It’s easy to remember the days before 340B ESP, when setting up of a wholesale account was an easy and streamlined process. The Health Industry Number (HIN) was not something that was discussed very often prior to the manufacturer restrictions. The HIN is the unique identifier assigned to represent the specific relationship between the covered entity and pharmacy.

Presently, covered entities (CEs) need to not only be aware of each of their wholesaler accounts but also understand which 340B ID is associated with the account, and which manufacturers they have pricing for. The HIN plays a crucial role for CEs during this process. Whether you plan to make designations per site or are creating an ESP account for the first time, the HIN remains a consistent piece of the 340B program, across all CEs. If you know you need to purchase an HIN, don’t delay, it can take multiple weeks for the request to go through.

The HIN allows for efficient retrieval and verification of transaction records for the wholesaler and manufacturers. By using a common identifier, all parties can easily share and reconcile information, ensuring that 340B pricing is applied appropriately and that any discrepancies are promptly addressed. All 340B wholesaler accounts are required to have a HIN; without one, 340B pricing cannot be loaded to an account.

If you are unsure of what 340B ID and HIN are applied to your wholesale accounts, it is important to retrieve and maintain that information. This becomes especially important when working with ESP to apply designations, track pricing issues and ultimately support an effective and compliant 340B program.

Pillr Health is readily available to assist with any questions you may have.  

TIP: Maximize the effectiveness of your 340B program through consistent internal audits, ensuring both compliance and enhanced savings.

Establishing and running an effective 340B program requires diligent oversight and dedicated compliance management. A key component in achieving success is the regular implementation of internal audits. These audits serve as a proactive measure, ensuring your organization’s adherence to all the necessary regulations and guidelines governing the 340B program. By routinely reviewing your program’s operations, you can promptly identify and address any potential compliance issues, preventing their escalation into more significant problems. This not only helps in avoiding potential fines and penalties but also ensures that your program is operating at its full potential.

In addition to ensuring compliance, internal audits can also help optimize savings within your 340B program. A thorough examination of your purchasing and dispensing practices allows for the identification of opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This could include streamlining inventory management, negotiating more favorable pricing with suppliers, or uncovering possibilities to expand the program’s reach to serve more eligible patients. By implementing adjustments based on insights gained from internal audits, you can strengthen the financial sustainability of your 340B program. This also ensures its continued provision of essential services to underserved populations while maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

TIP: Dedicating resources and ensuring team members have access to education & information are essential to successfully navigating the 340B program.

The 340B program, with its complexities and frequent regulatory updates, demands careful attention to maximize savings and ensure compliance. To effectively manage the program, it is important that to dedicate resources capable of overseeing the various components of the program, emphasize thorough training, and facilitate access to essential resources.

Investing in Continuous Education: Keeping staff updated on compliance requirements and the ever-evolving legislative and pharmaceutical manufacturer changes is essential. Continuous education initiatives enable team members to accurately navigate the program’s complexities. Training in proper data management practices emphasizes the importance of data integrity in maintaining compliance and preventing costly consequences.

Prioritizing Oversight and Resources: Successful 340B programs often allocate dedicated resources for oversight, provide ongoing learning opportunities for the team to stay current with regulatory changes. Ensuring resources are dedicated to programmatic reviews can also help prevent errors and enhance program performance.

Encouraging a Culture of Learning: Promoting a culture of continuous learning can uplift staff morale and empower team members to tackle challenges with confidence. By ensuring adequate resources are available for programmatic reviews, organizations can achieve greater success with their 340B program.

Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential. This includes working with pharmacies, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to streamline operations and address any issues promptly. Effective communication and partnerships can lead to improved program outcomes and increased savings.

By adopting a proactive approach to education, oversight, and collaboration, organizations can navigate the complexities of the 340B program with confidence. This strategy not only ensures compliance and maximizes savings but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the organization. Embracing these practices will lead to sustained success and better outcomes for patients.