A couple of posters mentioned that identiying drug prices on the Forum might be considered sensitive and confidential information. We at Pharmacy Purchasing Outlook agree; although such information was posted with the best of intentions, it could be used against the poster or another hospital.

So we've added to the intro on the top of the Forum to not mention prices or anything that might be construed as confidential information. We appreciate that posters are willing to share information, and that is what makes this Forum one of the most valuable and useful sections on the website. We just ask that you be mindful of the vastness of the Web.

Just be mindful that ANYTHING posted on the Forum can be read by anyone on the Internet, and can be used for unprofessional reasons, and believe me, there are people who can take a simple statement like, "The sky is blue" and twist it into something sinister.

Thank you for your continued support of the Forum, and keep on posting!

Name of Facility: Pharmacy Purchasing Outlook

City, State: Newsletter

Years as a Buyer: 30+

I totally agree that our hospital pricing is confidential. If you would look at my post you will see that I did not ask for the price. I asked what the pricing difference was between the two companies for a Hydromorphone PCA which is not the same as asking for the price. The answer to my question could be $1.00 or $5.50 or whatever it might be if anyone had experience with both companies. Unless we have the same GPO and wholesaler we are never going to have the same prices. There were some strong feelings expressed on the forum regarding both companies. Higher and lower pricing also came up so I was curious if it was a big difference. Currently we make our own Hydromorphone PCA's which is quite inexpensive.
I appreciate everyone's input and I am sorry if my question was misunderstood. I do think something good came out of it for all of us.

Name of Facility: NFP

City, State: Hospital

Years as a Buyer: 30

Debbie:

Thank you for your comments. We weren't out to identify anyone with this issue. This has actually been an ongoing situation that we should have addressed much earlier than now. It is the intention of the Forum not to restrict comments as much as we can, so no one feels they have to hold back. I, for one, appreciate the honesty and openness on the Forum, and am excited by all the activity the Forum has enjoyed over the past few months. The postings from the Forum in the newsletter have gone from a couple of pages to a full-blown section! This is a great time for Pharmacy Buyers and their capability to communicate with each other across the country,and in their own words, unedited and uncensored (to a point. )

Name of Facility: Pharmacy Purchasing Outlook

City, State: Newsletter

Years as a Buyer: 30+