How To Improve 340B Inventory Management

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One of the most important responsibilities hospitals have in maintaining 340B compliance is effective and accurate inventory management, but how do hospitals juggle data from multiple systems and minimize discrepancies? Christina Carrizales Cortez, associate director of 340B compliance for UI Health in Chicago, outlines some of the common inventory issues she encounters and explains how her team works to prevent and fix discrepancies.

340B Discrepancies Can Come From a Variety of Sources

Christina says that because 340B compliance relies on monitoring and analyzing a multitude of data feeds, inventory discrepancies can come in multiple forms. A wholesaler might lack an electronic interface — meaning items must be manually entered and verified by the hospital team. Accounts might not have up-to-date inventory locations and addresses. Test claims, a practice by which pharmacies ascertain the cost to a patient of certain drugs, can lead to discrepancies if they do not end up dispensing those drugs.

Understanding Systems Can Be Key to Reducing Discrepancies

Christina says that the terminology and quirks of 340B can introduce confusion. One remedy, she says, is to explain 340B better so non-340B staff can understand it. Breaking down the basics of 340B and explaining its intricacies can go a long way in rooting out common pain points.

Other Tips for Reducing Discrepancies

Christina finds that comprehensive monthly reviews are an excellent way to find mismatches, as are instituting different checkpoints in the review process. Analyzing data points such as timestamps can reveal patterns for hospitals. Mapping out all vendors and routinely auditing split-billing software can help ensure better compliance as well.

Resources

1. Federal Court Decides HRSA Child Site Eligibility Restrictions Are Unlawful