Here are two examples of the waste the new mandatory State of CT employee plan is creating, as well as limiting choices. 

 We had one customer, who is on the state plan come in last week with a new prescription.  We could not fill, so they took it to CVS.  CVS can only fill it for a 90 day supply.  This is a new medication for this customer and they are not sure they wanted that much, but that was the only way it would be covered for them.

Today, again a state employee came in with a prescription that we could not fill.  When she called the plan to find out where she could have it filled and if she could just get a 30 day supply, the representative told her to have the 90 day prescription filled and throw away what she didn't need.

Granby Pharmacy now has a Medicare Part B number to bill for Durable Medical Equipment.  We are an Accredited Facility through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics.

We are accredited for the following services:

• Commodes/Urinals/Bedpans
• Blood Glucose Monitors and Supplies 
• Heat & Cold Applications
• Canes and Crutches
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs-Standard Manual
• Wheelchairs - Standard Manual Related Accessories
• Wheelchair Seating/Cushions
• Orthoses: Off-the Shelf
• Ostomy Supplies
• Nebulizer Equipment and Supplies

I try to post positive, proactive articles, but I felt this needed to be posted.

This week, our pharmacy received a prescription from a physician's office for a customer who has been with us for a long time.  The prescription was for a nebulizer medication and we have filled it in the past.  When we got the order, we ordered the medication which costs over $385.00.  First we billed the customers Medicare part D coverage, received a rejection that we needed to bill Medicare part B.  The allowable on Part B for this medication is way below our cost, even if we bill an additional administrative fee we still would lose 6.00.  Since we had been paid previously (our cost only) on the part D plan, we called the physician's office to start the prior authorization process.  This all started on Monday.  Today, we found out that the patient received the medication through the mail.  We are very happy that the patient has the medication he needs, but this is one patient and one example of what a pharmacist does to fill a medication.  We spend more time navigating the rules and regulations of the healthcare system, just to try and cover our costs.  Our time is not considered one bit in the reimbursement.  If the system was less complicated the pharmacists could spend more time counselling patients without worrying whether we can stay in business.  In this particular situation, we now have to spend additional time to return the medication we ordered.

We have a new product in our store.

Geller Joint Care provides penetrating relief of minor aches and pains associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains.  

What is it?
Glucotek tecnology encapsulated Gellert Joint Care ingredients, allowing them to interact with the different layers of the skin and transmigrate down to the affected joint.  

The Result
This transdermal technology delivers active ingredients through the skin via micro hair follicles directly to the affected joint safely and efficiently.

www.gellerthealth.com

Granby Pharmacy will be selling tickets for a Pasta dinner.  Proceeds of the dinner will benefit the Granby Memorial High School Senior Class and South Congregational Church.

February 24, 2012 from 5-7 PM

Tickets: $8.00 adults, $4.00 children (under 10)

Pasta, Salad, Bread, and Deserts will be served!

Tickets may also be purchased by calling Rachel Rising at (860)653-9875 or available at the door

Check out our calendar page for community events.

Blood Drive Sponsored by:  The Granby Grange.

American Red Cross Blood Drive at South Congregational Church, February 23, 2012 from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM . To make an appointment online click here.  Or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Each presenting donor will be eligible for a chance to win FREE heat* for a month.  Weekly drawings held from February 1st through February 29th 2012. 

*$200.00 Maximum. Paid directly to utility provider.  Prize is not redeemable for cash and non-transferable.

The Town of Granby Youth Service Bureau is showing HAZE the movie on February 6th at 6:45 in the Granby Memorial Middle School Media Center.

This short documentary is about the increasing dangers of hazing and binge drinking among college age youth.  

To find out more about what the Granby Prevention Council is doing consider attending the Bi-Annual General Coalition Meeting on February 6th at 6:00 PM in the GMMS Media Center.

MeadowBrook of Granby, the Farmington Valley VNA and Dr. Peter Barwick present:  "Common Cardiac Procedures....Prepare Yourself"  

Highlights

• What can I expect?
• What are the doctors looking for?
• Explanation of Common Heart Procedures
• Q & A session

Featuring Dr. Peter Barwick, Retired Cardiologist and Lori Hoover, RN, BSN Farmington Valley VNA

Date:  February 23, 2012
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Place:  MeadowBrook of Granby, 350 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035

We carry many cards and gifts by local authors and artists.  Check our Cards and Gift section of the website for more information.

I have been reading In My Lifetime and it's really a very interesting book.  As a child myself, I visited the Goddard Farm, which the first chapter is about.  

Tonight we are attending the Granby Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony. John Kissel will be the guest speaker.  Bill Carmon of Carmon Funeral Homes is the Business Person of the Year and Lori Love of Granby Village Health is the Humanitarian of the Year.