Lincoln Alexander, PharmD

A thorough understanding of immunization billing processes for Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party payers will be critical to ensure pharmacy staff can efficiently serve their communities and facilitate a smooth reimbursement process.

Immunization needs for patients aged 19 to 64 years and afflicted with chronic conditions are often overlooked, and necessitate more attention and resources. Pharmacies traditionally do not focus on this patient population; instead often choosing to focus primarily on the population 65 years and over. However, engaging with patients in the 19- to 64-year-old group could go a long way in helping to fill the current immunization void in this population.

The most common chronic conditions, and the biggest drivers in annual health care costs for US adults, include heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.