Included in this newsletter
- CMS Holds a Town Hall Meeting on Medicare Transaction Facilitator Data Module (MTF-DM)
- R.J. Hedges sending out 1st Annual Customer Service Survey
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Shake-Up
- Beware of phishing requests concerning the Medicare Transaction Facilitator and the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program
- OSHA Update to 29 CFR 1910.134 – Respirator Fit Testing Requirements
- Cyberattacks on Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
- APhA Credentialling and Billing for Strep Test and Treat Services in Community Pharmacies
- Preparing for an Immigration On-Site Inspection
- New Program Launching August: Long Term Care at Home
- Updated P&P and Forms
CMS Holds a Town Hall Meeting on Medicare Transaction Facilitator Data Module (MTF-DM)
The Town Hall was an overview of the enrollment process in the MTF-DM of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. This program is how the pharmacy will receive refunds from the drug manufacturers. Enrollment is not required but, failure to enrollment will make the pharmacy ineligible to receive drug manufacturer refunds for Medicare Part D drugs.
CMS opened enrollment in June for the MTF-DM and sent invitations to NCPDP points of contact. During enrollment, the user will complete an agreement enabling the MTF system to access your NCPDP pharmacy information.
Important Note: the “First User” must be someone tied to the pharmacy’s ownership. The first user will grant access to other users.
This program is too big and too complicated to provide a complete overview in this newsletter. Here are some helpful link and additional information:
- You can watch an intro to the MTF on CMS' dispenser homepage here. Note- you must sign in to CMS.gov first
- You can contact CMS at MFPMedicareTransactionFacilitator@cms.hhs.gov with any questions.
- Before enrollment, you should make sure your NCPDP profile is accurate and updated.
- Before enrollment, pharmacies need to know which functions, such as central pay or reconciliation services, they want to assign to any third-party support entities, such as PSAOs or reconciliation vendors.
- During enrollment, pharmacies will need to sign a legal agreement so proceed with caution and be sure to review and have your legal counsel review carefully.
- During enrollment, identify as having "material cashflow concerns," as manufacturers can provide pharmacies with a plan for mitigating their cashflow concerns.
R.J. Hedges sending out 1st Annual Customer Service Survey
We Want to Hear From You! In just a few weeks, we’ll be launching our 1st Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, and we’d love your input!
This short 10-question survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and gives you the chance to tell us how we’re doing, what’s working, and where we can grow. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just a few months, your feedback helps shape the future of our programs, support, and services.
Keep an eye on your inbox, we’ll be sending out an email with instructions and the link to SurveyMonkey. We truly value your opinion and can’t wait to hear from you!
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Shake-Up
On June 9th, APhA withheld its endorsement of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) Adult Immunization Schedule that was issued on May 28, 2025. See More…
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., abruptly fired all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee. The Health Secretary took the extraordinary step of firing the expert panel that advises the CDC on immunizations, saying, “A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science.” See More…
APhA posted that they did not concur with HHS's decision. Two days later, HHS installed eight new members to the CDC’s Advisory Committee. Read more here.
There are a lot of conflicting views and opinions regarding the firing and replacement of members on the ACIP. Regardless of your opinion, the lost trust in the CDC must be restored.
Beware of phishing requests concerning the Medicare Transaction Facilitator and the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program
CMS has been alerted to potential phishing emails targeting pharmacies that could appear to be related to the Medicare Transaction Facilitator (MTF). Please note that any official CMS email related to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and the MTF enrollment, or implementation specifically, will come from one of the following emails:
- MFPMedicareTransactionFacilitator@cms.hhs.gov
- no-reply-mtf@cms.hhs.gov
- cmslists@subscriptions.cms.hhs.gov
- IRARebateandNegotiation@cms.hhs.gov
OSHA Update to 29 CFR 1910.134 – Respirator Fit Testing Requirements
OSHA recently updated the standard under 29 CFR 1910.134 to strengthen respiratory protection requirements. The revised regulation now mandates initial and annual respirator fit testing, beginning with a mandatory Medical Evaluation and Questionnaire. This is followed by an initial and yearly medical evaluation conducted by a Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP).
The Respiratory Protection Program (PP712) and Medical Surveillance Program (PP730) detail these regulatory changes and updates. These will be updated and additional information will be coming out later in the year.
Cyberattacks on Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Due to the United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) breach, grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide could face a cyberattack. Cyber protection software is mandatory under HIPAA, with stricter regulations coming in 2026. Ensure your internet service and IT support engage in cybersecurity reviews, as vendors only protect their proprietary systems. If a cyber attacker gains entry to your internet account, they will enter your patient management software. If you have not had a cyber review of your systems within the last 12 months, you are at risk for a cyber-attack.
APhA Credentialling and Billing for Strep Test and Treat Services in Community Pharmacies
APhA and Abbott Labs have introduced a new guide to aid community pharmacies with medical services titled “Credentialing and Billing for Strep Test and Treat Services in Community Pharmacies.”. Click Here to access this guide.
Preparing for an Immigration On-Site Inspection
There has been much news about the ongoing Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) inspections. The chance of a pharmacy or DMEPOS facility receiving an inspection is low. However, we recommend that you have your employee’s I-9s and support documents in a folder at your facility. If an INS inspector comes in, you will have everything they need to review.
New Program Launching August: Long Term Care at Home
You’re already doing the work-now let’s make sure you’re getting paid for it! Many independent pharmacies are already delivering monthly medications, offering adherence packaging, and coordinating care for Medicare patients who are aging at home. This qualifies as Long Term Care at Home but without the right documentation and setup, pharmacies are missing out on higher reimbursements.
Starting this August, R.J. Hedges will offer a brand-new LTC at Home Compliance Program designed to help you meet CMS and Part D expectations, prepare for billing, and strengthen your patient care services.
✔ $600/year
✔ Fast, self-service enrollment
✔ Access to policies, forms, delivery protocols, MTM support docs, and more
If you’re serving complex patients in their homes, you may already qualify. Let us help you take the final step, compliantly and confidently. Available August 2025- More details coming soon!
Updated Policies & Procedures
FWA:
- HHS OIG Exclusion Review Process
- Verification of Treating Medical Practitioner’s
Compounding:
- Notification About and Recall of Dispensed Products
Pharmacy:
- Notification About and Recall of Dispensed Products
- Staff Education and In-Service Training for Pharmacy and DME Operations
- Verification of Treating Medical Practitioner’s
DMEPOS:
- Staff Education and In-Service Training for Pharmacy and DME Operations
- Verification of Treating Medical Practitioner’s
Human Resources:
- Staff Education and In-Service Training for Pharmacy and DME Operations
Updated Forms
Immunizations:
- Haemophilus Flu B Adults
- Hep A Adults
- Hep A Children and Teens
- HPV Adults
- HPV Children and Teens
- Meningococcal (ACWY) Adults
- Meningococcal (ACWY) Children and Teens
- PCV Children and Teens
- Rotavirus Infants
- Varicella Vaccine to Adults
Varicella Vaccine to Children
