Congressman Geoff Davis Visits Walgreens Pharmacy

Congressman Geoff Davis Visits Walgreens Pharmacy

Yesterday, Congressman Geoff Davis visited with the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action at the Walgreens Pharmacy in Florence, Kentucky. During the visit, Congressman Davis discussed the day-to-day issues pharmacists face in dealing with the healthcare bureaucracy, customers and Medicare.

Everyday, millions of Americans turn to their pharmacists for advice on drug interactions and to better understand their prescription medications. Pharmacists play an important role in the lives of patients and, increasingly, are asked to help navigate the complex world of healthcare. During the implementation of Medicare Part D, they played the role of advisor, helping patients understand what plan would work best for them.

Pharmacists are faced with a number of complex issues stemming from Medicare and Medicaid as well as healthcare regulations. Congressman Davis is aware of these issues and has been an advocate for pharmacists in Congress. Congressman Davis has stressed the need for clarification of Average Manufacture Price (AMP) regulations to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As a co-sponsor of H.R. 5182, the Fair and Speedy Treatment of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act (the FAST Act), Davis is working to ensure that pharmacists are promptly reimbursed for their services. This legislation would require Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (or PDPs) to offer electronic direct deposit of reimbursements.

Congressman Davis remarked, "I would like to thank Walgreens for inviting me here today to see first-hand the work pharmacists do everyday. Pharmacists are important educators about over-the-counter and prescription medications. Although it is not their primary role, more and more, they are serving as advisors and counselors. Their dedication to the health and safety of patients should be applauded."

http://geoffdavis.house.gov/Read.aspx?ID=355