including Cracking the Metabolic Code, and over 200 articles. Currently, he serves as Chief Science Officer at Life Time, leading scientific initiatives for its longevity and performance program, MIORA. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjimlavalle/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-LaValle/100062990514032/   Website: https://www.jimlavalle.com/  Where to find me: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb    Website: https://jengottlieb.com/    My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

On this episode of Executive Dose, sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing independent community pharmacies today: workforce shortages and talent management. Bill Drilling, owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, shares four decades of real-world experience leading a landmark independent pharmacy and developing sustainable teams in a changing labor environment. Joined by Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at IPC, the conversation explores practical strategies for recruiting, retaining, and empowering pharmacy talent while expanding clinical services and protecting margins. Together, they discuss how independent pharmacies can adapt their workforce models, invest in people, and build resilient operations that support both patient care and long-term business success. About our guests: William "Bill" Drilling is the owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, a landmark independent pharmacy he has led for over 40 years. A second-generation owner, he is recognized for his expertise in pharmacy management, immunization programs, and serving on the Iowa Pharmacists Association Board. Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, is the Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), where she leads initiatives to support independent pharmacy owners. With over two decades of experience, she focuses on enhancing clinical services, driving revenue-generating opportunities, and improving operational performance for community pharmacies. 

RPH co-host Melanie Yazzie continues our series of frontline reports from Minneapolis. In this episode, Melanie speaks to Rachel Thunder from the Indigenous Protector Movement and NDN's Lorenzo Serna. Watch the video edition on The Red Nation Podcast YouTube channel Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Peptides continue to gain popularity for their health benefits — particularly for the role they can play in longevity and performance health. As signaling molecules that help regulate bodily functions, they can be used to manage weight, support recovery and skin aging, and optimize various aspects of our health.   In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explains how peptides affect the aging process specifically, and he digs into some of the top peptide options for the skin, muscles, energy, gut health, and more.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/a-deep-dive-into-peptides-performance-longevity-series    Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program.    Life Time provides administrative, non-clinical support to MIORA as well as services and amenities related to general wellness and fitness; Life Time does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care.

Could low cortisol be the hidden reason behind chronic fatigue, poor stress tolerance, sleep disruptions, or mood changes? Cortisol is often misunderstood as just a “stress hormone,” but it plays a critical role in regulating energy levels, emotional resilience, inflammation, and the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. When cortisol production becomes depleted due to prolonged stress, illness, or trauma, the body may struggle to function optimally, leading to symptoms commonly associated with adrenal insufficiency. Join us today as Bryana Gregory, PharmD, RPh, Pharmacist and Physician Liaison at Physicians Preference Pharmacy, explains how compounded oral cortisol can be used as a personalized hormone replacement option to support adrenal function. She walks through how cortisol naturally follows a diurnal rhythm, why low levels can disrupt sleep and energy, and how carefully dosed replacement may help restore balance. The discussion also highlights how compounded formulations allow for individualized dosing, cleaner ingredients, and delivery methods that better mimic the body's natural cortisol patterns. Listeners will gain insight into who may benefit from cortisol replacement, how it differs from adrenal supplements, and why more is not always better when it comes to hormone therapy. This episode emphasizes the importance of working closely with a knowledgeable physician to address symptoms, monitor response, and create a customized approach that supports long-term wellness, resilience, and overall quality of life. To learn more, visit www.PhysiciansPreferenceRX.com or call 281-828-9088. Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com. To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze's best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast. Includes free shipping!

Red Power Hour is back! The RPH crew discusses the fascist attack on Minneapolis by ICE and the mass mobilization against it. Joining co-hosts Melanie Yazzie and Elena Ortiz is TRN comrade Demetrius Johnson. Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/redmediapr  

In this episode, Edith Okolo, PharmD, RPh, Director of Pharmacy at Cedar Crest Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss pharmacy priorities heading into 2026, with patient safety at the forefront. She shares insights on improving workflow efficiency, addressing medication affordability—particularly long-acting injectables—and navigating ongoing medication shortages and broader industry challenges.

I'm celebrating 6 years in podcasting today!

In this episode, Michael Evans, RPh, MBA, FASHP, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Enterprise Pharmacy at Geisinger, discusses key pharmacy priorities including biosimilar adoption, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, cell and gene therapy readiness, and strategies to expand access and strengthen pharmacy operations.

In this episode, Michael Evans, RPh, MBA, FASHP, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Enterprise Pharmacy at Geisinger, discusses key pharmacy priorities including biosimilar adoption, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, cell and gene therapy readiness, and strategies to expand access and strengthen pharmacy operations.

This is a follow up to episode 354 of The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast, which I published during the World Series in October 2025. The title of that episode was Moneyball for Pharmacists: Winning with Agile Teams, Not Bigger Budgets. In that episode, I said I'd like to follow up with 10 pharmacists for about 5 minutes each to ask what they consider a base hit in the pharmacy profession.    Well…I was close! Today, you'll hear from 8 pharmacists and one non-pharmacist. The line-up is below. THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this episode! I asked all the participants the same question: "We all know that the base hits of yesteryear were: selling prescriptions and front end merchandise, giving flu shots, doing MTM, etc. From your point of view, what's a base hit for the pharmacy profession in 2026?"    Dr. Cory Jenks https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-jenks-3ba17314/  Dr. Blair Thielemier https://www.linkedin.com/in/btpharmacyconsulting/  RDML Dr. Pam Schweitzer https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-schweitzer-50638b16/  Greg McKettrick, RPh https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mckettrick-a21404163/  Jim Danahy https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimdanahy/  Dr. Kimber Boothe https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberboothe/  Dr. Lisa Faast https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lisa-faast-pharmd-the-pharmacy-badass-b03a60318/  Dr. Erin Albert https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinalbert/  And Dr. Zain Syed https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainmsyed/    Other links from this episode 2026 Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company - Team Cuban Card & Cost Plus Drugs Affiliate Pharmacy Network - Request for More Information Form https://forms.gle/zXCDp1Zd9xq5war39  Cost Plus Drugs Marketplace: https://business.costplusdrugs.com/ Practical Guide to Peptides for Pharmacists by Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD  Equip Dashboard: https://www.pharmacyquality.com    If you know someone who would like this episode please share it with them. Subscribe for all future episodes. This podcast is on all major podcast players and YouTube. Popular links are below. ⬇️   Apple Podcasts   https://apple.co/42yqXOG  Spotify  https://spoti.fi/3qAk3uY  Amazon/Audible  https://adbl.co/43tM45P YouTube https://bit.ly/43Rnrjt   Kim's websites and social media links: ✅ Guest Application Form (The Pharmacist's Voice Podcast) https://bit.ly/41iGogX ✅ Monthly email newsletter sign-up link https://bit.ly/3AHJIaF  ✅ LinkedIn Newsletter link https://bit.ly/40VmV5B ✅ Business website https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com ✅ Get my FREE eBook and audiobook about podcasting ✅ The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com/podcast ✅ Drug pronunciation course https://www.kimnewlove.com  ✅ Podcasting course https://www.kimnewlove.com/podcasting  ✅ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnewlove ✅ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kim.newlove.96 ✅ Twitter https://twitter.com/KimNewloveVO ✅ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kimnewlovevo/ ✅ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3UyhNBi9CCqIMP8t1wRZQ ✅ ACX (Audiobook Narrator Profile) https://www.acx.com/narrator?p=A10FSORRTANJ4Z ✅ Start a podcast with my coach, Dave Jackson from The School of Podcasting! *New 12-4-25* Click my affiliate link: https://community.schoolofpodcasting.com/invitation?code=G43D3G    Thank you for listening to episode 365 of The Pharmacist's Voice ® Podcast.  If you know someone who would like this episode, please share it with them!

Heavy periods are one of the most common, and most disruptive symptoms women experience as they move through perimenopause. Flooding, clots, changing tampons constantly, disrupted sleep, rising anxiety… these changes often show up together, and they're not random. In this episode, Tara breaks down what's actually happening hormonally in midlife and why low progesterone is so often at the root of heavy periods. She explains the critical differences between natural bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, and why progestins (like those found in birth control or IUDs) are not the solution many women are led to believe they are. In this episode: Why heavy periods are often a progesterone problem in perimenopause Why natural bioidentical progesterone is the solution - not herbs, not wild yam cream, not "wait and see" Why progestins (birth control, Mirena, Slynd, etc.) are not the same thing and can actually make symptoms worse Why many doctors underdose progesterone (or pull it away too quickly) because they aren't trained in HRT How adequate progesterone can lighten periods, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and protect your brain, bones, breasts, and heart IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, LISTEN TO THESE NEXT: EPS 99: Everything you need to know about progesterone & replacing it, with Carol Petersen EPS 113: Welcoming back Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP! She's answering all your progesterone questions!  EPS 127: Are you taking a fake, potentially harmful progestin (fake progesterone?). Find out in this episode & what to do instead.  Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

In this episode, Nilesh Desai, MBA, BS, RPh, CPEL, CPPS, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Baptist Health System, discusses how pharmacy is driving medication access, specialty and outpatient growth, and financial sustainability. He also shares how technology, interoperability, and responsible AI adoption are shaping pharmacy strategy amid staffing and drug shortages.

It's a World Braille Day special episode of Talking Vision as we feature Vision Australia Radio and RPH network veteran Stephen Jolley, who catches up with BBC North America correspondent Gary O'Donoghue. Gary has been totally blind from a young age, and so throughout his later childhood and adult life braille has played a central role in everything he does. Tune in to hear more from Gary about braille's role in his life, making inroads as a blind journalist on the world stage, breaking down barriers and covering the latest global news from North America over the past decade for the BBC.Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final session of The Profit Playbook: Ending 2025 Like a Badass, Heather Haro is joined by Julie Crozier, RPh and Amanda Gaddy, RPh of Secure 340B to break down critical changes coming to 340B rebates and Medicare Fair Pricing (MFP) rebates in 2026. This session explains how overlapping rebates work, what changes on January 1, and what independent pharmacies must do now to protect cash flow, margins, and patient access.   **Show Notes:** 1. **Introduction** [0:00] 2. **Introduction of Secure 340B Experts** [3:27] 3. **Overview of 340B and MFP Rebates** [7:01] 4. **Detailed Explanation of Rebate Processes* [41:07] 5. **Impact of Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) Decreases* [41:29] 6. **Q&A Session and Additional Clarifications* [43:48] 7. **Final Remarks and Contact Information* [46:11]     ----- #### **Becoming a Badass Pharmacy Owner Podcast is a Proud to be Apart of the Pharmacy Podcast Network**

I was out drinking martinis with Cora Opsahl, director of 32BJ Health Fund, and Cora said, "Look, most plan sponsors' biggest expense is health system spend, hospital spend." I know this is an unexpected start to an episode about pharmaceutical pricing and value featuring Sarah Emond, CEO of ICER (Institute for Clinical and Economic Review). But yeah, 50% of most plan sponsors' spend these days goes to health systems. Fifty percent! One half! For a full transcript of this episode, click here. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter to be a member of the Relentless Tribe. So, if a patient who is adherent to a drug and that drug keeps that patient out of the hospital, why do I want to make a patient have excessive skin in the game to get that drug, which everybody knows at this point this "skin in the game" can cause said patient to not be adherent in many cases, cost being a very big reason patients give for not taking medications as prescribed. So then we have this not adherent patient who winds up in the hospital, via the ER often enough. The core issue here that surfaced, bottom line—and I'm not sure if this was in spite of the martinis or as a result of them—but while hospital spend is the largest health expense, high-value drugs that prevent hospitalization often face patient cost sharing and access restrictions, which leads to poor patient adherence and ultimately higher system cost potentially. So then Cora and I spent the next half hour debating when the statement is empirically true and when it's not. And you know what it all boils down to? What's the value of the drug? Do we even know what that means to start? But if it's determined that the drug is relatively high value, then the plan desperately should want to do everything possible to keep that patient on that medication, and cost sharing is a huge barrier to adherence. Today, as I said, I'm speaking with Sarah Emond, CEO over at ICER, and we get into all of this in the conversation that follows. In fact, most of the conversation that follows explores the tensions that exist in the current way that we sell and buy pharmaceutical products. I'm just gonna sum up these tensions in a list here at the top of this show. There's six of them that Sarah Emond and I discussed today by my counting, and each of these we explore in some depth. So, here's the list. Tension 1: The value of any given drug (in other words, what is the fair price for that drug considering the health gains that it delivers) versus the total cost to the plan for the total population taking that drug. GLP-1s have entered the chat. GLP-1s (by ICER's analysis, at least) are super high-value drugs that also can bankrupt plans due to the number of folks who may benefit from taking the drug. Definitely a tense tension to kick off our list here. Tension 2: The list or net price of a drug versus patient access and affordability. Again, this can be tense in an area of much misalignment. You can have a great well-priced drug with huge patient affordability and access challenges because drug net price and coinsurance amounts often have nothing to do with each other. Tension 3: Lifetime value of a drug versus a 3-, 2.5-year, whatever time horizon that many plan sponsor actuaries use in their value assessment. We discussed this today, but there's a Summer Short (SUMS7) on actuarial value horizons with Keith Passwater and JR Clark if you wanna dig in on this further. Tension 4: The tension between the societal value of a drug or even the patient's perceived value of a drug versus what an employer plan sponsor might perceive as the value. What is the formula used to determine value? What's in and what's out? So, that's a bigger conversation just beyond the time horizon for what's included in this calculation. Tension 5: Exacerbating the what's included in the value contemplation beyond just what you include in there is the tension between what is hypothetically of value and what is possible to measure. If you have pharma datasets and medical datasets separate in silos, who knows how many hospital readmissions were prevented by whatever drug? And how much presenteeism or absenteeism exists. I mean, it is an outlier, again, if anyone even knows the net price they paid for a drug, just to level set context here. Tension 6: Lowering financial barriers for patients to take drugs that are of value versus status quo goals and incentives. Like, for example, PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) are often told that their goal is to reduce drug spend. Okay … so, how do I do that? Oh, reduce access either by prior auths or delay tactics or really high coinsurance, which is gonna reduce adherence by design. And it's someone else's problem—if I'm just thinking like a status quo PBM—if medical spend goes up, right? So, that's our last and not insignificant tension. And look, who comes out the loser in all of these tensions when they get tense? Patients. Not pricing based on value and not buying and setting up cost sharing based on value punishes patients and also plan sponsors or any other ultimate purchaser in the long term, given that the plan is but a population of patients if you start thinking about it in that context. Here is Sarah's advice in a nutshell: Pharma, sell. Pick your price based on something other than market power. And some pharma companies are actually dipping their toe into these waters and doing it. But then PBMs and plan sponsors have to hold up their end of the bargain here and buy drugs based on their value, not just the size of their rebates or some other discounting promise. And then we gotta continue the through line through to member affordability and access. High-value drugs should get preferred. So, right, do a high-value formulary. Listen to the show with Nina Lathia, RPh, MSc, PhD (EP426) on high-value formularies and then listen (after you're done with that one) to episode 435 with Dan Mendelson entitled "Optimized Pharmacy Benefits Are Required if You Want to Do or Buy Value-Based Care." Also, as I said, GLP-1s come up in this conversation, so … yeah, buckle up. One last thing, besides my normal thank you to Aventria Health Group for sponsoring this episode, I am so pleased to thank Payerset for donating to help Relentless Health Value stay on the air. Payerset is a price transparency company with a mission to create fair and equitable healthcare for everyone. Love that. Payerset empowers healthcare organizations, employers, and patients with the most complete set of healthcare price transparency data. They benchmark every negotiated rate and claim and delivering the actionable insights needed for smarter contract negotiations and a more transparent healthcare system. As I have said several times today, my conversation is with Sarah Emond, CEO of ICER. Also mentioned in this episode are Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER); Cora Opsahl; 32 BJ Health Fund; Keith Passwater; JR Clark; Nina Lathia, RPh, MSc, PhD; Dan Mendelson; Aventria Health Group; Payerset; Antonio Ciaccia; Elizabeth Mitchell; Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH); Shane Cerone; Sam Flanders, MD; Mark Cuban; Morgan Health; and Tom Nash. For a list of healthcare industry acronyms and terms that may be unfamiliar to you, click here. You can learn more at ICER.org and follow Sarah on LinkedIn.   Sarah K. Emond, MPP, is president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), a leading nonprofit health policy research organization, with 25 years of experience in the business and policy of healthcare. She joined ICER in 2009 as its first chief operating officer and third employee and has worked to grow the organization's approach, scope, and impact over the years. Prior to joining ICER, Sarah spent time as a communications consultant, with six years in the corporate communications and investor relations department at a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and several years with a healthcare communications firm. Sarah began her healthcare career in clinical research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. A graduate of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, Sarah holds a Master of Public Policy degree with a concentration in health policy. Sarah also received a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Smith College. Sarah speaks frequently at national conferences on the topics of prescription drug pricing policy, comparative effectiveness research, and value-based healthcare.   08:18 Why list prices are a lie. 10:59 How does the rebate model sometimes get in the way of paying for value? 12:50 Bonus clip with Sarah Emond. 13:14 EP491 with Elizabeth Mitchell. 13:20 EP490 and EP492 with Shane Cerone and Sam Flanders, MD. 14:37 The tension that is created between affordability and adherence. 15:03 When cost sharing makes sense in pharmaceutical drug pricing. 17:26 INBW42 with Stacey on moral hazard. 18:53 How GLP-1s are "wildly cost effective." 21:32 Why the sticker shock on cost-effective drugs is a failure in the system for paying for value. 22:38 ICER's report on GLP-1s. 26:59 EP385 with Dan Mendelson. 28:57 How employers and payers can have a value assessment approach and a health insurance system that allows access to cost-effective drugs. 29:48 How cost-effective prices are calculated. 31:55 One of the core value underpinnings for value assessment of drugs. 34:54 Why manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers should work together more by referencing something like an ICER report. 36:55 EP426 with Nina Lathia, RPh, MSc, PhD. 38:21 "We can make different choices."   You can learn more at ICER.org and follow Sarah on LinkedIn.   @sarahkemond discusses #pharmaceutical #drugpricing on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #patientoutcomes #primarycare #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Stacey Richter (INBW43), Olivia Ross (Take Two: EP240), John Quinn, Dr Sam Flanders and Shane Cerone (EP492), Elizabeth Mitchell (EP491), Shane Cerone and Dr Sam Flanders (Part 1), Dan Greenleaf (Part 2), Dan Greenleaf (Part 1), Mark Cuban and Cora Opsahl

We Give Thanks to You in Pharmacy | TWIRx  Welcome to This Week in Pharmacy for November 28th! We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and as we roll into Black Friday, we want to take a moment to express something truly important: our gratitude. At the Pharmacy Podcast Network, we are incredibly thankful for the pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy teams who show up every day for their communities. You are the medication experts, the problem-solvers, the late-night troubleshooters, the vaccine champions, the trusted faces behind the counter, and the advocates who keep patient care moving—often without enough recognition. To every pharmacist and pharmacy technician working long hours, covering holiday shifts, managing medication shortages, answering tough questions, and supporting patients with compassion: Thank you. Your commitment keeps the healthcare system steady, especially during the busiest times of the year. From all of us at the Pharmacy Podcast Network, we appreciate you, we support you, and we're honored to share your stories. Happy Thanksgiving—and welcome to This Week in Pharmacy. TWIRx News November 28, 2025 Pharmacy Times  Fun Fact: Coffee Could Reduce Feelings of Depression https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/fun-fact-coffee-could-reduce-feelings-of-depression Saving Advice article “Unmask The Lie: The Reason Your Local Pharmacy Always Runs Out Of Meds” https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2025/11/28/10442667_unmask-the-lie-the-reason-your-local-pharmacy-always-runs-out-of-meds.html  Could dedicated pharmacists help improve neonatal care's medicines safety problem? https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/could-dedicated-pharmacists-help-improve-neonatal-cares-medicines-safety-problem    On Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" we're welcoming back Pharmacist and Kelli Stovall, RPh EMBA, Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Clinical Programs with IPC. Kelli and I talk about preparing for a more profitable 2026 with several ideas to build new non-PBM revenues with patient services needed throughout communities threatened by 'pharmacy deserts'.  Next, a special feature interview with Myra Ahmad, MD. CEO & Founder of Mochi Health. Mochi Health is a telehealth company offering comprehensive virtual obesity and weight-management services. Through its platform, patients connect with board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered dietitians to receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique body, lifestyle, and health goals.  Mochi Health emphasizes that weight is not a moral failing, but a complex health issue — and their care is non-judgmental and supportive.  Clients can access evidence-based medication options (including GLP-1 receptor agonists), nutrition guidance, and ongoing support — often virtually from home.  The company aims to make obesity care more accessible, affordable, and personalized than traditional in-person clinics.    SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT on "This Week in Pharmacy" November 28th 2025, the Legacy Pharmacy Group (LPG) has announced that CEO Ritesh Shah, RPh has been appointed to Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill's Transition Task Force in New Jersey. This appointment highlights Shah's longstanding leadership in independent pharmacy and his commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare across the state. Shah will focus on advocating for independent pharmacies, improving transparency in Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) operations, and promoting policies that ensure community pharmacies remain viable, accessible healthcare resources. His priorities on the task force include: Protecting and strengthening independent pharmacies statewide Ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in PBM practices Expanding access and reducing barriers to care, particularly for underserved populations Legacy Pharmacy Group Founder and Pharmacist, Jay Dhaduk, emphasized the importance of having informed pharmacy leadership at the policy level and celebrated Shah's appointment as critical to the long-term sustainability of independent pharmacies. The release also highlights LPG's role as the tri-state area's largest group purchasing organization, supporting more than 720 independent pharmacy members with programs, services, and advocacy to help them thrive.   Thank you to IPC and YARAL Pharma for sponsoring today's TWIRx 

In this episode, host John Beckner sits down with Ronna Hauser, NCPA's senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, and Mark Ey, RPh, senior vice president and COO, about how recent wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) reductions are reshaping the market — and what independent pharmacists can do now to protect their margins. They break down what's driving these changes, and the practical steps pharmacies can take to save thousands of dollars.

Struggling to fall asleep, or stay asleep? In this episode, pharmacist Bryana Gregory, PharmD, RPh, explains why sleep is a root-cause issue that drives hormone balance, immune strength, metabolism, and daily performance. She covers how circadian rhythm, light exposure, stress, pain, and life stages (like menopause) influence sleep quality, and why fixing daytime cues is just as important as what you take at night.   Bryana dives into melatonin beyond the basics: what melatonin is, why production declines with age, and how targeted formulations can match your sleep patterns. For trouble falling asleep, she discusses immediate-release sublingual tablets; for middle-of-the-night wakeups, sustained or delayed-release capsules; and how some guests benefit from both. She also addresses long-term use, safety, dosage personalization, and the value of potency-verified, compounded prescriptions free of common fillers. Learn more about melatonin and other practical tips for improving your sleep and overall health. Watch now and subscribe to our podcasts at www.HotzePodcast.com.   To receive a FREE copy of Dr. Hotze's best-selling book, “Hormones, Health, and Happiness,” call 281-698-8698 and mention this podcast. Includes free shipping!  

Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committees historically operated at the individual hospital level but have evolved into enterprise-wide governance programs due to health system expansion, unprecedented clinical and financial complexity of care, and the emergence of high impact and novel therapeutics. To address this, the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence convened an expert panel that concluded health system enterprise P&T committees are uniquely positioned to balance clinical value with financial stewardship and minimize practice variation. They issued best practice considerations representing a dynamic framework designed to evolve alongside emerging therapies, evolving technologies, and the ongoing transformation of health systems. Joining us today are two members of the expert panel. We have Connor Hanrahan, AVP, enterprise pharmacy services, medication outcomes and stewardship with Intermountain Health and Prabashni Reddy, who at the time of the panel was the executive director of medication use and policy at Mass General Brigham.   Guest speakers:  Prabashni Reddy, RPh, PharmD, MMedSc (former) Executive Director of Medication Use and Policy Mass General Brigham Connor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQ AVP, Medication Policy, Outcomes, and Stewardship Intermountain Health, Enterprise Pharmacy Services Host: Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH   Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes  Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)   Show Notes:  [01:02-03:38] The value Prabashni and Conor saw in joining the expert panel [03:39-05:33] What Prabashni and Conor learned from interactions during the expert panel  [05:34-10:55] Intriguing actionable enterprise P&T program insights panelists brought to the table that listeners can use [10:56-14:01] Use of criteria and principles to create successful and broadly applicable best practices [14:56-16:00] How our listeners can put this panel's best practices into action   VerifiedRx Listener Feedback Survey: We would love to hear from you - Please click here   Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed

 **Red Media is hiring an Executive Director!** RPH is back! Co-hosts Melanie Yazzie and Elena Ortiz discuss Chief of War (2025), a Hawaiian historical drama series created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa for Apple TV. Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the vast role that nitric oxide plays in supporting health and strategies to increase nitric oxide. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Beth Shirley.  Beth Shirley, RPh, CCN, developed an expertise as a compounding pharmacist and board-certified clinical nutritionist during a career spanning over 40 years.  She has been a pioneer at the cutting edge of the evolution of what has now come to be known as "Integrative Pharmacy", the junction between traditional pharmacy and the clinical use of nutritional supplementation.  Since 2009, Beth has spent time working with some of the leading thought leaders in the world of nitric oxide research and through this has developed an in-depth knowledge of the topic and its potential applications in patient care.  In addition, she has worked closely with the scientific community and cutting-edge companies working on innovative nutritional ingredients and approaches for their use in a variety of life's challenges. In fact, Beth has formulated a product that was awarded the first patent on a supplement to "increase sexual desire and pleasure".  She currently is the Director of Education and Research for Approved Medical Solutions, the distributor of her oxalate-free nitrate product and her Libby line of women's wellness products. Key Takeaways: What is nitric oxide (NO)? What functions does NO play in the body? What causes NO to be low? How can NO be supported with diet? Does NO level play a role in COVID? What is the connection between NO and methylation? Does NO have a role in the management of infections? What are the two pathways through which NO is created in the body? What is the connection between glyphosate and NO? How can any potential downsides of increasing NO be minimized? What is the role of NO in systemic inflammation? How does NO impact glucose, insulin, HbA1c, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes? What role does NO play in cardiovascular disease? Does NO impact MCAS and histamine? Can NO have a beneficial effect on intestinal hyperpermeability or on the microbiome? Does NO impact detoxification? Can methylene blue be used with NO? Connect With My Guest:  LinkedIn Related Resources: To view details about the products discussed in this episode, visit Approved Medical Solutions. Nitric Oxide (N-O) Libby Line To purchase products discussed in this episode, you must first create an account.  Use Referral Code BETTERHEALTH to create your account. Once registered, you will receive 10% off on all orders and an additional 5% off on your first order using discount code BETTERHEALTH. Interview Date: October 30, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode224. Support the Show: To support the show and Buy Me a Coffee, visit https://betterhealthguy.link/BuyMeACoffee. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Approved Medical Solutions. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

In Episode 491, Stacey Richter interviews Elizabeth Mitchell, CEO of the Purchaser's Business Group on Health (PBGH), about the PBGH Transparency Demonstration Project. They discuss the project's aim to provide jumbo self-insured employers with transparency in healthcare costs, quality, and safety data. Collaborating with Milliman and Embold and funded by the Peterson Center on Healthcare, PBGH's project reveals no correlation between higher prices and quality in healthcare services. The episode highlights the impacts on TPAs, consultants, and clinical organizations, and underscores the importance of employers using this new transparency data for strategic advantage and compliance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Richter and Mitchell delve into the broader implications for creating high-value networks and fostering market competition based on quality and affordability. === LINKS ===

**Red Media is hiring an Executive Director!**   RPH is back! Co-hosts Elena Ortiz and Melanie Yazzie return to discuss Powwow Highway (1989)   Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon www.patreon.com/redmediapr

Gut health refers to the well-being of your digestive system, including your gut microbiome — a vast ecosystem of microorganisms that play an essential role in nutrient absorption, immune health, brain function, and more. By understanding how the gut works and what makes it vulnerable, you can use lifestyle approaches to support better health.    In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explains how the gut is involved in almost every aspect of health and what can happen when it's not functioning properly. He also shares signs that your gut health may be compromised along with strategies for support.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/why-gut-health-is-a-key-to-better-health-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

Our bodies need high-quality sleep to perform at their best — but getting good sleep isn't just about getting physical rest. It's when our bodies perform functions to help sustain our physical and mental health and it allows our bodies and brains to recover and prepare for the next day.    In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explains the critical role of sleep for health and longevity, the barriers to getting enough quality sleep, and practical strategies for sleep improvement.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/sleep-and-resiliency-a-guide-to-this-essential-recovery-and-repair-window-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

The body has its own natural detoxification process that includes organs like the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system — and supporting these pathways is critical to our health. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explains what those systems are, how they work, and what you can do to support this aspect of your health. He also shares the signs that your body may not be detoxifying properly as well as strategies for support, including the role of certain lifestyle habits in enhancing detoxification.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/detoxification-done-right-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program.

Welcome back to part two of our special live crossover episode with PBM on the Rocks and The PUTTcast! In this conclusion to our live Summit day recording, we dive deeper into the critical issues facing the pharmacy industry today. The discussion picks back up on the front lines of PBM reform, exploring reform's real-world impact on patients and independent pharmacies, then shifts to a powerful and often-debated topic: the case for unionization in pharmacy. But it's not all serious business. Maurice Shaw (The Dr of Comedy) and Shane Jerominsky (The Accidental Pharmacist) bring their unique perspectives as pharmacists and comedians to point out the comedic moments found in everyday pharmacy life - reminding us that laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with the immense pressures of the pharmacy profession.Special Guests: Maurice Shaw, PharmD, Shane Jerominsky, RPh, & Greg Reybold, APCI VP of Healthcare Policy & General CounselMusic by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Just like our bodies, our brains undergo changes as we age, and if we don't care for them, it can lead to various issues that can affect our day-to-day function as well as our long-term health. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, shares the key factors that influence our cognitive health and offers strategies for protecting our brains and optimizing our mental acuity.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/aging-with-brain-power-how-to-boost-your-mental-acuity-and-cognition-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

Lissette Logan, PharmD, and Danielle Weaver, RPh, joined Over the Counter to discuss OvaryIt's PRISM platform and how it's helping pharmacists in rural communities provide contraceptive and family-planning services.

A strong immune system is essential for health at any age, but especially when we're striving for longevity. Everyday factors — including stress, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and more — shape the status of our immune health. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, speaks to the many influences on our immune system and offers practical strategies for boosting immune function, including metrics for monitoring it and some innovative therapies.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/how-to-build-immune-resilience   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

How far am I away from my best possible health? Have you ever asked yourself this question? It's something we all deserve and no matter our age or stage in life, our body chemistry is always changing and there are steps we can take to get closer to our peak potential.    In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, speaks about how the many systems in our body work together and how you can identify areas of improvement, including how regular health assessments and understanding personal health metrics can help lead us to optimal health and top performance.    He also explains why this is achievable for all — whether you're an athlete striving for certain goals or are someone who's simply looking to live a long and healthy life.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/pursuing-peak-performance-how-to-reach-your-full-potential-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

In this episode of a Mortar and Pestle, Tricia Heitman, PharmD, joins host Mike De Lisio, Vice President of North American Sales, and co-host Sebastian Denison, Clinical Compounding Pharmacist, RPh, FAARM (Candidate) to discuss leucovorin and other supplements for autism.

It was truly an honor and a great pleasure to talk to a well-respected colleague and friend about his experience as both a pharmacist and an expert in the natural products field. He is a true embodiment of the Myth, Man and Legend. Tune in to learn more about filling in the gaps in the current healthcare climate by utilizing evidence-backed  nutraceuticals. Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson, ND, PharmD, RPh, MBA is a dedicated healthcare professional and 30-year combat veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (USAF). A graduate of Purdue University (BS-Pharm, 1978), he later earned his Doctor of Naturopathy (2000), Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas (2003), and an MBA. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has spent over three decades educating and consulting with healthcare professionals and clients on the integration of nutraceuticals into personal healthcare practices—highlighting both their benefits and potential challenges. Since retiring from active military service in 2017, he has continued his mission of promoting informed, holistic healthcare practices. He currently works part-time as a self-employed Consultant Pharmacist, offering expert guidance on nutraceuticals and overall wellness strategies. Connect with Jeffery via: Email: ntrxpathconsultants@outlook.com  Linked In: Dr Jeffery A (Doc Pappy J) Johnson

What does long-term care pharmacy at home look like, and how is CPESN® helping lead the way? Join host John Beckner for a dynamic conversation with Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, and Patrick Chancy, PharmD, of Chancy Drugs, as they explore how LTC at home came to be and the pivotal role CPESN plays in its success.  Guests:  Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, CPESN Pharmacy Care at Home, and Patrick Chancy, PharmD, Chancy Drugs 

In this episode of The Mortar & Pestle Podcast, pharmacist and hormone therapy expert Ranel Larsen joins Mike de Lisio, Vice President of North American Sales, and Sebastian Denison, Clinical Compounding Pharmacist, RPh, FAARM (Candidate), to dig into men's health. From hormone replacement therapy and lab testing to lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and nutrition, Ranel breaks down how pharmacists can better support male patients while debunking common myths around testosterone.

You can also watch the video version of this episode on dvm360.com Alice Jeromin, RPh, DACVD—Before earning her DVM degree from The Ohio State University, Jeromin graduated from the University of Toledo with a BS in Pharmacy and practiced as a hospital pharmacist. She completed her veterinary dermatology residency with Patrick Breen and dermatopathology training at Procter & Gamble, Miami Valley Labs, as well as a fellowship in human dermatology at Metro Health Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio with Bryan Davis. Jeromin is currently an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University, lecturer at Northeast Ohio College of Pharmacy, and former practice owner of Veterinary Allergy & Dermatology, Inc. She is a former member-at-large on AVMA's Council on Biologicals and Therapeutics as chairman of the supplements and compounding committees. Along with publishing in human and veterinary journals, she authored the dermatology chapter in “Pharmacotherapeutics for Veterinary Dispensing”. Her interests include human-animal comparative dermatology and skin lipid research with publications in both areas.  Because of her pharmacist background of counseling patients, she is a strong believer in client education and maintains her website, www.purrfectpet.com, for clients to be educated with evidence-based information as well as an upcoming podcast "Speaking of Pets" The podcast is geared toward pet owners of allergic pets to provide them with accurate, evidence-based information.

Cortisol — a.k.a. the "stress hormone" — is essential for maintaining energy and overall health. Yet when cortisol is out of balance, it can cause a cascade of concerning effects in our bodies, even leading to chronic health conditions. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, joins us to explain how cortisol works in the body, signs it may be out of balance, and how managing stress can help bring hormones into balance and create a more resilient body.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/stress-and-resiliency-understanding-cortisol-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States. It's also often referred to as the “silent killer” because many of the factors that contribute to it happen internally overtime, without noticeable symptoms. Tuning in to and understanding your cardiovascular health requires a holistic lens that goes beyond knowing your cholesterol levels. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, shares the hidden causes of heart disease, how it progresses, and how to prevent and potentially reverse it, so you can own your cardiovascular health and be “heart smart.”   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/becoming-heart-smart-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

It was truly an honor and a great pleasure to talk to a well-respected colleague and friend about his experience as both a pharmacist and an expert in the natural products field. He is a true embodiment of the Myth, Man and Legend. Tune in to learn more about filling in the gaps in the current healthcare climate by utilizing evidence-backed nutraceuticals. Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson, ND, PharmD, RPh, MBA is a dedicated healthcare professional and 30-year combat veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (USAF). A graduate of Purdue University (BS-Pharm, 1978), he later earned his Doctor of Naturopathy (2000), Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas (2003), and an MBA. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has spent over three decades educating and consulting with healthcare professionals and clients on the integration of nutraceuticals into personal healthcare practices—highlighting both their benefits and potential challenges. Since retiring from active military service in 2017, he has continued his mission of promoting informed, holistic healthcare practices. He currently works part-time as a self-employed Consultant Pharmacist, offering expert guidance on nutraceuticals and overall wellness strategies. Connect with Jeffery via: Email: ntrxpathconsultants@outlook.com Linked In: Dr Jeffery A (Doc Pappy J) Johnson Visit https://marinabuksov.com for more holistic content. Music from https://www.purple-planet.com. Disclaimer: Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

It's estimated that nearly 38 percent of the U.S. population is prediabetic, yet many of those people don't know it and are unaware of the potential health consequences that can result.    Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, joins us to delve into this critical topic and its implications for health, including the various conditions it can lead to, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and Alzheimer's and dementia. He explains the factors that contribute to insulin resistance, how to measure and monitor blood sugar, and the habits we can adopt to manage blood sugar effectively.    This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/breaking-insulin-resistance-your-guide-to-blood-sugar-mastery-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

Inflammation is an essential function of the body, but chronic inflammation can have adverse health consequences, especially when it comes to the aging process. In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, joins us to explore the concept of metabolic inflammation, or “metaflammation,” and how it can silently affect our metabolism, leading to accelerated aging, or “inflammaging.” He shares insights around identifying and managing chronic inflammation, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices and comprehensive lab testing.   This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.   Find the episode highlights, get related resources and view the transcript for this episode at https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/podcast/inflammation-and-aging-the-hidden-connection-performance-longevity-series   Have thoughts you'd like to share or topic ideas for future episodes? Email us at lttalks@lt.life — we'd love to hear from you!   Follow us on Instagram: @lifetime.life   The information in this podcast is intended to provide broad understanding and knowledge of healthcare topics. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of advice from your physician or healthcare provider. We recommend you consult your physician or healthcare professional before beginning or altering your personal exercise, diet or supplementation program. 

Red Power Hour is back! RPH co-hosts Melanie Yazzie and Elena discuss Ryan Coogler's new horror film, Sinners (2025) Empower our work: GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-red-medias-indigenous-content  Subscribe to The Red Nation Newsletter: https://www.therednation.org/ Patreon www.patreon.com/redmediapr