We all have a "sphere of influence" in our lives; that is, individuals, groups, communities, populations, etc. on which we can have an impact. This can be our family, close friends, church and community groups, clients/customers/patients, physicians and other healthcare practitioners, or organizations such as county, state, national, and international.

How large is your sphere of influence? To an extent, we can reduce or enlarge the influence we have. Some of us may influence very few people—mostly family, friends, and patients. Others that are more involved will influence many, many more. What drives how large your influence grows? Really, it's up to you and can be related to "attitude."

We all probably influence far more people than we realize. For example, as health professionals, individuals look up to us for advice and counsel. What we say to them often carries far more weight than we realize; both to patients and physicians, nurses, etc.

We influence our spouse, our children, our family and friends, whether or not we are aware of it. Our influence is not just in what we say, but also in what we do. Think over your life of some individuals and the influence and impact they have had on you. Now, think over your life on some individuals you have influenced. Has the influence been good or bad?

As a professional, we have an obligation to positively influence pharmaceutical aspects of our daily lives. As an individual, we have an obligation to positively influence those around us.

Want to see a quick response on influence? The next time you are speaking to a child, squat down and speak with them eye-to-eye instead of looking down at them when speaking. You will see a difference in how they respond to you, and it also influences others by letting them know that the effort you took to get on their level means you are interested in them. Try it!!


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., Ph.D., R.Ph
Editor-in-Chief

Regulatory information brought to you by American Pharmacists Association.

NPI Application Reminder: Deadline is May 23, 2007
HIPAA covered entities, including pharmacists, are required to begin using the National Provider Identifier (NPI) by May 23, 2007 for claims transactions. Apply for the NPI immediately in order to meet the fast approaching deadline - it can take up to four months to process an NPI application. The NPI will replace the current NCPDP Provider ID and will soon be the only health care provider identifier that can be used for identification purposes in standard transactions by covered entities. NCPDP has indicated that they are missing NPIs from many independent pharmacies.

Once you have your NPI you must also share your number with NCPDP, providers, payors, and health plans to prevent claim denials after the May 23rd deadline. Go to www.ncpdp.org/frame_news_npi-info.htm to download the NCPDP and NPI Pharmacy Application Form.

For more information on NPI visit the APhA Government Affairs Website

ALERT brought to you by the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. For more information, www.iacprx.org.

On February 27, 2007 IACP was notified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that a number of pharmacies across southern Oregon have been burglarized in the past two months. Specifically, the northern California pharmacies should be on alert. The burglaries affected a number of compounding pharmacies and IACP members.

The DEA has asked our help in notifying pharmacies in the area about the activity and encourages the following:

• Notify your security company and request that they increase patrol and surveillance of your facility
• Verify that your video surveillance system is working properly

• Have a friend who needs the CompoundingToday.com e-newsletter? Forward them a copy of today's newsletter and let them know they can subscribe at http://CompoundingToday.com/Newsletter. It's FREE! It's easy. And maybe they will quit reading over your shoulder!
• Starting with the May/June 2007 issue of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding, a new series of articles on implementing USP Chapter <797> will be published.

Each CD contains a collection of full-text articles on the CD topic that have been published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding for the first 10 years from 1997-2006. Price per CD is: 1 = $95; 2 to 5 = $85; 6 to 10 = $75; 10 and over = $65.

• Implementing USP Chapter <797>
• Compounding for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Patients
• Compounding for Infusion and Sterile Preparation Patients
• Compounding for Veterinary Patients
• Compounding for Pain Management Patients
• Marketing, Legal, and Business Issues in Compounding Pharmacy
• Compounding for Peer-Reviewed Stability and Compatibility Studies
• Compounding for Cancer, Aids, and Hospice Care Patients
• Compounding for Dermatology and Wound Care Patients
• Compounding for Dental and Ophthalmic Patients
• Compounding for Pediatric and Geriatric Patients

Link right to them at www.ijpc.com/products/index.cfm or www.compoundingtoday.com/Products/

Provide Reading Material
Got books and magazines just lying around? Place your pharmacy's name and address label on them and drop them by retirement centers, nursing homes, etc. Sometimes the original mailing label to your pharmacy will do. They often are looking for reading material and it can remind them of your pharmacy. Also, one can purchase a subscription to something like Readers Digest, Good Old Days magazine, Saturday Evening Post, etc., as examples that are generally appreciated.