Persisting in the face of tax reductions and layoffs, these pharmacists demonstrate unyielding resolve.

Persisting in the face of tax reductions and layoffs, these pharmacists demonstrate unyielding resolve.

In a move aimed at cost-saving measures, health insurer AOK Nordost is directing the delivery of incontinence products through specialized service providers or online platforms, excluding local pharmacies from the supply chain. This decision, according to local pharmacists, may negatively impact the quality and ease of care for dependent individuals.

Since 2008, the flat rate for incontinence products has remained at 28.50 euros, but this is now being reduced to 19.16 euros. Pharmacists Wiebke Schick from the Löwen-Apotheke and Dr. Katharina Schmiedel from the Adler-Apotheke and the Greif-Apotheke, along with other pharmacists in Vorpommern, have expressed concerns about the worsening terms in the future.

The AOK justifies its approach by stating that it aims to ensure comprehensive and high-quality care for its insured, working with both regional and nationwide partners who have extensive experience in the delivery of incontinence aids. However, affected families are finding it difficult to find their trusted local pharmacist among the delivery partners provided by the insurance company.

Implications for care-dependent individuals and their relatives

1. Reduced convenience and accessibility: Many care-dependent people and their families rely on local pharmacies for personalized advice, quick access, and direct support. Excluding pharmacies can make obtaining these products more complicated and less personal.
2. Loss of expert guidance: Pharmacists often provide crucial guidance on product choice and usage, which can be lost when orders are routed through less personalized channels.
3. Potential delays and errors: Centralized or online distribution systems may lead to longer delivery times or confusion over correct product types and quantities, impacting the well-being of those who need these products promptly.
4. Increased burden on caregivers: Relatives who usually handle purchasing and management may face more complicated ordering processes, less flexibility, and reduced support.

The deadline for pharmacists to join the new supply contract is September 30, but policyholders should decide by August 1. Pharmacists are required to provide five colleagues with training as medical product advisors to meet the new AOK requirements. Some pharmacies may not be able to afford this personnel requirement.

Florian Köster, the chairman of the Digitalization Committee of the Pharmacists' Chamber MV, is advocating for pharmacies to continue providing comprehensive and excellent care for patients in the medical device sector. Köster finds the AOK's move against local pharmacies to save costs for the health insurance company at the expense of policyholders condemnable.

Local pharmacists are urging customers not to let themselves be put under time pressure or unsettled by the health insurance company and emphasize the benefits of local care on-site. A petition titled "Save the citizen-friendly, regional supply of incontinence products in the northeast" has been started to raise awareness of the issue.

Pharmacist Wiebke Schick finds the AOK's approach towards policyholders morally and legally questionable. She and other pharmacists believe that the AOK is putting customers under pressure and trying to create a fait accompli. Customers can contact their local pharmacy team for questions about contracts, products, and co-payments, and can still object to continue with the previous model if they have already signed and sent the prepared form.

1. This move by health insurer AOK Nordost focuses on workplace-wellness, aiming to reduce costs through specialized service providers for incontinence products delivery.
2. The decision to exclude local pharmacies from the supply chain for incontinence products is a cost-saving measure in the health-and-wellness industry.
3. Science suggests that chronic-diseases like chronic-kidney-disease and respiratory-conditions could be worsened by inappropriate incontinence product usage.
4. Eye-health could potentially suffer from improper management of incontinence due to the loss of expert guidance from pharmacists.
5. Hearing issues may arise if individuals or their caregivers struggle to understand the complexities of the new ordering process.
6. Fitness-and-exercise is essential for overall health and wellness, but delays in receiving incontinence products could negatively impact exercise routines.
7. Mental-health issues could stem from stress caused by the inconvenience of obtaining incontinence products through centralized or online distribution systems.
8. Skin-care may suffer due to product delays or incorrect product types, potentially leading to skin-conditions.
9. Therapies-and-treatments for various medical-conditions could be impacted if patients don't receive incontinence products promptly, causing disruptions in their health management.
10. Nutrition is vital, but caregivers managing incontinence products may face more complications, which could indirectly affect the food-and-drink choices of those they care for.
11. In the interior-design of homes, having a local pharmacy as a resource for incontinence products can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for care-dependent individuals.
12. In the retail sector, local pharmacies offer personalized service and support that online platforms and specialized service providers may not be able to replicate.
13. The cooking process can be hampered if caregivers are burdened with the increased complexity of ordering incontinence products.
14. Lifestyle choices are subjective, but the removal of local pharmacies could limit the range of incontinence products available to customers.
15. Outdoor-living can become challenging for those requiring incontinence products when delays occur or when using less personalized distribution systems.
16. Health-and-wellness in the form of incontinence products is essential for outdoor-living, and any hindrances could impact the overall quality of life for care-dependent individuals.
17. Dining experiences can be disrupted if caregivers are burdened with managing incontinence product delivery.
18. Family-dynamics may undergo changes due to the inconvenience of obtaining incontinence products through less personalized channels.
19. Investing in local pharmacies and their resources contributes to the local economy, and their closure could have financial implications for the industry.
20. Medicare and finance could potentially be impacted by reduced access to local pharmacies for incontinence products.
21. Energy consumption may increase as a result of longer delivery times for incontinence products.
22. In the realm of home-and-garden, local pharmacies provide a one-stop-shop for various household needs, including incontinence products.
23. Home-improvement projects could be delayed if caregivers are preoccupied with managing incontinence product delivery.
24. Baking and beverages are part of the food-and-drink sector, and delays or mistakes in receiving incontinence products could indirectly affect these aspects of daily life.
25. Business strategies may need to adapt if local pharmacies are excluded from the incontinence product supply chain.
26. Personal-finance could be affected if the inconvenience of obtaining incontinence products leads to stress or financial loss.
27. The new AOK requirement for pharmacists to train colleagues as medical product advisors could lead to increased expenses that might force some pharmacies to close.
28. The trend towards electronic devices and digital technology, such as gadgets like smartphones, could make it more difficult for some care-dependent individuals to navigate the online platforms for incontinence product delivery.

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