VerifiedRx

2026 OPPS Final Rule: What Hospitals Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finalized the 2026 Outpatient Perspective Payment System (OPPS) rule, with most policies taking effect on January 1, 2026. Jenna Stern, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Vizient, joins host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in Vizient's Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, to discuss key updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions affecting Medicare beneficiaries receiving care in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers.
 
Guest speaker: 
 
Jenna Stern Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy
Vizient
Host:  
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh 
Pharmacy Executive Director
Vizient 
Verified Rx Host
 
Show Notes:
00:05 — Introduction
Announcer welcomes listeners to VerifiedRx.
Host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at Vizient, introduces the episode focus: the 2026 CMS Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Final Rule.
Guest: Jenna Stern, VP of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at Vizient.
 
01:12 — Overview of the OPPS Final Rule
OPPS sets Medicare payment for most hospital outpatient services.
Published annually (typically November), effective January 1.
Covers payment rates, policies, quality programs, and compliance requirements.
Note: CMS delayed enforcement of hospital price transparency requirements until April 1, 2026.
 
01:34 — Key Takeaways From the 2026 Final Rule
Jenna’s high-level insights:
Hospitals will continue facing financial pressure in 2026.
Modest payment rate increase combined with reimbursement-reducing policies.
Expansion of site-neutral payment policies will be particularly impactful.
Rule reflects emerging administration priorities shaping future policy.
 
02:21 — OPPS Payment Rate Update for 2026
CMS finalized a 2.6% OPPS schedule increase factor for hospitals meeting quality reporting requirements.
 
02:40 — What the 2.6% Increase means
Based on:
3% market basket update
–0.7% productivity adjustment
Results in a modest net increase.
Slightly better than the proposed 2.4% increase, though still viewed as inadequate.
CMS estimates $8 billion increase in total OPPS payments compared to 2025.
 
03:37 — 340B Remedy Offset: Background
From 2018–2022, CMS paid for 340B drugs at ASP –22.5%.
Prior Supreme Court decision from 2022 found that CMS lacked authority to vary rates as finalized in prior rulemaking (e.g., without using drug acquisition cost surveys to inform policy).
 
04:13 — 340B Remedy Offset in the 2026 Final Rule
CMS considered increasing the remedy offset from 0.5% to 2%.
Stakeholders strongly opposed the increase due to hospital financial strain.
 
05:10 — Final Outcome
CMS retained the 0.5% offset for 2026.
CMS signaled that larger offsets may be proposed for 2027.
This marks the first year the remedy offset takes effect,
 
06:00 — Site-Neutral Payment Policy: What It Is
Concept: same service = same payment, regardless of site of care.
Hospital concern: policy reduces hospital reimbursement without accounting for site of care differences, patient acuity, overhead, or service complexity.
 
06:15 — Site-Neutral Expansion in the 2026 Rule
CMS expanded site-neutral payment to include drug administration services at excepted off-campus provider-based departments.
 
07:08 — Financial Impact
Reimbursement aligns with Physician Fee Schedule rates.
CMS estimates $290 million reduction in outpatient spending for 2026.
$220 million of savings accrue directly to Medicare.
Not implemented in a budget-neutral manner.
 
08:14 — Non-Opioid Pain Management Payments
Temporary additional payments began January 1, 2025.
Authorized under the NO PAIN Act (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023).
 
08:28 — What’s New for 2026
CMS finalized the renewal of:
5 drugs
13 medical deviceseligible for separate payment in HOPD and ASC settings.
Per statue, payments available through December 31, 2027.
 
09:32 — Process Improvements
CMS will allow more frequent consideration of new qualifying products (not limited to annual updates).
Quality criteria unchanged; timing flexibility added.
CMS released guidance on how stakeholders can engage for inclusion.
 
10:58 — OPPS Drug Acquisition Cost Survey
CMS finalized plans to survey hospitals on acquisition costs for separately payable OPPS drugs.
 
11:21 — Why CMS Is Advancing the Survey
Addresses Supreme Court requirements from prior 340B litigation.
Aligns with White House Executive Order on lowering drug prices.
Positions CMS to use survey data for 2027 rulemaking.
 
12:47 — OPPS Packaging Thresholds for 2026
Drugs and biologics: Threshold remains at $140.
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals: Increased to $655 (from $630).
Products below thresholds retain Status Indicator “N” (packaged payment).
 
13:26 — Why Billing Packaged Drugs Still Matters
Even though not separately payable, hospitals must bill for packaged drugs.
Billing data feeds cost reports used to calculate future bundled payments.
Failure to bill can result in inaccurately low reimbursement.
 
14:14 — Elimination of the Inpatient-Only (IPO) List
CMS finalized a three-year transition to eliminate the IPO list by January 1, 2029.
 
14:32 — Why This Change Is Significant
IPO list historically ensured certain services were provided inpatient only.
CMS emphasizes provider judgment in determining site of care.
Raises concerns about:
Patient safety
Payer coverage changes
Pressure to move services outpatient
 
16:28 — ASC Covered Procedure List Expansion
CMS expanded the ASC Covered Procedure List.
Enables more Medicare covered services to be performed in the ASC settings.
 
16:48 — Price Transparency: Still a Priority
No major overhaul, but continued refinement.
CMS exploring new uses of price transparency data beyond patient comparison.
 
17:46 — Most Critical Policies to Watch
Jenna highlights:
Modest OPPS payment increase
Site-neutral payment expansion
340B remedy offset
Drug acquisition cost survey
Broader regulatory activity beyond OPPS
 
18:43 — Available Vizient Resources
OPPS Final Rule Summary
Government Relations & Public Policy Summaries
 Advocacy
 
19:20 — Closing
Carolyn thanks Jenna for her insights.
Reminder to subscribe, like, and share feedback.
VerifiedRx is produced by the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence.
 
Links | Resources: 
Medicare Program: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating; Hospital Price Transparency; and Notice of Closure of a Teaching Hospital and Opportunity To Apply for Available Slots: Click Here
CMS fact sheet on the Final Rule: Click Here
Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Drug Acquisition Cost Survey: Click Here
Vizient Office of Public Policy and Government Relations final rule summary:  Click Here
Final List of Qualifying Products for Separate Payment for non-opioid pain medications: (Table 136, pgs. 1138-1140)
 
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The GOAT of GPO’s

Pharmacy buyers play a critical role in keeping hospitals running—and their partnership with a GPO can make all the difference. In this episode of Verified Rx, Jackie Stokes sits down with Theresa Brown and Michelle Crump, two powerhouse pharmacy buyers and members of Vizient’s Pharmacy Technician Committee, to talk about the tools, programs, and peer networks that help them thrive in their roles. From leveraging pharmacy analytics to navigating shortages, maximizing NovaPlus value, and strengthening buyer-to-buyer collaboration, this episode is packed with insights to help pharmacy teams work smarter, save money, and support better patient care.
 
Guest speakers: 
Theresa Brown National Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist
Prospect Medical Holdings
 
Michelle Crump, ASBA, CPhTNational Certified Pharmacy Technician Buyer
Pharmacy
Host:
Jackie Stokes
Program Services Manager
Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)
Vizient
 
Show Notes:
[00:48] — Guest Introductions
Theresa
National pharmacy purchasing specialist
Background: inventory control, home infusion startup, pharmacy technician educator
[01:14] — Michelle
Nationally certified pharmacy technician since 2016
Pharmacy buyer at a small independent county critical access hospital
Transitioned from accounting into pharmacy purchasing
 
[01:26] — The Role of Vizient in Supporting Pharmacy Buyers
Theresa:
Biggest benefit: relationship with pharmacy executive & sourcing team
Uses Pharmacy Analytics (formerly VSAP) to evaluate spend and inventory control across 63 facilities
 
[02:16] — How Pharmacy Analytics Supports Buyers
Theresa:
Data mining on spend increases/decreases
Tracks product returns
Identifies sharing opportunities to prevent waste
[02:59] — Michelle’s Experience
Analytics helps mitigate waste
Collaboration with other buyers has been essential — especially for someone new to the buyer role
Learns navigation of Vizient systems and how to work with the local GPO
Peer support helps demystify a “diverse and complex” buyer role
 
[04:02] — Value of the Vizient Pharmacy Technician Committee
Provides national peer networking
Helps buyers learn from subject matter experts
Even highly experienced buyers (35+ years) learn from every call
 
[04:41] — Vizient Programs: NovaPlus, NES, Forum Calls, Hot Info
Bimonthly Forum Calls
Provide regulatory updates
Help expand buyer knowledge in real time
Hot Info Weekly Updates
Keeps users informed on inventory, shortages, spend impacts
[05:31] — Michelle on Program Impact
Calls and shared expertise were critical when she was new
NovaPlus program especially valuable in critical access settings
 
[06:32] — Deep Dive: How the NovaPlus Program Works
Michelle explains:
NovaPlus (Y-label) aligns with manufacturer-labeled products (M-label)
Quarterly rebates provide significant savings
Critical access hospitals benefit via 340B optimizer software that extracts outpatient utilization to qualify for discounted M-label purchasing
Can result in “significant savings” depending on contract structure
 
[08:38] — What If NovaPlus Pricing Isn’t the Best Price?
Michelle:
Buyer’s responsibility to identify price discrepancies
Communicates with Vizient representative to reassess contracting needs
Often resolved through rebates or future price adjustments
[09:30] — Theresa:
Price challenges taken seriously
Many result in price reductions visible in Hot Info the next week
Demonstrates importance of strong GPO relationships
 
[10:07] — Understanding NES: NovaPlus Enhanced Supply
Theresa:
Her hospitals are exploring NES participation
Requires 90% compliance (higher than standard 80%)
Benefits include prioritized product access during shortages
Critical when national backorders exceed 200+ items
Ensures better patient care continuity
 
[11:34] — Supply Assurance & Mitigation Strategies
Michelle:
During the North Carolina hurricane, Vizient’s mitigation strategy was “imperative”
Vizient engaged Baxter directly to resolve critical fluid shortages
Small hospitals especially reliant on support in crisis situations
[12:36] — Theresa:
Shortage team provides substitution guidance and clinical appropriateness information
Vizient recommendations support discussions with local clinical teams
Crucial during COVID start date — her first day in national role
 
[13:23] — Continuing Education (CE) Programs
Theresa:
Vizient CE programs help maintain technician licensure
Webinars are interactive, engaging, and more informative than generic CE resources
 
[14:07] — Networking and Pharmacy Aggregation Groups (PAGs)
Theresa:
PAGs offer cost savings and peer collaboration
Ability to share information and bring value back to her own network
[14:44] — Michelle’s Example of System-to-System Collaboration
Shared compounded syringes (from a 503B facility) with another hospital to prevent waste
Highlights real-world benefits of PAG networking
 
[15:52] — Addressing National Challenges Together
Theresa:
PAG roundtables help uncover shared struggles (e.g., DSCSA serialization issues)
Members provide actionable advice on what’s working in their systems
Reinforces “we’re all in the same boat”
 
[16:50] — Supporting and Elevating Pharmacy Technicians
Jackie’s goal:
Support technicians and recognize the value they bring
Committee exists to uplift and empower pharmacy buyers/techs
[17:05] — Michelle:
Worked with leadership to create a tiered technician level system
Helps techs gain skills, feel valued, and earn raises
Improves career satisfaction and retention
 
[17:46] — Closing Reflections
Theresa:
Being part of Vizient is “an honor and a privilege”
Values shared knowledge and strong relationships
[18:00] — Michelle:
Gratitude for collaboration and guidance over the years
Vizient connections were vital for adapting to the buyer role
 
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Return of Pipeline 2026 – Cell and Gene Therapies

In Part 2 of the 2026 pipeline series, host Carolyn Liptak welcomes Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence at Vizient, to explore the advanced therapies pipeline: cell therapies, gene therapies, tissue-engineered products, and combination advanced therapy products.
The discussion explores major pipeline trends, six leading products to watch, and the growing innovation expected to shape clinical practice in 2026.
 
Guest speakers: 
Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPSSenior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence
Spend Management
Vizient
Host:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director
Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)
Vizient 
 
Show Notes:
[00:05] — Introduction
Announcer opens the episode.
Host Carolyn Liptak introduces the focus on advanced therapies:cell & gene therapies, tissue-engineered products, and combination products.
Guest: Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager, Strategic Clinical Intelligence at Vizient.
[01:07] — Defining Advanced Therapies
FDA groups cell and gene therapies within advanced therapies.
Total FDA-approved advanced therapies: 46.
Amanda monitors 29 drug-like therapies within that group.
[02:01] — Pipeline Size and Approval Activity
S. pipeline: 264 agents in development.
About 10 agents approach FDA decision annually.
Actual approvals: 5–7 per year on average.
[02:56] — Big-Picture Trends in Cell & Gene Therapy
Oncology dominates
40–50% of all CGTs in development.
Expanding into autoimmune, neurology, and earlier-phase therapies for diabetes, angina, osteoarthritis.
Movement toward allogeneic ("off-the-shelf") therapies
Designed to overcome limits of autologous cell manufacturing.
Reduces wait time and manufacturing failures.
Resurgence of therapeutic vaccines
Currently 3 approved (Sipuleucel-T, Talimogene, Papzimeos
).
20+ vaccines in the pipeline, largely targeted to cancer.
CE program coming Jan 29.
[06:13] — Therapy #1:  Tabelecleucel or Tab-cel (Allogeneic EBV-Specific T-Cell Therapy)
First allogeneic T-cell therapy expected in the U.S.
For EBV-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).
“Off-the-shelf” and donor-derived.
[07:07] — Clinical Need & Outcomes
Currentstandard of care: rituximab.
After relapse, survival <1 month (HSCT) or <4 months (solid organ).
Phase 3 data: 90% one-year survival.
Regulatory Status
Prior FDA CRL due to manufacturing (third-party issues).
Expected approval: January 10, 2026.
[09:00] — Therapy #2:  Kresladi  (Autologous Gene Therapy for LAD-I)
Treats severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD-I), typically diagnosed in infancy.
Could eliminate need for stem cell transplant (often limited by lack of matched donors).
[11:39] — Clinical Outcomes
Phase 1/2 data (n=9):
100% survival at one year
Major reduction in hospitalizations
Discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics
Regulatory Status
Multiple delays due to CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, controls) questions.
Resubmitted Oct 2025; anticipated approval March 28, 2026.
[13:27] — Therapy #3: ORCA-T (Enhanced Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant)
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells + regulatory and conventional T cells (Tregs + Tcons).
Designed to improve:
Graft-versus-tumor effect
Graft-versus-infection protection
Reduction in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
[14:31] — Clinical Significance
Could markedly improve quality of life after transplant.
Regulatory Status
Anticipated approval: April 6, 2026.
[15:01] — Therapy #4: Vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1) (RP1 — Oncolytic HSV-1 Virus)
Off-the-shelf genetically modified HSV-1 oncolytic virus.
For advanced melanoma after prior PD-1 inhibitor therapy.
[16:17] — Why It Matters
Currently, poised to compete with Amtagvi (TIL therapy).
TIL therapy is autologous and slow to manufacture; RP1 is ready-to-use and combines with nivolumab (Opdivo).
Regulatory Status
PDUFA: April 10, 2026.
[16:34] — Therapy #5: INO-3107 (Therapeutic Vaccine for RRP)
Targets HPV 6 and 11, which cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).
Patients can require several surgeries per year to remove papillomas.
[17:34] — Vaccine Mechanism
DNA plasmid (vs viral vector in PAP).
Lower insertional oncogenesis risk.
Potentially improved durability of response.
Regulatory Status
Manufacturer aims to finish BLA by end of 2025.
Expected approval (with priority review): mid–late 2026.
[19:17] — Therapy #6: Clemidsogene lanparvovec (Intracerebral Gene Therapy for Hunter Syndrome)
One-time treatment for MPS II (Hunter syndrome).
Designed to deliver therapy directly into the brain to address neurological progression.
[21:21] — Competing Agent Emerging
New enzyme therapy tivedenofusp alfa crosses the blood-brain barrier — unlike current ERT (idursulfase).
Expected approval: April 5, 2026.
Raises payer & clinical sequencing questions:
One-time gene therapy vs repeat annual enzyme therapy
Durability vs cost (ERT ~$500K/year)
Regulatory Status
Clemidsogene lanparvovec anticipated approval: February 8, 2026.
[22:45] — Cost, Value, and Durability Considerations
Gene therapies may reach multi-million-dollar cost brackets.
Durability becomes critical for payer adoption.
Hospitals face long onboarding timelines for advanced therapies and must choose which to implement.
[22:56] — Where to Learn More
Spend Management Outlook (formerly Pharmacy Market Outlook)
Oncology and pediatric Vizient therapeutic web pages
FDA cell/gene therapy webpage
CE session on therapeutic vaccines (Jan 29)
[23:46] — Closing
Carolyn thanks Amanda.
Reminder to subscribe, send comments, and explore further resources from Vizient.
 
Links | Resources: 
Spend Management Outlook: Click here
Therapeutic class insights: Click here
FDA webpage: Click here
 
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Pipeline 2026: The Movers, the Shapers, & What Matters

If you're wondering which therapies may influence care delivery, budgets, and decision making in 2026, the pipeline offers an early preview and it points to a year defined by innovation. We're seeing new first in class treatments, thoughtful next generation agents, and a biosimilar market where fewer launches are offset by important competitive shifts driven by recent approvals. John Schoen and Heather Pace from the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence join Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information and your Verified RX program host to highlight pipeline agents worth watching and discuss what they may mean for care delivery and spend management in the year ahead.
 
Guest speakers: 
John Schoen, PharmD, BCPS  
Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information   
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 
 
Heather Pace, PharmD
Senior Clinical Manager of Drug Information   
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence   
 
Host:  
Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCPS  
Associate Vice President 
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence
 
Show Notes:
[01:01] — Episode Scope
The focus is non-CGT therapies; CGT pipeline will be covered in Part 2.
[01:50] — Therapeutic Areas With the Most Approvals
Oncology leads the pipeline.
Others include infectious disease, neurology, rare disease, endocrine, hepatology, dermatology, and rheumatology.
[02:37] — Biosimilars in 2026: Momentum or Headwinds?
Discussion of potential “biosimilar void”—only 10% of expiring biologic patents have biosimilars in development.
Emerging role of PBM private-label biosimilars.
[03:51] — FDA Draft Guidance on Interchangeability
FDA exploring interchangeable designation for all biosimilars.
Potential shift away from clinical efficacy studies in favor of analytical comparisons.
Guidance still in draft and open for public comment.
[05:34] — John’s Top Picks for First-in-Class Agents
06:11 — Orviglance
First manganese-based, oral MRI contrast agent.
Advantages for patients with kidney impairment.
Used for liver imaging.
[06:20] — Why Non-Gadolinium Matters
Lower risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
[06:46] — Tabelecleucel
First allogeneic EBV-specific T-cell therapy.
For EBV-positive PTLD post-transplant.
Could become new standard of care.
[07:42] — Tanruprubart
First therapy specifically for severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
Shows improved outcomes over IVIG and plasma exchange.
[08:20] — Comparing to Standard of Care
Review of improved real-world data outcomes.
[09:03] — Therapies That May Shift Care Delivery
[09:32] — Icotrokinra: First oral IL-23 antagonist for plaque psoriasis.
[10:00] — Insulin Icodec
First once-weekly basal insulin for type 2 diabetes.
Resubmitted after safety concerns in type 1 diabetes.
[10:59] — Honorable Mentions
Camizestrant
SERD for ER+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer.
Ensitrelvir (COVID-19)
Oral option for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Also being evaluated for treatment.
Doravirine + Islatravir (HIV)
Introduces new NRTTI class.
Cefepime + Zidebactam
Active against metallo-β-lactamase–producing organisms.
14:05 — Key Biosimilar Launches
Omalizumab (Xolair)
First biosimilars in asthma/allergy space.
Aflibercept (Eylea)
High competition expected pending litigation.
Pertuzumab (Perjeta)
First biosimilar anticipated in oncology.
[15:31] — Biosimilars Approved in 2025, Impacting 2026
Ustekinumab (Stelara): first full year of competition
Denosumab (Prolia/Xgeva): 10–15 biosimilars expected
Eculizumab (Soliris): notable for rare disease market entry
[17:17] — John’s Closing Thoughts
Strong mix of first-in-class advances and next-gen convenience therapies.
[17:36] — Heather’s Closing Thoughts
2026 will focus on speed and scale after the 2025 biosimilar wave.
Pharmacists pivotal in ensuring smooth patient transitions.
 
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Beyond the Formulary: Evolving Enterprise P&T Committees

Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committees historically operated at the individual hospital level but have evolved into enterprise-wide governance programs due to health system expansion, unprecedented clinical and financial complexity of care, and the emergence of high impact and novel therapeutics.
To address this, the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence convened an expert panel that concluded health system enterprise P&T committees are uniquely positioned to balance clinical value with financial stewardship and minimize practice variation. They issued best practice considerations representing a dynamic framework designed to evolve alongside emerging therapies, evolving technologies, and the ongoing transformation of health systems.
Joining us today are two members of the expert panel. We have Conor Hanrahan, AVP, enterprise pharmacy services, medication outcomes and stewardship with Intermountain Health and Prabashni Reddy, who at the time of the panel was the executive director of medication use and policy at Mass General Brigham.
 
Guest speakers: 
Prabashni Reddy, RPh, PharmD, MMedSc(former) Executive Director of Medication Use and Policy
Mass General Brigham
Conor Hanrahan, PharmD, MHA, MS, BCPS, CPHQAVP, Medication Policy, Outcomes, and Stewardship
Intermountain Health, Enterprise Pharmacy Services
Host:
Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH  
Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes 
Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)
 
Show Notes: 
[01:02-03:38] The value Prabashni and Conor saw in joining the expert panel
[03:39-05:33] What Prabashni and Conor learned from interactions during the expert panel 
[05:34-10:55] Intriguing actionable enterprise P&T program insights panelists brought to the table that listeners can use
[10:56-14:01] Use of criteria and principles to create successful and broadly applicable best practices
[14:56-16:00] How our listeners can put this panel's best practices into action
 
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Challenges with AI in Pharmacy

Artificial intelligence, or, AI is on everyone's minds, and we're all still figuring out how to trust it, teach it, and use it responsibly. Today we take a deep dive into how AI is affecting the education of current and future pharmacy students. With us is Jennifer Trujillo, associate Dean for education and professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, and Logan Tinsen, the clinical pharmacy manager and residency program director at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana.
 
Guest speakers: 
Jennifer Trujillo, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADMAssociate Dean for Education
Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Logan Tinsen, PharmD, FMPAClinical Pharmacy Manager and Residency Program DirectorBenefits Hospitals
 
Host:  
Kerry Schwarz, PharmD, MPH  
Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes 
Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE)
 
Show Notes: 
[01:02-03:45] Challenges with AI in pharmacy education
[03:46-05:59] The AI adoption spectrum: Pitfalls of extremes between full and limited adoption
[06:00-11:18] Approaches to pharmacy education in the early stages of AI
[11:19-14:55] Guardrails and safeguards
[14:56-16:29] Key takeaways about AI right now for pharmacy educators
 
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Inside the Clean Room - Safely Handling Cell & Gene Therapies

From CAR-T therapies to viral vectors, cell and gene treatments are redefining the boundaries of pharmacy practice—but with innovation comes complexity. Host Carolyn Liptak welcomes Dr. Mark Wiencek, Principal Microbiologist with the Technical Services Group at Contec, and Dr. Amanda Frick, Senior Clinical Manager of Market Intelligence at Vizient, to break down the challenges of compounding these advanced therapies.
 
Listen in as they discuss real-world risk assessments, biosafety considerations, and how hospital pharmacies can safely manage these groundbreaking yet high-risk treatments.
 
Guest speakers: 
Mark Wiencek, PhDPrincipal Microbiologist, Technical Services Group
Contec
Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPSSenior Clinical Manager, Market IntelligenceVizient
 
Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh 
Pharmacy Executive Director 
Vizient
 
Show Notes: 
[01:02-01:51] Mark shares his background and experience in microbiology
[01:52-04:04] Overview of the types of cell and gene therapies (CGT) currently used in clinical practice
[04:05-05:14] Which CGT therapies are most applicable to pharmacy compounding and why
[05:15-10:29] Things not on the NIOSH list and the risks
[10:30-12:03] Evaluating whether viral vectors can penetrate intact skin and the true occupational exposure risks
[12:04-13:18] If hazards are not defined by the NIOSH list, how should these CGT hazards be classified
[13:19-15:03] Determining the safest environment for compounding CGT therapies
[15:04-20:14] Best practices for decontamination, disinfection, and viral vector handling
[20:15-20:59] Do you need a dedicated biosafety cabinet for CGT therapies
[21:00-22:55] Recommended resources for further learning
 
Links | Resources: 
 Blind and colleagues (Nationwide): Click here
Wang and colleagues (Stanford): Click here
CONTEC HEALTHCARE WEBINAR Using Bugs as Drugs: Compounding Viral Vectors in Cell & Gene Therapy for Hospital Pharmacies, Mark Wiencek, May 13, 2025: Click here
Blind, J.E., Ghosh, S., Niese, T.D., Gardner, J.C., Stack-Simone, S., Dean, A. and Washam, M., 2024. A comprehensive literature scoping review of infection prevention and control methods for viral-mediated gene therapies. Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, 4(1), p.e15. Click here
Deramoudt, L., Pinturaud, M., Bouquet, P., Goffard, A., Simon, N. and Odou, P., 2024. Method for the detection and quantification of viral contamination during the preparation of gene therapy drugs in a hospital pharmacy. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 81(12), pp.615-621. Click here
Korte, J., Mienert, J., Hennigs, J.K. and Körbelin, J., 2021. Inactivation of adeno-associated viral vectors by oxidant-based disinfectants. Human Gene Therapy, 32(13-14), pp.771-781. Click here (abstract only; full article available for purchase)
Martino, J.G., McConnell, K., Greathouse, L., Rosario, B.D. and Jaskowiak, J.M., 2024. Cellular therapy site-preparedness: Inpatient pharmacy implementation at a large academic medical center. Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 30(8), pp.1442-1449. Click here
Penzien, C., 2023. Safe handling of BioSafety drugs and live virus vaccines. Pharm Purch Prod, 20(4), p.12. Click here
Petrich, J., Marchese, D., Jenkins, C., Storey, M. and Blind, J., 2020. Gene replacement therapy: a primer for the health-system pharmacist. Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(6), pp.846-855. Click here
Wang, A., Ngo, Z., Yu, S.J. and MacDonald, E.A., 2025. Implementing standard practices in the safe handling of gene therapy and biohazardous drugs in a health-system setting. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, p.zxaf026. Click here
 
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Tapping into NTAP

New data from the summer Vizient Spend Management Outlook show that in the inpatient space, high-cost drugs, especially CAR-T treatments like Yescarta and Breyanzi are major drivers of drug spend. To help offset these costs, certain therapies may qualify for additional reimbursement through the New Technology Add-On payment (NTAP), a program that supports innovations that substantially improve care for Medicare beneficiaries. Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director at the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence joins host Stacy Lauderdale, Associate Vice President of Evidence-Based Medicine and Drug Information at Vizient to cover the purpose of this add-on payment, the criteria necessary for drugs to qualify and strategies to capture its full value.
 
Guest Speaker:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, RPh Pharmacy Executive Director Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence
 
Host:Stacy Lauderdale, PharmD, BCP  Associate Vice President Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  
 
Show Notes: 
[01:02-03:38] Overview of NTAP and why CMS created the program
[03:39-05:02] How DRG recalibration depends on broad adoption
[05:03-07:17] Criteria for medications to quality for NTAP status
[07:18-08:24] Who determines whether a therapy represents substantial clinical improvement
[08:25-10:05] The value NTAP provides to hospitals
[10:06-11:51] How to locate products that are eligible for NTAP
[11:52-16:22] Best practices to ensure that NTAP payment is captured when the drug is used
[16:23-17:22] Resources for additional information
 
Links | Resources: 
Payment Updates: Preparing for 2026 - On Demand
New Medical Services and New Technologies 
FY 2026 IPPS Final Rule Home Page 
MAC Implementation File 8 (ZIP) – FY 2026 New Technology Add-on Payment 
CMS Web Pricer 
 
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GLN Changes You Can’t Ignore

As the Drug Supply Chain Security Act dispenser exemption period winds down, the Vizient Standards implementation team announced an important change to the Vizient Global Location Number (GLN) Management program. The data standards team will inactivate unmanaged GLNs, which will impact pharmacies and other providers who are not currently managing their Vizient assigned GLNs. Two experts leading that conversation, Carl Henshaw, Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management, and Dawn Burtram, Lead Analyst, Standards Implementation at Vizient join host Carolyn Liptak, Pharmacy Executive Director in the Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence at Vizient to discuss implications.
 
Guest speakers: 
Dawn Bertram, MBA
Lead Analyst Standards Implementation
Vizient 
 
Carl Henshaw
Senior Director, Data Operations, Enterprise Information and Data Management
Vizient
 
Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm 
 
Show Notes: 
[01:08-01:59]  Dawn and Carl’s background
[02:00-02:41] What exactly is a GLN and what does it mean to be self-managed
[02:42-07:26]  Who creates and maintains GLNs in this data hub and the three different GLN products
[07:27-08:51] How to determine who actually enumerated the GLNs
[08:52-10:20] Educating and preparing providers for the DSCSA  compliance deadline
[10:21-12:37] The recent decision to inactivate unmanaged GNS and why it's essential to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of GLN data
[12:38-15:05] What it means to participate in our program and who's eligible to participate
[15:06-17:51] Why the deadline of November 15th matters
 
Links | Resources:
Vizient GLN Learning Center
GLN Management Process Education Session (E-Learning)
VGMP Application
GS1 What is a GLN and How Do I Get One? 
Drug Supply Chain Security Act
 
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Inside the New Joint Commission Manual

The Joint Commission’s updated accreditation manual is designed to simplify requirements, enhance clarity, and better support healthcare organizations in survey preparation. In this episode of VerifiedRx, host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Robert Campbell of the Joint Commission and Diana Scott of Vizient to unpack the most significant changes. From the shift to National Performance Goals and medication safety priorities to the latest challenges in compounding, labeling, and hazardous drug handling, the conversation highlights practical insights to help pharmacy leaders stay compliant and survey-ready.
 
Guest speakers:
Robert Campbell, PharmD, BCSCP
Sr. Director, Standards Interpretation, Accreditation Decision Management,Medication Safety Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations
Joint Commission
 
Diana Scott, MHA, RN, CPHQ
Principal, Regulatory and Accreditation Services
Vizient
 
Host: 
Carolyn Liptak, , BS Pharm, MBA  
Vizient
 
Show Notes: 
[01:16-01:51] Diana and Robert Backgrounds
[01:52-02:43] Changes made to the hospital and critical access hospital manuals
[02:44-03:09] Changes to the chapters themselves
[03:10-04:08] National Performance Goals and elaborate on those that are relevant to medication safety and pharmacy services
[04:09-05:15] The top medication management challenges
[05:16-06:29] Pain management not being aligned and titration orders
[06:30-06:56] Insufficient communication between pharmacists, prescribers and nurses when it comes to medication orders
[06:57-08:02] Themes around labeling requirements for stored medications
[08:03-08:46] Anything different in removing expired meds from patient care areas and in the pharmacy this area than previous years
[08:47-10:58] Issues related to storing meds specifically per the package insert
[10:59-11:55] Common issues seen inside the pharmacy regarding sterile compounding, noncompliance include hand hygiene, garbing, PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting
[11:56-13:12] More specifics in those area the physical environment and facility cleanliness along with cleaning and disinfection practices
[13:13-14:55] Explaination of how joint Commission defines and evaluates immediate use compounding
[14:56-16:09] The minimum required elements for immediate use compounding competency
[16:10-17:12] Compounding competencies besides immediate use
[17:13-17:54] Expectations for environmental services training
[17:55- 20:14] Concerns around hazardous drugs
[20:15- 21:14] Additional information
 
Links | Resources:
Joint Commission: THE NEW STANDARD: Accreditation 360
For Members: On-Demand webinar and CE information
 
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