NCPDP Showcases Innovation at Annual Conference
Keynote speakers, industry insights, new Board appointments, and the Champion Award highlight NCPDP's ongoing leadership in advancing healthcare interoperability.
NCPDP announced today highlights from its Annual Technology & Business Conference. The event revolved around the theme of CONNECTED CARE, featuring impactful keynote speakers, educational sessions, and award presentations. NCPDP also introduced a new three-year strategic plan aimed at improving data exchange and strengthening collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
Lee Ann Stember, President & CEO of NCPDP, emphasized the growing significance of connected care in enhancing patient outcomes. "Our focus is on driving interoperability and empowering pharmacists to practice at the top of their license as valued members of the healthcare team," she stated.
The conference commenced with a powerful keynote by Dr. Vin Gupta MD, former Chief Medical Officer of Amazon Pharmacy. His insights, centered on "The Future of Healthcare: How Your Organization Will Be Impacted," highlighted innovative collaborative strategies among providers, pharmacists, and patients. Dr. Gupta's session inspired attendees to embrace change and innovation in healthcare.
Dr. Gupta also emphasized the necessity of the NCPDP Universal Patient Identifier, now known as the Patient Experience Identifier (PEI). This improvement in patient matching is crucial for ensuring accurate identification across various systems, aiming for safer and more connected care.
Other noteworthy speakers included Scott Biggs, Director of Supplier Services at IQVIA, who presented the comprehensive IQVIA™ Market Trends Report. This report offered an insightful review of the industry's previous year and provided forecasts for the U.S. market. Additionally, Allison Massari inspired the audience with her session, "You Are the Medicine," which covered topics on resilience, leadership, and compassion during challenging times.
A panel discussion focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, where experts discussed real-world applications of AI, its potential for improving care delivery, and the importance of responsible innovation and data governance.
Highlights from the Conference:
Champion Award Recipient
NCPDP honored Denise McNerney of iBossWell with the 2025 NCPDP Champion Award, recognizing her exceptional service and commitment to the organization. Over the past decade, Denise has acted as a trusted strategic advisor and has notably influenced NCPDP's strategic direction.
Board of Trustees Updates
Mindy Smith, R.Ph., MHA., Senior Vice President at AnewHealth, was appointed Chair of the NCPDP Board of Trustees. Chris Mendez, Vice President of Data Strategy and Operations at Mercalis, was selected as Vice Chair.
Newly elected to the NCPDP Board are Lawrence King, Director of Intelligent Prescribing at Surescripts, and others who were reelected for continued service include Mara Mitchel and Christian Tadrus, enhancing the organization's strength and reach.
NCPDP's upcoming Annual Technology & Business Conference is scheduled for 2026, promising further insights and advancements in healthcare.
About NCPDP
The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) is a nonprofit established in 1977, dedicated to developing standards that enhance the healthcare information exchange. With a commitment to improving medication management and patient safety, NCPDP has initiated innovative solutions that benefit various healthcare stakeholders.
The organization’s contributions include well-regarded data products such as dataQ® and HCIdea®, providing essential insights into pharmacy operations and prescriber databases. NCPDP’s initiatives aim to uphold and improve interoperability standards and adapt to the advancing healthcare landscape, continually promoting high-quality patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main theme of the NCPDP Annual Conference?
The theme focused on CONNECTED CARE, emphasizing collaboration and interoperability in healthcare.
Who were some notable keynote speakers at the conference?
Keynote speakers included Dr. Vin Gupta and Scott Biggs, who shared enlightening insights on the future of healthcare.
What is the Patient Experience Identifier (PEI)?
The PEI is an innovative solution developed to enhance patient identification and matching across different healthcare systems.
Who received the NCPDP Champion Award?
Denise McNerney of iBossWell received the award for her outstanding commitment and contributions to NCPDP.
What future event did NCPDP announce?
NCPDP announced that its 2026 Annual Technology & Business Conference will take place on May 4-6, 2026.
