Strategic biosimilar optimization can help health systems evaluate medication choices through a broader clinical, operational, financial, and payer-focused lens. Dr. Jerry Rebo from Novant Health joins host Heather Pace to discuss a structured quarterly process for reviewing biosimilar performance, monitoring payer preferences, identifying denial trends, and supporting informed therapy decisions. He shares practical guidance for health systems, building a similar approach with existing resources.

Guest: Jerry Rebo, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, BCCCPS, D-PLA Director of Value & Outcomes Novant Health

Host: Heather Pace, PharmD Senior Clinical Manager, Ambulatory Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, Clinical Spend Management Vizient

Show Notes:

[00:55]

• The challenges of managing biosimilars across clinical care, clinic operations, reimbursement, payer contracting, prior authorization, and patient experience.
• The factors Novant Health considers when evaluating biosimilar products and therapeutic classes.

[01:51]

• Novant Health’s structured four-week review process, beginning with data collection from studies, reimbursement reports, payer policies, denial trends, and margin analysis.
• The role of therapeutic class reviews, clinical feedback, operational considerations, and financial performance in developing quarterly recommendations.

[03:27]

• The purpose of a biosimilar payer table and the way it tracks formulary updates, payer preferences, documentation requirements, and denial trends.
• How payer information supports communication among medical teams, authorization teams, pharmacy teams, and informatics partners.

[04:52]

• The difference between responding to individual denials and monitoring denial patterns over time.
• The value of identifying whether denials are connected to internal operational issues or changes in payer policies and plans.

[06:49]

• How expected payment rates are calculated by comparing actual reimbursement with billed amounts.
• The importance of reviewing reimbursement performance regularly so product recommendations can be updated as conditions change.

[07:56]

• The challenges of identifying opportunities for optimization across different therapeutic classes and payer types.
• Why Medicare Advantage plans require additional review since their preferences may differ from standard Medicare formularies.

[09:36]

• The value of breaking down organizational silos and bringing pharmacy, revenue cycle, clinical, operational, and administrative experts together.
• How a systematic biosimilar review process may support future medication management efforts involving biologics, cell therapies, and gene therapies.

[10:53]

• Practical advice for health systems that want to begin a biosimilar optimization process with limited resources or staffing.
• The importance of connecting with colleagues, learning from related initiatives, and mapping existing workflows before building a new process.

[12:02]

• Opportunities to use automation and technology to reduce manual data preparation.
• The potential for more efficient tools to give teams additional time for analysis, recommendations, and implementation.

[13:16]

• The importance of building relationships across the health system to solve shared problems.
• The role of cross-functional collaboration in supporting successful biosimilar management.

Links and Resources:

Vizient 2026 Connections Summit (poster presentations will be available for viewing on Oct 7)

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Medication management remains a critical focus for accreditation, quality, and patient safety. This episode features highlights from a recent Vizient and Joint Commission live broadcast exploring updated medication management standards, National Patient Safety Goals, and key survey observations affecting healthcare organizations today. Dr. Robert Campbell from Joint Commission and Diana Scott from Vizient join host Carolyn Liptak to discuss why standards evolve, emerging areas of risk, and practical insights to help organizations strengthen safe, high-quality care.

Guest speakers: Robert Campbell, PharmD, BCSCP Vice President, Accreditation/Certification Program Development and Accreditation 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, MBA, BS Pharm  Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance  Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

[01:09] Updates to the Joint Commission standards and the focus on relevance, usefulness, and patient safety.

[02:13] Joint Commission replaced national patient safety goals with national performance goals. How medication management connects to other goals involving patient identification, care delivery, and health professional resource management.

[03:22] Looking beyond the number of findings to evaluate their potential impact, degree, and scope. A single observation can reveal a significant system or process failure requiring immediate attention.

[04:05] Multiple observations may now be grouped under one requirement for improvement, but each observation still requires correction.

[04:55] The three criteria used to identify an immediate threat to health or safety and taking action as soon as potential risks are identified during a survey.

[06:06] The difference between mitigation and abatement when addressing an immediate threat to health or safety.

[07:04] Situations in which Joint Commission may return within 23 calendar days to evaluate whether an issue has been corrected.

[07:38] Common concerns with titrated medications, including documentation that does not align with the most recent medication order.

[09:03] Medication safety responsibilities that extend across pharmacy, nursing, prescribers, procedural areas, and other departments.

[09:32] Sterile compounding concerns involving aseptic technique, hygiene, personal protective equipment, and environmental conditions.

[10:20] Immediate use compounding and the importance of distinguishing it from other preparation activities.

[10:46] Labeling medications and solutions in syringes, basins, bowls, cups, and other containers in procedural areas.

[11:18] Proper labeling as a simple but essential safeguard in fast-moving care environments.

[11:24] Medication management is a complex system that requires collaboration across multiple departments.

[12:11] Looking beyond requirement for improvement counts to evaluate the risks and scope behind each finding.

Links and Resources:

Joint Commission Medication Management Update 2026 – Vizient On Demand Webinar

Joint Commission Standards and Elements of Performance: Medication Management

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Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, while evolving guidelines and increasingly aggressive LDL cholesterol targets are changing how clinicians approach lipid management. Jodi Martinez, Pharmacist Clinical Specialist in Cardiology at the University of Colorado Hospital, part of UCHealth, joins Kerry Schwarz, Senior Clinical Manager for Evidence Based Medicine and Outcomes with the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence, to explore the emerging role of enlicitide in lipid management. They discuss the evidence behind its approval, its potential to expand patient access and where this first oral PCSK9 inhibitor may fit alongside existing therapies.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jodi Martinez, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCP, HF-CERT Pharmacist Clinical Specialist in Cardiology University of Colorado Hospital, UCHealth

Host: Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

[01:26]

• The limitations of current lipid management and why many high-risk patients still struggle to reach increasingly aggressive LDL cholesterol targets.
• How cost, prior authorization requirements and step therapy can create barriers to accessing injectable PCSK9 therapies.

[03:27]

• The evidence behind enlicitide and findings from the CORALreef clinical trial supporting its FDA approval.
• How enlicitide performed across LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, ApoB and lipoprotein(a) endpoints, and why cardiovascular outcomes remain an important unanswered question.

[06:37]

• An oral PCSK9 inhibitor could expand access by offering an alternative to specialty injectable therapies.
• Why retail pharmacy availability, cost and greater prescribing flexibility could help more patients receive intensive lipid lowering therapy.

[08:11]

• The potential barriers to enlicitide adoption, including delays in formulary review, insurance coverage and the administrative burden placed on clinicians.
• The lack of published cardiovascular outcomes could influence payer coverage, formulary placement and early uptake.

[10:15]

• Station remains the cornerstone of lipid management and where enlicitide may ultimately play a role
• Clinicians may consider the amount of LDL reduction a patient needs when choosing among available therapies.

Links and Resources:

2022 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the Role of Nonstatin Therapies for LDL-Cholesterol Lowering in the Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee

2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

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One of the most difficult—and least discussed—aspects of building a Consolidated Service Center (CSC) is securing executive support and capital investment. Success depends on connecting strategy, financial value and patient outcomes to an organization's broader goals. Ganesh Chandran is joined by Dr. Akeem Bale, Vice President, Pharmacy Services at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Dr. Laura Mark, Vice President of Pharmacy at Allegheny Health Network, to discuss the strategic, financial, and organizational steps that transformed a promising idea into an approved capital investment.

Guest Speakers: Akeem O. Bale, PharmD, MS, MBA, BCPS, BCSCP Vice President, Pharmacy Services Program Director, PGY1/2 HSPAL Residency Program UTMB Health, Department of Pharmacy Services

Laura Mark, MS, MHM, PharmD Vice President of Pharmacy Allegheny Health Network

Host:   Ganesh Chandran, PharmD, MBA Pharmacy Executive Vizient Pharmacy Enterprise Support

Show notes:

[01:12]

• How each organization recognized that traditional pharmacy operations could no longer support future growth, expanding ambulatory care, and increasing operational complexity.
• Why long-term strategic planning, workforce challenges, and enterprise wide support became the driving forces behind pursuing a consolidated service center.

[04:39]

• How successful business cases focus on organizational priorities such as patient access, financial performance, quality outcomes, and total cost of care instead of technology alone.
• Why demonstrating measurable value through pilots, standardization, and return on investment helps gain executive support for large scale transformation.

[08:30]

• The importance of tailoring proposals to different executive stakeholders while building champions who can advocate for the vision.
• How early operational improvements and phased implementation can demonstrate value before construction or major capital investments begin.

[10:24]

• Why breaking a consolidated service center strategy into manageable phases creates confidence among executive leaders and improves long term success.
• How responding to executive questions with refined financial models and scenario planning strengthens both the proposal and organizational trust.

[13:12]

• How creating an enterprise wide pharmacy culture through standardization, trust, and shared leadership prepares teams for organizational change.
• Why establishing a one team philosophy before opening a new facility creates stronger collaboration and more sustainable operational success.

[16:56]

• Practical advice for pharmacy leaders beginning their own consolidated service center journey, including learning from peer organizations and celebrating incremental progress.
• Why a consolidated service center should be viewed as an enabler of a broader pharmacy strategy that supports long term growth, scalability, and patient care rather than simply a new building.

Links and Resources: Pharmacy Enterprise Support

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Updated inflation projections are only part of the story when it comes to pharmacy planning. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Jeni Hayes and Dr. Amanda Frick, to discuss Vizient’s Summer 2026 Spend Management Outlook and why utilization trends, reimbursement, ambulatory care, and the expanding pipeline of advanced therapies are becoming just as important as inflation when preparing health systems for 2027 and beyond. Guest speakers: Jeni Hayes, PharmD, MS Pharm, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager, Market Insights & Forecasting Vizient Clinical Spend Management Amanda Frick, PharmD, BCPS Senior Clinical Manager, Market Insights and Forecasting Vizient Clinical Spend Management Host:   Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence  

Show notes:

01:03

• Why this year's Spend Management Outlook expands beyond inflation to include utilization, reimbursement, product mix, and operational readiness.
• How pharmacy leaders can use these broader market signals to make stronger strategic and financial decisions.

01:54

• The updated 2027 pharmaceutical inflation projection and why it increased from the previous forecast.
• Why organizations should pair national benchmarks with their own purchasing data to improve budgeting accuracy.

03:28

• Three major trends transforming pharmacy planning, including ambulatory growth, utilization, and enterprise collaboration.
• Why these consistent themes are changing how health systems approach long term pharmacy strategy.

04:25

• How new utilization analyses provide earlier insight into future pharmacy demand than inflation data alone.
• Examples of shifting trends in oncology therapies and GLP 1 medications that are influencing operational planning.

05:34

• Why GLP 1 growth is creating opportunities that extend well beyond pharmacy budgeting.
• How retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, pharmacist led clinics, and medication management can strengthen patient care and organizational performance.

07:10

• Why pharmacy has evolved into an enterprise wide capability that impacts access, reimbursement, and financial performance.
• How stronger collaboration across pharmacy, finance, revenue cycle, and clinical teams supports future readiness.

08:03

• Emerging pipeline trends, including continued oncology growth and the rise of advanced therapies.
• Why cell therapies, gene therapies, and RNA based medicines require organizations to prepare differently than traditional medications.

08:53

• How health systems are preparing months before therapy approval by building operational and clinical infrastructure.
• Why advanced therapies demand coordination across pharmacy, laboratory, nursing, finance, and physician teams.

10:33

• The expansion of advanced therapies into autoimmune, neurologic, cardiac, and rare disease treatment.
• Why organizations must balance planning for both high cost therapies and therapies with growing patient demand.

11:44

• How pipeline monitoring has evolved into a strategic planning tool rather than simply tracking approvals.
• Why early preparation helps organizations identify operational gaps before new therapies reach the market.

12:36

• Key takeaways on preparing for the future of pharmacy through utilization data, operational planning, and enterprise collaboration.
• Resources available through the Spend Management Outlook Insights Hub to support local budgeting and long term strategy.

Links and Resources:

Vizient Spend Management Outlook Insight Hub

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Botulinum toxin products are used across a wide range of therapeutic indications, yet many health systems have not evaluated whether product selection aligns with both clinical evidence and financial stewardship. Matt Groth, Director of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management at the University of Rochester Medical Center, joins Kerry Schwarz to discuss how his team implemented a botulinum toxin stewardship strategy by evaluating evidence, engaging clinicians, and standardizing product selection.

Guest Speaker: Matthew D. Groth, PharmD, MS Director of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management University of Rochester Medical Center

Host:

Dr. Kerry Schwarz, Pharm.D., MPH Senior Clinical Manager, Evidence-Based Medicine and Outcomes Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence 

Show Notes:

00:05 Introduction

• Learn why botulinum toxin stewardship is an emerging opportunity for health systems.
• Hear how clinical evidence and financial strategy can work together to optimize product selection.

01:25 Reviewing the evidence

• Explore the evidence supporting available botulinum toxin products, including indications, safety, and dosing considerations.
• Understand why limited clinical differences between products create opportunities for formulary evaluation.

02:31 Identifying stewardship opportunities

• Learn how organizations evaluate acquisition costs, reimbursement, payer policies, and contracting opportunities.
• Discover how financial analysis helps identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality patient care.

04:29 Implementing a preferred product strategy

• Hear how provider engagement, financial transparency, and P&T committee support helped drive adoption.
• Learn how a phased implementation approach increased market share while improving financial performance.

08:11 Lessons learned from implementation

• Explore the operational considerations that support successful implementation, from inventory management to prior authorizations.
• Learning why collaboration with physicians, nurses, office staff, and billing teams is essential to long term success.

10:57 Key takeaways

• Review the core elements of a successful botulinum toxin stewardship strategy.
• Learn how multidisciplinary collaboration can improve value while maintaining high quality patient care.

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As health systems grow more complex and executive expectations continue to expand, organizations must develop the next generation of pharmacy leaders. Host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Bonnie Levin and Dr. Cedric Terrell to discuss the growing pharmacy leadership pipeline challenge, the skills today's leaders need to succeed, and practical ways to identify and develop the next generation of pharmacy executives.

Guests: Bonnie Levin, PharmD, MBA, FASHP VP, Pharmacy Services Medstar Health

Cedric Terrell, PharmD, MHA SVP & Chief Pharmacy Officer Pharmacy Enterprise Services CommonSpirit Health

Host:  Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:54 - The Pharmacy Leadership Pipeline

• Why healthsystems are facing a shortage of pharmacy leaders.
• The impact of retirements, workforce changes, and succession planning challenges.
• How evolving expectations are reshaping leadership roles as pharmacy creates "a table that others want to sit at."

02:21 - The Modern Pharmacy Executive

• How pharmacy leadership has changed over the last several years.
• Why leaders now oversee larger, more complex healthcare enterprises.
• Why today's leaders must think like pharmacy business executives, not just department directors.

03:31 - Skills Every Future Leader Needs

• The growing importance of financial stewardship and business acumen.
• Why strategic thinking is just as valuable as clinical expertise.
• How pharmacy leaders create value through operations, finance, and innovation.

04:46 - Identifying Emerging Leaders

• What makes an informal leader stand out, from raising their hand to offering solutions instead of problems.
• Why leadership is a behavior, not a position.
• The importance of mentoring future leaders and exposing them to experiences beyond their own department.

06:06 - Preparing the Next Generation

• Where pharmacy education and leadership development are falling short.
• Why financial literacy, budgeting, and operational knowledge are essential leadership skills.
• How early exposure to business decisions helps future leaders build confidence.

07:31 - Residency and Real World Experience

• The value residency programs provide in developing clinical expertise.
• Why practical business experience is equally important for future executives.
• How mentorship and cross functional learning prepare pharmacists for broader leadership roles.

09:16 - Moving Into Executive Leadership

• How clinically trained pharmacists can expand into enterprise leadership.
• Bonnie shares why saying yes to leading behavioral health became one of the most valuable experiences of her career.
• Why leaders should seek opportunities that stretch their skills beyond pharmacy.

11:03 - Career Growth Through Opportunity

• Why saying yes to unfamiliar challenges accelerates leadership development.
• Expanding experience into areas like ambulatory care, payer strategy, imaging, and laboratory services.
• Cedric explains why creating opportunities is more valuable than waiting for them to appear.

12:07 - Leadership Advice

• Bonnie shares the quote that shaped her leadership philosophy.
• Cedric reflects on advice from his mentor to prepare today for the role you want three to five years from now.
• Why successful leaders stay curious and become comfortable making decisions with uncertainty.

13:58 - Looking Ahead

• Why today's pharmacy leaders are optimistic about the future.
• The value of innovation, persistence, collaboration, and strong professional relationships.
• Final reflections on building the next generation of pharmacy executives through mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning.

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