’s
March 17, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Pharmacy Program to Begin at SCKC
Staff Celebrate Retirements
A prescription discount program which could offer significant out of pocket savings to some has been approved for implementation at South Central Kansas Clinic. The Federal program is called 340B, and has been in place since 2015 at the hospital. “Starting April 1st, the discount program becomes available to everybody in the community that uses our downtown clinic. Prescriptions that the patient is prescribed by a provider at that clinic will be able to be filled at a participating pharmacy for lower costs then they currently get,” said Holly Harper, SCKMC’s Chief Financial Officer. The discount will vary depending on the specific medication prescribed, and not all drugs qualify for the program. “In the 340B program there are certain drugs they try to offer at a discount to patients. Some of the drugs are already at a discount, so you may only get a dollar or two off, but you still get the benefit from those savings. There are some diseases out there that have high cost drugs and are included in that program,” Harper said. Many of the drugs available through the discount program are used in the treatment of common conditions or diseases. “One of the drugs that I look at specifically, because it affects a lot of our population, is the diabetic drugs. Not all of them, but some of them are on the list and could save our diabetics quite a bit of money on their monthly supplies,” Harper said. The clinic 340B program is open to any patient of South Central Kansas Clinic, regardless of which provider the patient sees. “On April 1st, we will start accumulating data of the prescriptions. That data will roll into the 340B program, and we will start printing (prescription discount) cards. Patients can request those cards after they have been seen and have accumulative prescriptions from the physician. You can’t participate if you don’t have any prescriptions ordered by a physician,” Harper said. To date, Taylor Drug and the Ark City Wal-Mart location are participating pharmacies. However, the hospital is working to partner with additional pharmacies to expand the program. For more information about South Central Kansas Clinic, located at 515 N. Summit in Ark City, or the 340B program call (620) 442--4850.
SCKMC has celebrated two retirements within the past month. Phyllis McCorgary retired as the hospital’s Medical Staff Coordinator on February 24th, and Jane Campbell retired as Director of Quality Performance and Risk Management on March 17th. The retirees were honored with receptions attended by staff and guests. McCorgary announced her retirement to the hospital’s Board of Trustees during their February meeting. “This has been very rewarding. The hospital is very important to our community and to the people. I’m so very grateful for everyone for (serving on the Board),” McCorgary said. Campbell also announced her retirement to the Board in the same meeting. “It’s been a real privilege to work for this hospital, and this Board in particular. I think you are an outstanding Board. I ask that you continue to support this hospital. It’s a gem. The facility is great certainly, but the people who work here are amazing. Not just in the care they provide, but in their humanity. The times they have gone over and above what they have been called to do as nurses, aides, billers, or coders, they never failed to see our patients as human beings. That is something that is so important in healthcare. I know they appreciate your support. Thank you for the opportunity,” Campbell said. Board Chair Carol Hearne addressed the retirees. “On behalf of the Board we would like to thank you for your service, and all you have done for us while trying to keep us in order the best you could. We appreciate you,” Hearne said. (Pictured: Jane Campbell displays one of her retirement gifts during her final day as SCKMC’s Director of Quality Performance and Risk Management.)
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. The FDA has recently approved a nasal spray for people who wake up at least two times per night to urinate. However it is not approved to treat all causes of urinating at night, it is only approved to treat overproduction of urine. Noctiva is the only treatment for this condition. It is taken once daily 30 minutes before bed. Most common side effects include nasal discomfort, cold symptoms, nasal congestion, sneezing, and dizziness.