340B Insight

When Hennepin Medical Center saw that some of their patients were frequently visiting the emergency department for all their health care needs, they recognized how vital it was to find a better way to care for them. Our guest this week is Christene Jolowsky, senior director of pharmacy at Hennepin Healthcare. Christene shares how Hennepin has used 340B savings to operate a coordinated care clinic that meets the health and social needs of their patients. Prior to the interview, we provide news updates on the restoration of full Medicare payment rates for 340B drugs and details about another drug company that is attempting to block the federal government from requiring 340B discounts on drugs dispensed at contract pharmacies.

Show Notes

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When Hennepin Medical Center saw that some of their patients were frequently visiting the emergency department for all their health care needs, they recognized how vital it was to find a better way to care for them. Our guest this week is Christene Jolowsky, senior director of pharmacy at Hennepin Healthcare. Christene shares how Hennepin has used 340B savings to operate a coordinated care clinic that meets the health and social needs of their patients. Prior to the interview, we provide news updates on the restoration of full Medicare payment rates for 340B drugs and details about another drug company that is attempting to block the federal government from requiring 340B discounts on drugs dispensed at contract pharmacies.

A One-Stop Shop for Care
Chris shares how the coordinated care clinic determines which patients are eligible for its services. She then describes a typical patient experience at the clinic and how this experience meets the clinic’s mission to provide comprehensive care. This includes addressing social determinants of health such as transportation and food insecurity. 

Keys to the Clinic’s Success 
Many patients come into the clinic with distrust of the medical system and providers. Chris explains how Hennepin’s providers build trust with patients and provide personalized care. 

The Role of 340B
340B savings have supported every aspect of the coordinated care clinic. Chris discusses how the clinic’s presence has reduced emergency department visits and shares a story of how the clinic significantly reduced the number of prescribed medications for one of its patients.  

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you’d like us to cover in this podcast, email us at podcast@340bhealth.org.

Resources 
  1. Medicare 340B Payment Cut Ending for the Remainder of 2022
  2. UCB Sues HHS Over 340B Contract Pharmacy Violation Letter 
  3. Report on Hennepin Healthcare’s Coordinated Clinic: 340B Hospitals Are Directing Savings Toward Their Communities’ Unique Needs

Creators and Guests

MG
Host
Myles Goldman
CB
Writer
Cassidy Butler
LK
Producer
Laura Krebs
RC
Editor
Reese Clutter

What is 340B Insight?

340B Insight provides members and supporters of 340B Health with timely updates and discussions about the 340B drug pricing program. The podcast helps listeners stay current with and learn more about 340B to help them serve their patients and communities and remain compliant. We publish new episodes twice a month, with news reports and in-depth interviews with leading health care practitioners, policy and legal experts, public policymakers, and our expert staff.