DIR Fee Controversy Shaping the Future of Pharmacy

There was significant buzz around direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees in 2017. These fees affect all pharmacies, including specialty pharmacies that treat patients with complicated and potentially life-threatening diseases. DIR fees sparked outrage among pharmacies across the country, with some calling for significant reform of pharmacy benefit managers.

Here’s a look back at the key issues that shaped the discussion about DIR fees heading into 2018:

Study: DIR Fees Harmful to All Except PBMs

Direct and indirect remuneration fees seen to increase costs for Medicare, beneficiaries, pharmacies, and taxpayers. Read more.

Are Specialty Pharmacies Unfairly Charged DIR Fees?

Parameters used to calculate direct and indirect remuneration fees may not apply to specialty pharmacies. Read more.

White Paper: DIR Fees Simply Explained

This paper examines the use and implications of direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees and potential strategies to overcome the challenges that accompany DIR fees. Read more.

DIR Fees Have Wide-Ranging Impact on Specialty Pharmacy

National Association of Specialty Pharmacy commissions white paper that explores how direct and indirect remuneration fees affect the specialty pharmacy landscape. Read more.

Do DIR Fees Threaten the Viability of Independent Pharmacies?

Independent pharmacies may not be able to rely on their market share to negotiate with pharmacy benefit managers. Read more.

Legislation Would Halt Retroactive DIR Fees

HR 1038 would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from charging direct and indirect remuneration fees. Read more.

PCMA Fires Back on DIR Fee Controversy

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association states that direct and indirect remuneration fees lower premium costs. Read more.

PBMs and DIR Fees: Where's the Data?

Community Oncology Alliance at odds with the opinion of pharmacy benefit managers regarding direct and indirect remuneration fees. Read more.

Is Misinformation Spreading about Direct and Indirect Remuneration Fees?

Direct and indirect remuneration fees may not harm patients as recent reports have stated, according to the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. Read more.

NASP Strikes Back at DIR Fee Study Claiming Cost Savings for Medicare

National Association of Specialty Pharmacy states that direct and indirect remuneration fees increase drug costs for seniors. Read more.

CMS Proposes DIR Fee Reporting Requirements for Medicare

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services seeks to improve accuracy of data reported from direct and indirect remuneration fees. Read more.

Tweeting This Out: Build a Wall Around DIR Fees and Make Specialty Pharmacy Great Again

If direct and indirect remuneration fees are to remain, the health care system must recognize that specialty pharmacies provide different services to patients. Read more.

Study: Ending DIR Fees Could Save Medicare Billions

The Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act would end direct and indirect remuneration fees. Read more.