N.C. pharmacist wins NCPA honor

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The National Community Pharmacists Association’s 2015 Annual Convention has been a productive one — the organization has recognized two outstanding adherence practitioners and given out its Prescription Drug Safety Award and Corporate Recognition Award.

Joe Moose, the 2015 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year winner, is also among those honored this past weekend. The independent pharmacist and co-owner of Moose’s Pharmacy in Concord, N.C., was honored at the convention’s first general session on Sunday with the award, which is sponsored by Upsher-Smith Laboratories.

One of Moose’s notable achievements is his role as the lead community pharmacy coordinator for Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC), which came about as the result of his involvement in a $15 million grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which supports pilot programs aimed at improving outcomes and lowering costs.

“Joe Moose is at the forefront of efforts to make independent community pharmacies an integral part of a more coordinated and efficient health care delivery system,” NCPA President John T. Sherrer said. “Joe’s central role in a federally funded pilot program in North Carolina has been well-chronicled … and serves as a model for other pharmacies looking to be on the cutting-edge of patient care.”    

Through his role with CCNC, Moose has built a network comprised of more than 200 community pharmacies working to improve outcomes while providing value for payers. He serves on his state’s Medicaid Drug Utilization Review and has established collaborative practice agreements to integrate community pharmacy into medical homes. He has also established Medication Therapy Management as one of the services his pharmacy offers.

“Upsher-Smith values the critical role that pharmacists play in improving patient health,” said Rusty Field, President of Upsher-Smith Laboratories. “We are proud to join NCPA in honoring Joe Moose, PharmD, who has done so much to innovate within the profession and to improve the health of his patients, his community and his state.”