OIG investigates Medicare Part D coverage for dual eligibles
A study from the Office of the Inspector General of the department of Health & Human Services finds problems for dual-eligible residents of nursing facilities with Medicare Part D.
HHS wants your comments on antiviral use for flu pandemic
The feds have issued two guidances related to the use of drugs for the influenza pandemic.
Members of Congress urge one-year delay in Medicare bidding program for home medical equipment
Two letters signeed by 132 members of Congress urge a delay in the Medicare bidding program for home medical equipment.
Cash-strapped providers over NPI may get accelerated payments
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is offering hardship payments for providers with cash flow problems related to the National Provider Identification numbers.
N.Y. R.Ph.s to stage demonstration today against cuts in pay
A demonstration is planned today in Manhattan to protest against cuts in drug reimbursement that take effect on July 1.
CMS rejects Louisiana proposal to increase Medicaid dispensing fee
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has turned down a proposal from Louisiana to increase the state's Medicaid dispensing fee to more than $10.
Connecticut joins AWP suit against McKesson, First DataBank
The state of Connecticut has joined in the class-action suit against McKesson, First DataBank, and Medi-Span over inflated average wholesale prices.
FDA issues advice for switch to HFA-albuterol inhalers
The agency releases alert to transition patients to new albuterol inhalers by year's end.
New settlement proposed in First DataBank AWP suit
A new settlement has been proposed in the average wholesale price suit against First DataBank, McKesson, and Medi-Span.
Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigates Cardinal distribution center
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy is investigating the Cardinal distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, for distributing large amounts of controlled substances to an Internet pharmacy.
R.I. jury acquits two former CVS executives of corruption charges
Two former CVS executives have been acquitted of bribing a Rhode Island state senator for legislative favors.
Three Florida doctors and six others charged in $56 million healthcare fraud
Three Miami area doctors and six others were charged for defrauding Medicare.
Illegal Internet pharmacy caught by long arm of the law
A California man faces incarceration and a hefty fine for selling drugs over the Internet without the proper safeguards in place.
Part D claims data to be grist for research mill under new CMS rule
CMS issues a final rule letting researchers and HHS access Part D claims data for research purposes.
FDA requests recall of Xiadafil VIP Tabs
SEI Pharmaceuticals' Xiadafil VIP Tabs are being recalled for containing a substance that could hurt patients.
Express Scripts to pay more than $9 million to settle drug switching charges
Express Scripts has agreed to pay 28 states and the District of Columbia $9.3 million to settle charges that it switched cholesterol-lowering drugs for financial gain.
CMS asks for extension before issuing final rule on hospices
CMS will need more time before it issues a final rule on conditions for hospices to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
FDA warns that nipple cream can hurt nursing babies
FDA warns about the dangers in Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream.
San Francisco sues McKesson over AWP
The City of San Francisco is suing McKesson in federal court, alleging that the wholesaler conspired to inflate the gap between wholesale acquisition costs and average wholesale prices.
New study gives insights into overall satisfaction with Medicare Part D
The results of 13 focus groups on Medicare Part D have been compiled into a report for MedPAC.
FDA to pharmacies: Don't dispense Scientific Laboratories products
Because Scientific Laboratories' products are not approved or have not met good manufacturing practices, FDA is barring them from being sold.
Consumers Union urges FDA to require TV ads include toll free number
Consumers Union is urging the FDA to move ahead with requiring TV ads for Rx drugs to include a toll free number and a Web site address to report serious side effects from presciption drugs.
How drug plans can survive their Part D audit
An expert gives drug plans advice on how to pass a Medicare Part D audit
Stolen drugs are being withdrawn as a precaution
Several lots of Doxil, Procrit, and Remicade have been stolen, prompting the manufacturers to issue a voluntary withdrawal of the lots affected.
Pennsylvania passes law letting unused cancer drugs to be returned
A new Pennsylvania law sets up a voluntary drug repository program for cancer patients.
FDA to launch pilot on drug names and safety
FDA is holding a meeting, launching a pilot, and releasing a concept paper about drug names next month.
Oklahoma pharmacies can now renew their narcotic registration online
Oklahoma pharmacies can now renew their narcotic registration electronically.
Medicare is revising how it pays hospitals and private insurers are following closely behind
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has added new critiera hospitals must meet in order to get optimal reimbursement
Academic detailing gathers momentum
Congress is considering legislation to establish an academic detailing program to cut healthcare costs
