Senate hearing looks at delivery system reform

ARLINGTON, Va. — Medicare and Medicaid are working with the private sector to create a roadmap for the future of healthcare delivery, and a congressional hearing was convened Thursday to ensure it does that.

The Senate Finance Committee hearing, titled "Delivery System Reform: Progress Report from CMS," included Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

The hearing drew a statement from retail-pharmacy industry group the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, which highlighted the patient services provided in retail pharmacies, such as immunizations, medication therapy management and other forms of medication counseling and disease screenings. In 2010-2011, 18.4% of adults nationwide received their influenza vaccines in community pharmacies, the group noted.

"Through personal interactions with patients, face-to-face consultations and convenient access to preventive care services, local pharmacists are helping to shape the healthcare delivery system of tomorrow — in partnership with doctors, nurses and others," the NACDS' statement read.