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Illinois congresswoman’s pharmacy visit opens eyes, doors

Illinois Republican Judy Biggert spends day at local pharmacies, comes away a strong supporter of profession in health care reform.

On August 5, Rep. Judy Biggert (R–IL) visited Dominick’s Pharmacy and Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in the Chicago area to learn more about pharmacist-provided comprehensive patient care services. Biggert is a member of the GOP-led Health Care Solutions Working Group, which works to provide solutions for health care reform. An article on pioneerlocal.com stated that Biggert hoped to use the pharmacy visits to “look at all facets of health care and find ideas she could introduce to health care legislation.”   

Sonali Kshatriya, PharmD, Residency Director for Dominick’s Pharmacy, and Elizabeth Seybold, PharmD, Pharmacy Care Manager, led the community pharmacy tour, pointing out areas specially designated for patient interaction—encouraged by Dominick’s accessible, open layout—and patient consultation, screenings, and immunizations.

Biggert participated in a blood pressure screening and was privy to demonstrations of vaccinations, diabetes, hypertension, and bone density screening programs. Kshatriya and Seybold described their preventive health program, Healthy Measures, which uses self-motivation and rewards, such as health premium discounts, to improve overall wellness.

At the hospital location, Biggert met with Jack Durley, director of pharmacy, and clinical pharmacists Michelle Smith and Glenna Hargreaves. They explained the institution’s medication reconciliation process and discussed how anticoagulation therapy is monitored. Through these programs and others, the pharmacists at Hinsdale Hospital have made more than 21,000 drug therapy recommendations to physicians this year alone, the pharmacists told Biggert.

Pharmacists at both locations urged Biggert to advocate for pharmacist inclusion in health care reform legislation, mentioning several pressing issues that currently affect the profession. Lack of recognition as providers, they explained, hinders payment for provided services and compromises funding for further programs. Pharmacists asked Biggert to support the designation of pharmacists as providers under Medicare Part B; they also asked for her support in obtaining federal funding of specialty pharmacy residency programs and federal loan forgiveness through the National Health Services Corp. Biggert asked a question about health information technology and was told that ready access to patient medical records is an essential tool to pharmacists, as it prevents medication problems and assures that patients have optimal drug therapy, both in terms of outcome and cost efficiency.

The visit was deemed a success by all parties involved. A media release provided by Dominick’s representatives read, “Congresswomen Biggert indicated her strong support for health care policies that build on the many important roles pharmacists already play in controlling health care costs while improving the accessibility and quality of care. The pharmacists were delighted with her comments and echoed their appreciation of her support for health care reform that included their ideas.”

Obama supporters plan pro-health overhaul push
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Publication date: 2009-08-25

WASHINGTON - Supporters of President Barack Obama's health care agenda are ramping up their efforts with rallies and bus tours starting this week, aiming to counter increasing public skepticism leading up to Congress' post-Labor Day return to Washington.
"We want to send members of Congress back to D.C. with the real message, which is that the majority of the public want comprehensive health care reform and we want it now," said Jacki Schechner, spokeswoman for Health Care for America Now, an umbrella organization of groups pushing for a comprehensive health care overhaul.

"We want to make sure members of Congress understand the last couple of weeks is not where the majority of the public is," said Schechner, referring to rowdy town hall meetings dominated by critics of the Democrats' plans.

As conservative groups have organized against Democrats' health care legislation and cast it as a government takeover of health care, polls have shown fading public support for sweeping changes and skepticism over Obama's handling of the issue.

Health Care for America Now is coordinating its efforts with Organizing for America, the Obama campaign organization now melded into the national Democratic Party, which reputedly has an e-mail list of up to 13 million names.

Organizing for America plans a bus tour beginning Wednesday in cities including Phoenix, Albuquerque, N.M., Denver, Des Moines, Iowa, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, N.C., and Milwaukee. The bus will make 11 stops between Wednesday and Sept. 3.

Some 2,000 events are planned around the country through Labor Day, according to Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine. The wide range of events include phone bank calling and rallies.

"We want our members of Congress to head back to Washington with calls for reform still ringing in their ears - and knowing that those who are working hard for reform have our thanks," said an e-mail sent by Organizing for America inviting supporters to bus tour events. "But we can't do it without a massive show of support from the voters who know what's at stake."

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Publication date: 2009-08-25
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