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Senior Vice President of Operations @ OncoMed Pharmacuetical Services
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy member Ellen Scharaga maintains involvement with multiple industry associations, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists, and the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. A graduate of St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Ellen Scharaga earned a Bachelor of Science in 1982.
Throughout the course of her career, Ellen Scharaga has proven herself to be a skilled leader with expertise in the clinical, operational, and financial planning aspects of implementing new pharmacy programs. Ellen Scharaga possesses extensive experience in prescription drug management, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. Through various executive roles for health care pharmacy organizations, Ellen Scharaga has overseen prescription drug and mental health program direction, as well as managed vendor relationships. In addition, she improved procedures to secure accreditation with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA); the URAC, formerly known as the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission; and The Joint Commission (TJC), previously the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Ellen Scharaga currently serves as a Senior Vice President of Oncology Pharmacy Services for OncoMed Pharmaceutical Services, a seven-year-old company based in Manhasset, New York. In this role, Ellen Scharaga manages the pharmacy dispensary and call center, in addition to retaining and training staff members. Throughout 2010, Ellen Scharaga attained accreditation for all of OncoMed’s branches. Among other responsibilities, Ellen Scharaga guides pharmacy, home infusion and specialty injectable areas for PPO, HMO, Medicare Part D, and government programs.
Prior to joining OncoMed Pharmaceutical Services, Ellen Scharaga served in multiple management positions, including General Manager for Health Infusion, District Manager for Homedco Infusion, and Director of Pharmacy for Group Health Incorporated and Advanced Care, Inc.
Ellen Scharaga's Companies
Ellen Scharaga's Publications
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OncoMed, Ellen Scharaga
May, 2011
For patients diagnosed with cancer, the prospect of treatment often proves as daunting as the disease itself. Many drugs used to fight cancer carry disheartening side effects, although physicians today have access to products that are far more effective than those used in the past. These new treatments minimize the symptoms once associated with cancer treatment.
Nonetheless, OncoMed Pharmaceutical Services firmly believes that cancer patients should have access to resources, both online and via telephone, that can help them with questions or concerns they have during the treatment process. “Starting a treatment program can be very confusing, and when a patient is faced with difficulty in administering their prescription or problems paying for it, it can be very discouraging,” said Ellen Scharaga, a Senior Vice President of OncoMed who works closely with staff and customers to promote sound treatment and peace of mind for patients. OncoMed offers the benefit of a full-service pharmacy staffed by seasoned, knowledgeable professionals who want their customers to understand what they can expect during their individual courses of treatment. Because the company specializes in drugs that are used to fight cancer as well as those used for patients with hematological conditions, OncoMed’s pharmacists undergo rigorous training in these areas to ensure that customers have the opportunity, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, to discuss any concerns they have about their medication.
In addition to a host of online resources that include self-injection guides and easily accessed, detailed information about the drugs offered by the company, OncoMed’s staff of pharmacists and nurses are available to answer questions via the phone or email. Moreover, OncoMed’s reimbursement specialists help patients navigate the often complex procedures that must be undertaken to work with insurance providers or Medicare. Special advocacy programs OncoMed offers also provide assistance for patients in need of financial or emotional support during the course of their treatment.
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The Advocacy Agenda of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Ellen Scharaga
June, 2011
For nearly three decades, Ellen Scharaga has worked as an upper-level executive in the field of pharmacy. Ms. Scharaga also maintains an active membership in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), a professional organization that provides valuable support and resources for pharmacists. In addition to offering services such as drug industry updates, meetings and conferences, and continuing education, the ASHP also performs a number of advocacy functions with government agencies and other healthcare organizations. Here is a brief overview of some of the most pressing legal issues facing the ASHP today.
Health Care Reform: Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, patients have gained increased access to pharmacists and their services in various health systems and hospitals. In response to the passage of the bill, the ASHP set out to work with federal agencies to develop favorable regulations, ensure that pharmacists are well represented on the Health Care Workforce Commission, and increase existing funding for residency training in pharmacy. The organization also plans to educate pharmacists about the provisions of the new law and equip them with the tools necessary to succeed in the changing health care environment.
Drug Shortages: The Preserving Access to Life Saving Medications Act, sponsored by Sens. Robert Casey and Amy Klobuchar, which is currently under review in the Senate, addresses the problem of chronic drug shortages in health systems and hospitals across the United States. To ensure that this valuable piece of legislation becomes a law, the ASHP encourages its members to contact their senators and impress upon them the impact of drug shortages on the quality of care provided by pharmacists. Although the bill has recently received considerable support from a number of Democrats in the Senate, it currently has no support from Republicans.
Patient Safety: To ensure optimum levels of patient safety, the ASHP works closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several healthcare groups to enhance the safety and quality of healthcare in the United States. The AHSP supports the Partnership for Patients, a public-private partnership designed to help patients recover without further complications and prevent additional injuries or sickness.
To learn more about the advocacy activities of the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists, visit the website at ashp.org.
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