- Accreditation is most valuable when providers use it to strengthen patient safety, quality management and daily operations.
- Written policies are not enough because organizations must demonstrate that employees understand and consistently follow them.
- Survey readiness should be an ongoing team responsibility rather than a last-minute project assigned to one person.
- Annual DMEPOS accreditation may increase costs and administrative burden, potentially reducing the number of providers serving Medicare patients.
- Technology and AI may improve compliance efficiency, but clinical expertise and measurable patient outcomes will remain essential.
Welcome to Beyond the Drip, where we dive into the fascinating world of Infusion Pharmacy, from Home Infusion to Ambulatory Infusion Centers. Expect topical conversations on the latest happenings in Infusion from industry leaders who will bring you the latest news, trends and innovations in the infusion industry, as well as expert insights and stories to keep you informed and inspired.
Beyond the Drip: What Infusion and Pharmacy Providers Need to Know About ACHC Accreditation
In Episode 18, the hosts sit down with Tammy Blady and Brandi Allen of the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). ACHC works with providers to evaluate whether their operations meet established standards for quality, safety and compliance. In the infusion space, its role goes beyond surveys by helping organizations understand changing standards, prepare for accreditation or renewal and strengthen the processes that support patient care.
Tammy and Brandi explain that accreditation should not be treated as a payer requirement or a task to complete before a survey. Instead, it should be part of how an organization operates every day.
Throughout the episode, they emphasize that being survey-ready requires more than written policies. Providers must show that employees understand their responsibilities and consistently apply established standards when caring for patients. This requires shared accountability, ongoing training and a genuine commitment to quality.
The conversation also considers how changing Medicare requirements could create additional pressure for infusion providers. As oversight increases and technology evolves, organizations will need to strengthen their processes without losing sight of accreditation’s purpose: delivering safe, effective and patient-centered care.
Key Takeaways
- Accreditation is most valuable when providers use it to strengthen patient safety, quality management and daily operations.
- Written policies are not enough because organizations must demonstrate that employees understand and consistently follow them.
- Survey readiness should be an ongoing team responsibility rather than a last-minute project assigned to one person.
- Annual DMEPOS accreditation may increase costs and administrative burden, potentially reducing the number of providers serving Medicare patients.
- Technology and AI may improve compliance efficiency, but clinical expertise and measurable patient outcomes will remain essential.
The episode leaves infusion providers with an important challenge: move beyond preparing for the next survey and start using accreditation as a tool for long-term resilience.
As requirements become more complex, organizations will need stronger collaboration across clinical, operational and billing teams. They will also need to clearly demonstrate the value of their care through measurable outcomes, reliable processes and consistent execution.
Tune in to the full episode of Beyond the Drip to hear Tammy Blady and Brandi Allen share their perspective on where accreditation is headed and what infusion providers can do now to prepare.
Guest Speakers
Tammy Blady, RPh, HDDP, Corporate Pharmacy Surveyor
Tammy Blady, RPh, HDDP, is dedicated to ensuring quality and safety measures are upheld across pharmacy operations. With over 37 years in pharmacy, she brings a depth of knowledge to her role as a Corporate Surveyor with ACHC, a leading national pharmacy accreditor. Her extensive experience — particularly in sterile compounding and hospital and long-term care operations — enables her to connect on a peer-to-peer basis with the pharmacies she serves. Ms. Blady is committed to providing pharmacies a positive, educational accreditation survey experience that promotes a culture of excellence and guides operational and outcome improvements.
Brandi Allen, RPh, Corporate Pharmacy Liaison
Brandi Allen is the Corporate Pharmacy Liaison at ACHC, bringing more than 30 years of experience across infusion, specialty, long-term care, and retail pharmacy. Throughout her career she has built a reputation for strong leadership, operational efficiency, and a commitment to advancing quality patient care. During her four years with ACHC, she has applied her extensive management background and broad industry expertise to support accreditation, quality improvement, and regulatory excellence. Outside of her professional career, Brandi enjoys spending time outdoors. An avid scuba diver and certified scuba instructor, she loves exploring the underwater world, traveling with her husband, and embracing new adventures whenever possible.
Beyond the Drip Co-hosts
Paula Roth, EVP of Pharmacy Services at Prochant
As Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Operations at Prochant, Paula leads an expert team focused on enhancing the home-based care industry through innovative technology and streamlined processes. With more than 20 years of experience in revenue cycle management for alternate sites of care, Paula leverages technology and teams to ensure clients achieve or exceed their financial targets.
Jon Love, President & Chief Growth Officer at MedEdge Solutions
Jon Love joins MedEdge with leadership experience in the infusion and specialty pharmacy industries. He has previously served in sales at WellSky, chief operating officer at Rock-Pond Solutions, and senior VP of pharmacy services at Prochant.
Pamela McIntyre, Founder and Owner of Expert Infusion Nurse Consulting
With 40 years of experience in infusion nursing, Pam founded Expert Infusion Nurse Consulting to advance excellence in infusion and mentor other infusion professionals. Her certifications include CRNI, IgCN, OCN, and VA-BC, and she has an immersive background in home infusion and ambulatory infusion in the fields of acute and chronic care, including oncology nursing.
Brandon Carpenter, President of MedEdge Solutions
Brandon Carpenter is the owner and founder of MedEdge Solutions. With more than 12 years of experience in pharmacy solutions, process improvement, and data analytics, Brandon takes an active role in each of their projects. Prior to forming MedEdge, Brandon was the Director of Products and Professional Services at Rock-Pond Solutions where he worked with over 250 pharmacies nationwide to solve problems ranging from system integrations, financial reporting, 340B, Limited Drug Distribution, and software management. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas where he received his bachelor’s in business & information systems, as well as his Master of Business Administration.
Brian O’Sullivan, President of The O’Sullivan Group
Brian O’Sullivan formed The O’Sullivan Group, Inc. in February 1999 to serve health care providers with managed care and provider business development services. Over the years, The O’Sullivan Group has also been sought out by Medicare Advantage and Managed Medicaid plans to assist with network development needs. His vision was to bring real world know-how by offering the same level of service and expertise for both large and small companies that are enjoyed by major Fortune 1000 organizations.
