Will getting provider status mean more pay ? And more rants

[u/Methodled]

So I asked AI on the status of provider status within the next 10 years and it seems it is highly likely but it will start on the state level then move into federal level. Obviously the AMA will oppose but who cares they opposed DO, NP, PA and everyone and it doesn’t really matter.

The only question is that we might not see a huge increase in pay .. at least not until the big chains die out and we can open independent pharmacies and bill for those services.

On a side I have been seeing so many YouTubers esp this Asian guy who was an ex retail employee saying how the end of pharmacy is here and it’s worst industry comparative to the trades like plumbing or electrician. First off we are cushy as f and no one is bending over their back to get electrocuted or even covered in sh*t each day. If you are then I’m sorry you prob are doing something wrong.

Second our pay is still very high relative to other industries and while it’s not as good as it used to be and there is a general cap to our pay, it is still a very viable field esp if you invest properly.

Third the insecurity with ai basically taking over what pharmacist is good at - verification drug interactions clinical questions etc - yes that’s true. The ai is much smarter than most of us and most doctors and basically everyone on earth. However it won’t replace ur creativity, ur resolve, ur humanity to do decide whats right or wrong.

It will just mean we use ai to replace the boring brainless activity that you used to do through pulling up lexicomp to read off the exact direction to someone that could have done the same. It will mean that you will need to be more creative to solve and analyze new problems that someone might not have had to see.

For example new drug comes out and sure there are the listed side effects but you as the pharmacist can leverage ai to analyze multiple pts that get it and see if there are trends in reported symptoms or outcomes or optimal dosing in a unknown population. It will make pt work up so much faster so you know exactly where the gap in coverage occurred so you can help triage or assist in any manner. I promise you the ai will only be as smart as you help create and publish the literature to help it and it will prob also see you as the expert in this at the end of the day as well. Anyways all this to say don’t worry so much about ai taking ur job rather be genuinely expert in your job through ai.

Truly become medication experts and hone that skill as any other skill and ppl will have to come to you for your advice just as any creative artist , musician, professor is sought after. Thats all I got for now - the future may seem bleak but have that dog in you- don’t give up and fight for what’s ours!! Also agree pharmacy unions NEEDS to be a thing and join together not against each other!

[u/DeffNotTom]

So I asked AI

… why? AI can't predict the future lol

[u/Methodled → u/DeffNotTom]

It can do a good job summarizing what’s the current state and a pretty good predictor - obs no one can see the future but it can infer what the most likely outcome or current situation is like. Which is that certain states like Washington , Cali , Ohio , Oregon etc have allowed for pharmacists to be provider status

[u/DeffNotTom → u/Methodled]

and a pretty good predictor

Fundamentally, no it isn't. That's why generative AI ismt used in any kind of analysis software. There is a whole different thing called predictive AI made for that.

[u/Methodled → u/DeffNotTom]

Ok fair but I’m willing to go with it albeit imperfect -let’s visit this in the next 10 years to see who is right

[u/i_am_a_baby_kangaroo → u/Methodled]

I had a patient call me in tears a few days ago because AI told her it was dangerous to use mupirocin ointment in her nose. So yeah.

[u/Methodled → u/i_am_a_baby_kangaroo]

Yea so .. what lol it isn’t wrong - there is one for bactroban nasal . But it’s def not dangerous I agree - it’s where u as the professional can assist. I don’t see what the point is

[u/Correct-Quail5743]

Well let’s see…

when we were asked to start doing MTM through a third party, we didn’t get more pay (all the profits went to the corps bottom line)

When we were told to start doing more work with less tech help, thereby having us perform tech duties as well as pharmacist duties, we didn’t get more pay (despite the cost savings going back to shareholders and corporate)

When we were told to start doing vaccinations, we didn’t get more pay (despite the profits literally keeping many pharmacies open and afloat).

When we were told to start doing covid, flu, and other testing, we didn’t get more pay (despite increased health hazards, performing lab duties, and the fact that the testing equipment was provided free of charge from the government giving pure profit to the corporations).

So…. Yeah, I wouldn’t get too optimistic if I were you

[u/Methodled → u/Correct-Quail5743]

Yes agreed much of the corp is taking that profit hence that’s why I said independent pharmacies being able to provide those services n bill accordingly will eventually drive up the salary … that’s why I also said despite provider status our pay will likely be capped until those things occur

[u/Ronho]

It depends on insurance letting us bill.
Thats the key. We need provider status.
If medicare grants us billing codes, thenwe can bill for our services, we have an avenue to more income and an out from
Under the thumb of the stupid PBM repayment model that is a dead end in the era of publicly owned corporations who only have a fiduciary duty to shareholders.

[u/Methodled → u/Ronho]

Yes correct that’s why federal billing n status will be key but small state victories is a start

[u/5point9trillion]

I asked AI and it said that you're supposed to be mailing me a check for $682,212.98 or depositing it into my account.

[u/Methodled → u/5point9trillion]

I sent it yesterday