Beyond the Drip: Kicking Off 2025 with Insights and Challenges

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.        

As we step into 2025, the latest episode of Beyond the Drip sets the stage for a year filled with both opportunities and challenges in the infusion and pharmacy space. The hosts reflect on the key events of 2024 that shaped the industry, including major disruptions like the Change Healthcare cyberattack, supply chain issues and regulatory shifts. They also explore the pressing topics that will define 2025, such as drug pricing, revenue cycle management (RCM) hurdles and the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. 

Key Takeaways: 

Looking Back at 2024 

  • The Change Healthcare cyberattack disrupted revenue cycles and patient care, with some providers still recovering. 
  • Supply chain disparities, highlighted by issues in North Carolina’s manufacturing plants, revealed inequities in home-based care access. 
  • Healthcare consolidation and private equity influence remain hot topics, with concerns about fair treatment in regulatory decisions. 
  • The industry showcased resilience despite these setbacks, adapting to rapid changes. 

What’s Ahead in 2025? 

  • Biologic products are growing rapidly, creating challenges in training staff and ensuring proper reimbursement. 
  • Providers struggle with securing payment for high-cost drugs due to unclear payor guidelines. 
  • The new administration’s approach to healthcare policy remains unpredictable. 
  • While AI has immense potential in RCM, patient safety risks must be considered, particularly with AI-driven data repositories becoming prime hacking targets. 
  • The hosts emphasize the importance of consistently tracking industry news to stay ahead of evolving regulations and trends. 

The Beyond the Drip team encourages providers to proactively address these issues by diversifying vendors, investing in proper training and carefully evaluating AI applications. With so much in flux, adaptability and informed decision-making will be key drivers of success in 2025. 

Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the shifting landscape of infusion and specialty pharmacy. 

 

Beyond the Drip Co-hosts:

Paula Roth, VP of Pharmacy Services at Prochant

As 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 our 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, software management and more. 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 for The O’Sullivan Group, Inc. 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.