Prescott eNews

Kevin Nestrick, founder and CEO of Prescott-based Altius Healthcare, represented the state of Arizona at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) 111th Annual Convention in New Orleans on Oct. 17-21, 2009.

Nestrick has been a member of NCPA, which represents 23,000 independent community pharmacists throughout the country, since 1984. He has served on the NCPA's National Steering Committee on Home Health Services for the past 19 years and is currently the committee's chairman.

Last week in New Orleans Nestrick represented Arizona in the House of Delegates, the governing body of NCPA. He also was moderator and panel speaker for a continuing education program on aging in America: "Boomerizing Your Business—Specialty Niche Products and Services for the Aging Population". The panel covered home care needs of seniors today as well as future needs of aging baby-boomers related to diabetes management, nutritional support, respiratory services, home safety and medication.

"Pharmacists are not typically regarded as 'healthcare' providers beyond medication and drug therapies," Nestrick says. "However, pharmacist-owned businesses also provide medical equipment, oxygen, diabetes education, medical management and wound care services. Nearly 40 percent of all non-medication home care products and services are provided by independent, pharmacist-owned companies. Good examples of this in Prescott include Altius Healthcare, Goodwin Street Pharmacy and Alliance HomeCare."

Nestrick has owned independent pharmacy and home care companies in Arizona since 1982, to include Nestrick Pharmacies, Nestrick Medical Equipment & Supply, Option Care of Arizona and Option Care Home Health Nursing Agency. He started Altius Healthcare (formerly known as Option Care) in 1990 to provide infusion therapy and specialty pharmacy services to patients outside the hospital—at home, doctor's office or ambulatory infusion suite. Along with the central office in Prescott, Nestrick operates and manages pharmacies and service offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Show Low and Payson, annually serving approximately 1,000 patients across Arizona through Altius Healthcare.

Home infusion therapy is a means of supplying patients with necessary treatment and intravenous medication in the comfort of their own home. It can be used to treat malnutrition, infections, ulcers, cancer, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, sexually transmitted disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and many other medical conditions.

NCPA is also the legislative watchdog for its member pharmacy owners. Open discussion forums focused on national healthcare reform proposals currently in Congress. Guest speakers included Senators Frist (R-TN) and Daschle (D-ND). NCPA's Political Action Committee has sponsored many educational events for Congress during the current session. The focus of the PAC is to protect the patient's right to quality healthcare and unlimited access to providers, including NCPA member pharmacies and healthcare centers.

Following the House of Delegate debates, several resolutions were confirmed and sent to the NCPA executive committee for action. Delegates voiced concern over patient access to locally owned and operated healthcare services—including independent pharmacies, lab centers, radiology, home care and ancillary support services. NCPA confirmed its support of Independent physician practices and fairness in governmental regulations impacting family healthcare.

"It is the responsibility of every citizen to raise their voice to their elected officials regarding healthcare reform," Nestrick says. "The legislation is moving through Congress, but knowledgeable solutions should be part of the process rather than political posturing."
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