Fall 2020 Knowledge Forum Highlights

At our recent Fall 2020 Knowledge Forum on November 6-7, VitalSource™ GPO members had the opportunity to gather virtually to hear from industry experts on many oncology-related topics, ranging from site-of-care dispensing, to anticipated changes to healthcare policy, to implications of possible drug pricing reform. Attendees participated in role-specific breakout sessions tailored to the unique needs of physicians, pharmacists and practice administrators, providing opportunities for virtual networking and sharing of best practices.

Below are a few key highlights and takeaways:

• Jim Flood and Scott Douglas of Crowell & Moring, and Jerrica Mathis, Director of Government Affairs of Cardinal Health, gave a preview into the healthcare policies we may expect to see in 2021. Although the final results of the Presidential election had not been announced at the time of the event, they predicted that drug pricing reform and changes to the Affordable Care Act would be likely areas of focus for either administration. 
• Jonathan Levitt, Esq. of Frier Levitt, LLC reviewed some of the key issues that practices are facing when it comes to site-of-care dispensing. Levitt advised attendees that they are protected by the rule of law and that it is important to understand these protections apply to retail pharmacies and physician dispensaries. Federal and state legislation can protect dispensing practices from certain behaviors that could be unfavorable. 
• John O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, former advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, discussed implications of drug pricing reforms for community-based practices and the upcoming changes in the U.S. political landscape. He shared that drug pricing reform changes will likely be incremental rather than sweeping changes. However, he noted that historically some of the biggest healthcare changes have come with a divided executive and legislative branch of the government, for example Medicare Part D. John also shared that he does not expect big changes to happen immediately with the Most Favored Nation (MFN) and International Pricing Index (IPI) due to the current priorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
• Ajeet Gajra, MD, Senior Medical Director at Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, presented an overview of clinical trends in community practice including a stronger focus on the importance of molecular testing, as well as the expansion of next generation CAR-T cellular therapies.
• Sonia Oskouei, PharmD, Vice President, Biosimilars, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, presented on the growing adoption of biosimilars in oncology treatments. She shared that biosimilars are estimated to reduce direct spending on biologic drugs across the U.S. by $54 billion from 2017 to 2026.

The content shared at our fall event emphasizes the importance of keeping a close watch on the months ahead, and the insights shared by industry experts also provided attendees with valuable information as their practices plan for the future.

If you were unable to attend our fall Knowledge Forum, make sure to mark your calendar for the spring meeting, which is scheduled for April 16-17, 2021. In addition to rich content and engaging conversations about topics currently transforming our industry, Knowledge Forum offers interactive breakout sessions for physicians, pharmacists, and administrators.

Knowledge Forum is an invitation-only event exclusively for VitalSource™ GPO members. To learn more and request your invitation, contact GMB-VitalSource@cardinalhealth.com.

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