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Each NHIA concurrent session has been organized within the following educational track content areas (and are marked with the below icons to assist you with your program selections):
TRACK PROGRAMMING
 = Clinical  = Management  = Reimbursement  = Sales & Marketing
Go to:
Sunday, March 9
Monday, March 10
Wednesday, March 12
Educational Program
All programs are listed below by time—for a listing of concurrent sessions by education track, please refer to the Session Planner.
Tuesday, March 11
7:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast Symposium:
Maximizing Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics in the Treatment of Resistant Gram-negative Infections
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from AstraZeneca
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
ACPE # 207-999-08-198-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
There is an increasing number of patients being discharged from hospitals with nosocomial infections attributed to multiresistant gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Pharmacists and nurses caring for patients in the alternate-site infusion setting are increasingly involved in managing these infections after hospital discharge. In the last several years a number of novel antibiotics and treatment regimens have been developed. This program is designed to specifically address the treatment of resistant gram negative infections and highlight examples of the application of pharmacodynamic principles to maximize treatment outcomes.
Faculty: David Nicolau, PharmD, FCCP, Director for the Center for Anti-Infective Research and Development and Coordinator for Research in the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Pharmacy, Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut
Educational Objectives:
- Describe the current status of antimicrobial resistance rates among predominant gram-negative pathogens.
- Describe changing epidemiology of resistant infections and factors contributing to these changes.
- Identify strategies to manage these infections and minimize the development of resistance.
- Discuss the susceptibility of bacterial pathogens to carbapenems and other broad-spectrum agents.
- Employ pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles to provide optimum outcomes when using meropenum in the alternate-site setting.
Breakfast Symposium:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Neuropathies
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Talecris Biotherapeutics
Hyatt Regency Phoenix
ACPE # 207-999-08-167-L01-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
Pharmacists and nurses practicing in the alternate-site setting often encounter patients being treated for immune-meditated neuropathies. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) are examples of neurological diseases treated with intravenous therapies. Join us to explore the current definition, diagnosis and treatment guidelines for immune-mediated neuropathies—and discuss specific regulatory and reimbursement issues related to such treatment approaches.
Faculty: Carol Lee Koski, MD, Medical Director, GBS/CIPD Foundation International, Baltimore, MD
Educational Objectives:
- Describe the clinical and laboratory diagnostic criteria for immune-mediated neuropathies treated in the alternate-site setting.
- Describe the immunopathologic mechanisms underlying immune-meditated neuropathies.
- Compare and contrast results of clinical trials exploring treatment approaches for immune-mediated neuropathies.
- Describe the anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action of IVIG.
- Discuss the regulatory and reimbursement issues related to treating patients with neurological diseases with IVIG in the alternate-site setting.
9:15 – 10:30 a.m.
NHIA General Session:
Leading With One Clear Voice-A Call to Fellowship
Featuring NHIA Leadership
Phoenix Convention Center—South Building
ACPE #207-999-08-168-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.25
Session Summary:
Change is never easy and always creates anxieties—however, like it or not, systemic changes in our field and throughout all of health-care are coming at a rapid rate. Will we be ready to holistically combat our challenges, while capturing our many opportunities? Without question, small, medium and large providers, along with all key stakeholders, must better connect through a reciprocal fellowship if we are to successfully navigate a changing landscape—while speaking to congress, the media and others with a unified voice.
Receive a comprehensive update on the latest advocacy efforts to ensure meaningful Medicare coverage for alternate-site infusion patients—with an emphasis on what we each need to do to secure productive outcomes on Capitol Hill. Then listen to a seasoned NHIA Leadership Panel examine how we can transform the future of our field for the better, via deeper collaboration. Enhancing our shared focus on leadership, vision, courage, innovation and fellowship will enable our industry to cultivate a much-needed collective sense of purpose and direction. Join your peers for this provocative dialogue to discern how we can more effectively channel our compassionate actions and vital stories with one common voice to greatly advance the field.
Educational Objectives:
- State why Medicare Part D is the wrong benefit for home infusion.
- Discuss the strategy NHIA pursued in 2007 to work with CMS to fix the Medicare problem without legislation.
- Describe the legislative strategy NHIA is pursuing in 2008.
- Discuss the benefits of getting involved in grassroots efforts to Medicare legislation.
- Discuss how the infusion community can join work together to transform the infusion field.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
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Choice of Concurrent Education Sessions (C)
Phoenix Convention Center—South Building |
9-C. New Parenteral Drugs and Biologicals 2007: A Review for Home Care Practitioners [C]
ACPE #207-999-08-169-L01-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Review how, since January of 2007, the FDA has approved a number of new pharmacological entities to treat acute and chronic conditions—specifically reflecting upon this content from the perspective of the home care clinician.
- Examine the new parenteral drugs and biologicals approved in 2007, their role in disease management and their clinical application in home care.
- Obtain a brief overview of select pipeline drugs.
Faculty: Anna Nowobilski-Vasilios, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, BCNSP, Chicago, IL
Educational Objectives:
- Highlight the pathophysiology and therapeutic goals for each corresponding disease state.
- Discuss the indications and appropriate role of each new agent.
- Describe the major adverse effects, contraindications, and precautions for each new agent.
- List issues relating to dosing, administration, storage, and program implementation for each new agent.
- Discuss patient education and monitoring interventions that would lead to achievement of therapeutic goals.
10-C. Comprehending Ambulatory Infusion Center Models
ACPE # 207-999-08-170-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Discover why, with over 200 biological therapies in the biotech pipeline, the need for ambulatory infusion centers (AICs) will continue to grow.
- Receive a practical, hands-on, 30-minute summary of the various AIC models that exist today.
- Hear vital insights offered by a panel of AIC consultants and providers with experience in setting up and managing ambulatory infusion centers and services.
Faculty: David M. Franklin, MSA, President, Advanced Care Consulting Services, Shelby Township, MI; Ed Neuman, Vice President, CFO, HomeCare IV of Bend, Inc., Bend, OR; and Barbara Nolet, MA, ARNP, President, Northwest Management Associates, Gig Harbor, WA
Educational Objectives:
- Compare and contrast three different business models for ambulatory infusion centers.
- Describe key strategies for business development of a freestanding ambulatory infusion center.
- Describe basic drug and service reimbursement requirements for operating a physician office-based ambulatory center.
- Identify the various regulatory and reimbursement requirements related to the hospital-based ambulatory infusion center.
- Discuss various business strategy considerations when planning and implementing an ambulatory infusion center.
11-C. Medicare Restructuring Update 2008
ACPE # 207-999-08-171-L03-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Ascertain the structure in which home infusion therapy claims are adjudicated under Medicare Part B.
- Learn how to identify the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) contractors that are involved with enrollment, setting policy, processing of claims, appeals and audits.
- Understand how (starting in 2005 and continuing through the present) these contractors and their responsibilities have changed significantly under provisions of the Benefits and Improvement Act of 2000 (BIPA) and the Medicare
- Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA)—including conversion of Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERCs) to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs).
Faculty: Pamela Dentino, Reimbursement Project Manager, Option Care Inc., Buffalo Grove, IL
Educational Objectives:
- Identify the role of DME MACs (Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors) in the Medicare process and how they relate to providers.
- Identify the role of PSCs (Program Safeguard Contractors) in the Medicare process and how they relate to providers.
- Identify the role of QICs (Qualified Independent Contractors) in the Medicare process and how they relate to providers.
- Identify role of the NSC (National Supplier Clearinghouse) in the Medicare process and how they relate to providers.
- Discuss the Medicare competitive bidding program and new accreditation requirements for DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics and Orthotics Suppliers).
12-C. Compliance and Sales: Identifying Marketing Opportunities While Avoiding Compliance Hurdles
ACPE # 207-999-08-172-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Consider how alternate-site infusion organizations can engage in a variety of creative business arrangements with other health care providers—inclusive of adopting and implementing programs that incorporate marketing to referral sources.
- Recognize how to avoid potential regulatory violations when entering into these dealings.
- Analyze innovative business arrangements and marketing programs that fit within the current regulatory landscape.
Faculty: Clay Stribling, Esq, Attorney, Brown & Fortunato, PC, Amarillo, TX
Educational Objectives:
- List statutes and regulations that govern marketing programs.
- Describe business arrangements that can be entered into by infusion companies, pharmacies, HME companies, home health agencies, hospitals, physicians and other providers.
- Identify innovative marketing programs that focus on marketing to referral sources.
- Identify arrangements and programs that might violate anti-fraud laws.
- Describe business arrangements that are legally acceptable.
3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
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Choice of Concurrent Education Sessions (D)
Phoenix Convention Center—South Building |
13-D. Pharmacokinetics—Basic Principles and Practical Applications
ACPE # 207-999-08-173-L01-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Comprehend how “pharmacokinetics” attempts to accurately describe the time course of a drug as it is metabolized in the body.
- Receive an overview of the basic pharmacokinetic principles—and grasp the practical applications of these principles to the alternate-site infusion practice.
- Examine how the derivation, manipulation and study of related mathematical equations of varying degrees of sophistication have enabled clinicians to better understand the kinetics of absorption, distribution and elimination of medications.
Faculty: Pammi J. Farren, RPh, PhD, Branch Infusion Manager, Apria Healthcare, Columbus, OH
Educational Objectives:
- Describe basic principles of pharmacokinetics.
- Compare and contrast graphical and mathematical descriptions of pharmacokinetics.
- Discuss the impact of patient- and drug-specific factors on pharmacokinetic parameters.
- Describe how to apply pharmacokinetic principles to medications used in home infusion.
- List how to apply pharmacokinetic principles to aminoglycoside therapy.
14-D. VAD Workshop—Special Focus on Vascular Access Devices
Part I: Care and Maintenance of Vascular Access Devices in the Alternate-Site Setting
Please Note: Participants must attend BOTH Parts I (14-D.) and II (19-E.) of the VAD Workshop to receive Continuing Education Contact Hours—no partial credit is allowed: Total CE credit for Parts I and II is 3.0 contact hours for Nursing, as well as Pharmacy.
ACPE # 207-999-08-174-L01-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 3.0
Vascular access is an essential component of care for the home infusion patient—this special satellite workshop will provide a total of three hours of programming, featuring two leading experts on vascular access devices. Beyond the didactic material presented, there will also be an opportunity for interactive dialogue, where attendees can address clinical issues with the faculty. Part I of the VAD Workshop will specifically cover the following:
Session Summary:
- Discover best practice guidelines for flushing of vascular access devices in the home care environment—and discuss current/ongoing studies related to needless devices and strategies for prevention of device-related infections.
- Review evidence-based practices for stabilizing vascular access devices—as well as interventions for the prevention of device-related bloodstream infections.
- Compare and contrast recently introduced vascular access technologies used in the home care setting.
Faculty: Lynn Hadaway, MEd, RNC, CRNI® , Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc., Milner, GA
Educational Objectives:
- Identify best practice guidelines for flushing of vascular access devices in the home care setting.
- Discuss current and ongoing studies related to needless devices and strategies for prevention of device-related infections.
- Discuss evidence-based practices for securing vascular access devices.
- Describe interventions for the prevention of device-related bloodstream infections.
- Compare and contrast recently introduced vascular access technologies used in the home care setting.
15-D. How Will Competitive Bidding Affect Your Pharmacy?—Prepare to Succeed in a Changing Marketplace!
ACPE # 207-999-08-175-L03-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Recognize how competitive bidding will change the market for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers and pharmacies.
- Assess whether the products and services provided by your pharmacy may or may not be included.
- Explore the regulatory maze of complex rules and regulations that apply—and learn what you will need to know to survive.
Faculty: Clay Stribling, Esq, Attorney, Brown & Fortunato, PC, Amarillo, TX
Educational Objectives:
- List the DME competitive bidding provisions of the Medicare Modernization Act.
- Discuss the key components of the competitive bidding process.
- Describe how competitive bidding will affect pharmacies.
- Discuss current regulatory and court initiatives to repeal competitive bidding.
- State the necessary steps to take if an organization is not awarded a contract under competitive bidding.
16-D. Medicare Part D Workshop—Special Focus on Reimbursement Challenges
Part I: Background and Contracting
Please Note: Participants must attend BOTH Parts I (16-D.) and II (21-E.) of the Medicare Part D Workshop to receive Continuing Education Contact Hours—no partial credit is allowed: Total CE credit for Parts I and II is 3.0 contact hours for Pharmacy, as well as Nursing.
ACPE #207-999-08-176-L03-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 3.0
The implementation of Medicare Part D represented the single most significant change in the Medicare program since its inception over 40 years ago. How do these changes affect the typical alternate-site infusion reimbursement department? Join us for this hands-on, three-hour workshop to examine the day-to-day, practical aspects of the Medicare Part D Program. The first session of the Workshop will specifically address the following:
Session Summary:
- Obtain a thorough background on the Part D program, including the key legal elements and benefit structure facets that you should be aware of.
- Understand the core fundamentals of Medicare Advantage programs.
- Review critical Medicare Part D contracting issues—and begin to analyze the Part D program in terms of alternate-site infusion operations.
Faculty: Jeanie Smith, Vice President, Reimbursement, Critical Care Systems, Nashua, NH; Sharon Niewinski, Medicare Reimbursement Specialist, Option Care, Buffalo Grove, IL; and Bruce Rodman, MBA, Vice President, Health Information Policy, National Home Infusion Association, Alexandria, VA
Educational Objectives:
- Describe the legal history of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit.
- Explain the critical gaps in coverage for home infusion therapy under the Medication Part D program.
- Discuss reimbursement operations for submitting claims to Medicare Part D plans for home infusion drugs.
- Outline the process for billing flushes, diluents and supplies for home infusion patients with Medicare Part D
- Describe the use of internet applications to assist in submitting claims to Medicare Part D plans.
17-D. Taking Your Game to the Next Level: Advanced Training for Infusion Sales
ACPE #207-999-08-177-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Learn how to cultivate skills that will translate into more referrals and increased alternate-site infusion revenue.
- Discuss solid strategies for reading your customers, carrying sales conversations and assessing how to truly know when a sales call went well.
- Acquire advanced closing techniques to use when “closing the sale”—and realize how to vary your sales approach, depending upon who you are talking to.
Faculty: David Adair, MBA, Regional Sales Manager, Chartwell Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA
Educational Objectives:
- Describe personality types and list strategies to read customers quickly.
- Identify successful skill sets which help to carry conversations.
- List the key elements necessary to demonstrate an understanding of customer motivation.
- List the characteristics of a successful sales call versus an unsuccessful sales call.
- Describe the benefits of utilizing a closing technique.
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
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Choice of Concurrent Education Sessions (E)
Phoenix Convention Center—South Building |
18-E. Specialty Infusion—Past, Present and Future!
ACPE #207-999-08-178-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Understand a clear definition of the term “specialty infusion” and then compare it to what we think of as traditional home infusion, as well as specialty pharmacy.
- Engage in a thorough review of the economics of specialty infusion—including the costs of goods and services (COGS), labor, the impact of USP 797 and the effect of the NIOSH alert on facility requirements.
- Study risk-management considerations related to the high cost of handling and compounding specialty infusion drugs—inclusive of specialty drugs currently in the pipeline and service models that are suitable for each drug’s administration.
Faculty: Marc Stranz, PharmD, Healthcare Consultant, Evergreen, CO
Educational Objectives:
- Compare and contrast the term “specialty infusion” to traditional home infusion and specialty pharmacy.
- Discuss the financial considerations of providing specialty pharmacy infusion drugs and services.
- List risk-management considerations when compounding and handling specialty infusion drugs.
- Discuss the impact of the biotechnology pipeline and the use of various pharmacy distribution models on specialty infusion pharmacies.
- Describe several emerging business models for providing specialty infusion drug products and clinical services.
- Interactive discussion and Q and A
19-E. VAD Workshop—Special Focus on Vascular Access Devices
Part II: Vascular Access Device Complications in the Alternate-Site Setting [C]
Please Note: Participants must attend BOTH Parts I (14-D.) and II (19-E.) of the VAD Workshop to receive Continuing Education Contact Hours—no partial credit is allowed: Total CE credit for Parts I and II is 3.0 contact hours for Nursing, as well as Pharmacy.
Part II of the VAD Workshop will address the following content areas (in addition to offering attendees opportunities for interactive discussion with the faculty about pertinent clinical questions):
Session Summary:
- Learn how to differentiate between local and systemic complications of vascular access devices—and acquire nursing and medical interventions to manage these difficulties.
- Explore the "SBAR" (Situation; Background; Assessments; Recommendation) model for communicating with physicians regarding catheter complications and interventions being recommended.
- Assess techniques for salvage of vascular access devices, as well as prevention of related complications.
Faculty: Jim Lacy, RN, BSN, CRNI® , Clinical Leader, Western Area, Boston Scientific, Draper, VT
Educational Objectives:
- Differentiate between local and systemic complications of vascular access devices.
- Describe nursing and medical interventions to manage these complications.
- Describe the "SBAR" model for communicating with physicians regarding catheter complications and interventions recommended.
- Discuss techniques for salvage of vascular access devices.
- Discuss prevention of vascular access complications.
20-E. Alternate-Site Infusion Legislative and Regulatory Update
ACPE #207-999-08-179-L03-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Obtain an overview of the significant legislative and regulatory changes that are on the horizon for alternate-site infusion suppliers.
- Comprehend the latest modifications in federal and state guidelines, via an enlightening and interactive presentation format.
- Attain the knowledge required to best prepare your organization for these recent and anticipated changes.
Faculty: Clay Stribling, Esq, Attorney, Brown & Fortunato, PC, Amarillo, TX
Educational Objectives:
- Identify significant legislative and regulatory changes implemented in 2007.
- Identify potential legislative and regulatory changes coming for 2008.
- Discuss how suppliers can prepare for upcoming changes.
- Identify how regulatory and legislative changes impact compliance programs.
- Identify key contacts for legislative and regulatory initiatives.
21-E. Medicare Part D Workshop—Special Focus on Reimbursement Challenges
Part II: Nuts and Bolts, Internet Applications and Best Practices
Please Note: Participants must attend BOTH Parts I (16-D.) and II (21-E.) of the Medicare Part D Workshop to receive Continuing Education Contact Hours—no partial credit is allowed: Total CE credit for Parts I and II is 3.0 contact hours for Pharmacy, as well as Nursing.
Part II of the Medicare Part D Workshop will address the following content areas (in addition to offering attendees opportunities for interactive discussion with the faculty and an expert panel about relevant Part D reimbursement questions):
Session Summary:
- Discover pragmatic, successful approaches for implementing Medicare Part D as an alternate-site infusion provider, while appropriately managing reimbursement challenges.
- Learn how to productively address all the key aspects of Part D internet applications—including eligibility, test claims, queries, available websites, and NCPDP vs. X12 billing.
- Examine critical payer source issues—and hear best practices from a dynamic panel of experts.
Faculty: Jeanie Smith, Vice President, Reimbursement, Critical Care Systems, Nashua, NH; Sharon Niewinski, Medicare Reimbursement Specialist, Option Care, Buffalo Grove, IL; and Bruce Rodman, MBA, Vice President, Health Information Policy, National Home Infusion Association, Alexandria, VA
Educational Objectives:
- Review important considerations when contracting with Medicare Part D plans.
- Identify best practices for contracting with Part D plans.
- Discuss future considerations for participation in providing drugs and services for Medicare Part D patients.
- Identify best practices for implementation of Medicare Part D billing at your infusion organization.
22-E. Effective Sales and Marketing Today: Meet the Experts!
ACPE #207-999-08-180-L04-P
VNA Approver Number:
Pharmacy & Nursing Continuing Education Contact Hours: 1.5
Session Summary:
- Engage a seasoned panel of infusion sales professionals from national to local providers, as they answer your most pressing questions about developing and growing the sales function at your organization.
- Obtain key insights on recruitment and retention of top performing sales personnel, growing business in rural markets and managing customer objections.
- Receive effective, efficient and innovative ideas to help grow your referral base, as you analyze real-world examples of sales programs that have achieved proven results.
Faculty: David Grady, Owner and Consultant, Superior Specialty Pharmacy, LLC dba Big Sky IV Care and Spotted Dog Consulting, LLC, Kalispell, MT; Len Holman, RPh, Option Care of Northeast Ohio, Canfield, OH; and Jayne Van Brunt, RN, BSN, Infusion Market Manager, Apria Healthcare, Redmond, WA
Educational Objectives:
- State the three most common sales and marketing strategies utilized by smaller companies competing against national rivals.
- Identify the three most common objections experienced by large infusion companies competing against smaller, locally owned businesses.
- List the three most common strategies for growing business in rural markets.
- Describe successful sales strategies utilized by companies without individuals solely dedicated to the sales function.
- Identify recruitment and retention strategies for seasoned sales professionals.
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