|Videos|July 27, 2021

The Influence of COVID-19 on the Push For Provider Status for Pharmacists

Ken Perez, MBA, vice president of healthcare policy and government affairs at Omnicell, discussed the pandemic's impact on the legislative push to grant pharmacists provider status for Medicare Part B.

Pharmacy Times interviewed Ken Perez, MBA, vice president of healthcare policy and government affairs at Omnicell, on the House and Senate bills, HR2759 and S1362 respectively, intended to grant pharmacists provider status for Medicare Part B.

In this discussion, Perez describes how the pandemic helped display the value of pharmacists and give greater visibility to the role they play in health care. He also points to the shortage of primary care physicians as providing the impetus for this legislation.

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

The Influence of COVID-19 on the Push For Provider Status for Pharmacists

Related Content

FDA Approves Zidesamtinib for Previously Treated ROS1-Positive NSCLC

What Sets VER-01 Apart From Other Cannabis-Derived Pain Therapies?

How Pharmacists Can Strengthen Community CAR T-Cell Programs

mRNA COVID-19 Booster Outperforms Protein-Based Shot on Antibodies, But Both Cut Infections Over 12 Months

How the PATINA Regimen Advances Maintenance Therapy for HR-Positive, HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Latest CME

The Oncology Pharmacist's Role in Managing Small Molecule Inhibitor Use in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Enhance Patient-Centered Care

Redefining Complement-Mediated Kidney Disease: The Latest in Diagnosis and Treatment

Optimizing Outcomes in Myasthenia Gravis: Therapeutic Advances and Value-Based Care Models

NEIAP Conference 2026

NEIAP 2026 Annual Forum

Navigating Novel Therapies in Steroid-Refractory cGVHD: Practical Strategies for Community-Based Oncology Pharmacists

Reducing Transfusion Burden in Myeloid Disorders: Novel Therapeutic Strategies and Pharmacist Interventions

Panel Discussion: Integrating Novel Combinations and Earlier Line Use in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Optimizing Patient Outcomes in R/R DLBCL: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Oncology Pharmacists in the Era of Novel Immunotherapies

From Molecules to Medicine: Pharmacologic Principles of Innovative Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Therapies

The Pharmacist's Role in Palliative and End of Life Symptom Management

Understanding mRNA Vaccines: Dispelling Myths and Empowering Pharmacists to Counsel Patients (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Understanding mRNA Vaccines: Dispelling Myths and Empowering Pharmacists to Counsel Patients

Precision Matters: Foundations of Biomarker-Driven Care in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

From Testing to Treatment: Empowering Pharmacists to Overcome Barriers and Optimize Biomarker-Driven Care

Navigating the Legal Landscape of Telehealth: Updates and Implications for Pharmacists and Technicians (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Clinical Presentation of Hyperglycemia with PI3K and AKT Inhibitors

Reducing the Treatment Burden in HIV Management: The Pharmacist’s Role in Long-Acting Injectable Adoption

Optimizing Lipid Management in Statin-Intolerant Populations: Payer Strategies for Evidence-Based Access and Risk Reduction

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Infectious Disease Prevention

Protecting Against Meningococcal Disease: Updates on Vaccines, Guidelines, and Pharmacist Best Practices

Targeting the Root of Autoimmunity in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Pharmacist Strategies for Integrating FcRn Therapies Into Specialty Practice

IL-23 Inhibitors in Psoriasis: Optimizing Access and Patient Outcomes Across Integrated Systems

Utilizing VMAT-2 Inhibitors for the Management of Tardive Dyskinesia: The Role of Long-Term Care Pharmacists

The Expanding Therapeutic Landscape in IgA Nephropathy: Translating New Clinical Evidence and Updated Guidelines Into Managed Care Strategies

From Guidelines to Action: Implementing Pneumococcal Vaccine ACIP Recommendations in Long-Term Care Settings

Multidisciplinary Insights and Strategies for Patients Treated With PI3K and AKT Inhibitors to Prevent Hyperglycemia

Effective Strategies to Manage Hyperglycemia When Treating with PI3K and AKT Inhibitors

Navigating Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment: Optimizing Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Managed Care Pharmacists

Innovations in Retinal Therapies: A Managed Care Perspective on Anti-VEGF Advancements

Cardiorenal Protection With SGLT2 Inhibitors: Perspectives for Managed Care

Bridging Innovation and Access in HR-Positive/HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: Implications for Managed Care

Multidisciplinary Insights to Enhance Biomarker Testing Practices in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Advancing Treatment Strategies in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Enhancing Pharmacist Competence in Therapy Selection, Administration, and Adverse Event Management

Addressing Gaps in Care for the Rapid and Long-Term Management of Hyperkalemia With Novel Oral Potassium Binding Agents: Insights for Managed Care Professionals

Minimizing Injection Burden: Anti-VEGF Innovation for Retinal Disease Management

Beyond the Nasal Passage: Managing Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps With Biologics and Pharmacist-Led Approaches

Pharmacists at the Forefront: Enhancing Targeted Therapy Implementation and Patient Outcomes in Advanced Gastric Cancer

Managing Overactive Bladder in Older Adults: Challenges and Strategies for Long-Term Care

Bridging Clinical and Access Gaps in Phenylketonuria: A Managed Care Perspective

Advancing the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Landscape: What’s Next in Care

Exploring Immunotherapy Strategies in Endometrial Cancer

Enhancing The Role of Oncology Pharmacists in Multidisciplinary Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Care

HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Managed Care Perspective on Emerging Therapies and Clinical Data

Sugar, We’re Going Down: Navigating Glycemic Control in the Era of PI3K/AKT Inhibition for Breast Cancer

From Payload to Patient: Managing Toxicities of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Directed at HER2 and TROP2

An American Journal of Managed Care Forum: Bridging Evidence and Access in Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer

Navigating the Complexities of Personalized Prostate Cancer Care: Insights for Oncology Managed Care

Advancing Chronic Kidney Disease Detection and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Complex Patients

Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy Practice: Validated Tools, Real-World Applications, and Emerging Innovations (Pharmacy Technician Credit)

Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy Practice: Validated Tools, Real-World Applications, and Emerging Innovations

Continuing the Conversation: Pharmacist Interventions to Optimize T2D Care and Break Through Clinical Inertia

Hat Trick for Hypertension: Strategies to Improve Outcomes With Single-Pill Combinations

VMAT2 Inhibitors for Long-Term Success in Tardive Dyskinesia

Shifting Perspectives in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Novel Therapies and Patient-Centered Care

Navigating Adverse Effects in HR+/HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: Tailored Management Plans and Pharmacist Interventions for Improved Outcomes

Bridging Knowledge Gaps in HR+/HER2– Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Optimizing HER2-Directed Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: From HER2-Positive to HER2-Ultralow

Expert Insights on the Horizon of HER2-Directed Therapy

Type 2 Inflammation in Focus: Advancing Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Care With Biologic Therapies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Inflammation: Practical Approaches to Integrating Biologic Therapy

Understanding Type 2 Inflammation and Its Role Across Various Immune-Related Diseases

Addressing the Burden of Hemolysis in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: The Pharmacist's Contribution to Patient Care

From Treatment to Prevention: Navigating the Expanding Hereditary Angioedema Treatment Landscape

Updated Guidance and Managed Care Strategies to Optimize Care in EGFR Mutated NSCLC

Exploring Oncolytic Viruses in Melanoma: Pharmacist-Led Approaches for Safe Integration

The Expanding Therapeutic Landscape in IgA Nephropathy: A Case-Based Exploration of Optimized Patient Outcomes

Lymphoma Day of Education 2026

The Educated Pharmacist - Weighing In: Translating Evidence to Practice — A Multidisciplinary Analysis of Obesity Pharmacotherapy Implementation and Team-Based Care

Two Targets, One Mission: Optimizing Bispecific Antibody Use in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Innovations in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

Managing Steroid-Refractory Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease With Novel Therapies: Opportunities for Pharmacist-Led Interventions