DIR Fees, Medical Marijuana Among Hot Topics at NCPA Convention

Tips to minimize the sting of DIR fees as well as the business of medical marijuana are among the hot topics that will be discussed at the NCPA Annual Convention at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL, October 14-18.

ZDoggMDThe Convention, which is expected to draw more than 3,000 pharmacists and hundreds of exhibitors, will also feature two keynote speakers: ZDoggMD, also known as Zubin Damania, MD, and William Espey, the driving force responsible for developing Chipotle's unique brand voice.

ZDoggMD, who writes medical parody videos that educate and entertain, aims to bring everyone in health care together to create a better system of care (including fair payment and treatment for all clinicians, including pharmacists), according to NCPA.

Espey will discuss best practices on branding, values integration, and the power of creating a lasting connection with customers.

Wiliam Espey

The DIR fees session, “Prepare for Impact! DIR Estimation and Mitigation Strategies for Your Pharmacy (Back Office)”, will be held on October 16, from 3:45-5:15. “These technology tools don't extinguish pharmacy DIRs, but they can help address their maddening unpredictability,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh.

Another session, “Hitting the High Points of Medical Cannabis”, will be held on October 16 from 4:15-5:45. Joseph Friedman, RPh, Chief Operations Officer for PDI Medical-a medical marijuana dispensary in Buffalo Grove, IL-and Bradley Carlson, PharmD, Principal Consultant for CannaRPh, LLC, St. Louis Park, MN, will present an overview of the business of medical cannabis, the projected state of legalization, the economic impact, and “the role of pharmacists who have the training, skill set, patient mindset, and practical knowledge to dispense and counsel”, according to the NCPA Annual Convention program guide.

Related article: Why a Pharmacy School Cancelled Marijuana Classes

Numerous other workshops and sessions will be held, including: “Specialty Pharmacy-a Data-Driven Success Story”; “The Pharmacist’s Growing Role in Influenza Prevention”; and “A Roadmap for Working with Prescribers: Turning Theory Into Practice.”

Special events at the NCPA Annual Convention include the Student Pharmacists Luncheon on October 14, the NCPA PAC Reception on October 17, and the Closing Night Party on October 17.