PQA has completed a pilot studying the use of immunization measure concepts in payer-pharmacy value-based arrangements to better understand pharmacy-payer data exchange, which strongly influences the feasibility of pharmacy quality measurement. The results were announced in a release and report published yesterday..
The pilot also evaluated participants’ performance on the measure concepts and gathered their feedback to refine the measure specifications. Learn more about the report below.
We also highlight our members’ perspectives on oncology pharmacy, medication costs and pharmacy policy. If you have news you’d like for us to spotlight in an upcoming Five For Friday, send us an email!
— Heather Gibson, MSPH, PQA Director, Performance Measurement
Convening Oncology Pharmacists
From bispecifics to real-world evidence, incoming HOPA president Amy Seung previews this year’s Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association Annual Conference. New data, new trials, and new clinical questions are arriving on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. The gap between what gets published and what gets implemented in practice remains one of the field’s most pressing challenges.
Addressing Cost and Value of Medicines
How can we get to a world where future advances in science are accessible to patients, valued by society, and sustainably reimbursed? Discussions about drug pricing require consideration of values and preferences, according to Jonathan Campbell, chief science officer of the National Pharmaceutical Council.
Reshaping the Pharmacy Landscape
Eric Lee, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Campbell University, unpacked how recent and upcoming changes are reshaping the pharmacy profession—and what they mean for patients, payers, and independent pharmacy owners. Pharmacists, Lee emphasized, now shoulder an even greater corresponding responsibility to verify that prescriptions issued through telehealth are valid, appropriate, and safe.
PQA Pilot of Adult Immunization Report Released
PQA has published a report on a completed pilot studying the use of immunization measure concepts in payer-pharmacy value-based arrangements (VBA). The pilot evaluated eight measure concepts involving immunization status and gap closure for the influenza, Td/Tdap, herpes zoster and pneumococcal vaccines. The key learnings include:
- Standardized measures and measure rate validation provide value.
- VBA participants should expect extended upfront contracting timelines lasting 12 months or longer.
- Immunization interventions are challenging, and timing and multi-channel approaches are important.
- Use of non-claims data is challenging, and many organizations are limited to claims.
- Strong demand continues to exist for payer-pharmacy VBAs, although demand specific to immunization may be mixed.
The pilot included two payer and two pharmacy participants: CareSource, in conjunction with CPESN Ohio pharmacies and Kroger pharmacies within Ohio; and Kroger Prescription Plans (a pharmacy benefit manager that administers prescription coverage for Kroger employees), in conjunction with Kroger pharmacies. This work was supported by funding from GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Sanofi.
Your Next Engagement Opportunities
Network, Learn and Collaborate with PQA
- Postponed: The April 2 PQA Quality Forum Webinar will be rescheduled for a future date. This PQA Quality Forum Webinar will continue the conversation from the November 13 PQA Convenes: Artificial Intelligence in Medication Use Quality. Register here.
- Join us for the 2nd Quarter 2026 PQA Member Webinar on April 29, 1-2 p.m. ET. PQA Member Webinars share current quality measurement and research updates with members. Registration information can be found in the Member Resources Library.
- Save the date to join us at the 2026 PQA Annual Meeting, May 12-14, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md. PQA’s collaborative approach makes our meeting the preferred destination for quality improvement professionals. Learn more.