Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a rural area of Southern New Jersey, which is just about halfway between Philadelphia, PA and the Jersey Shore, as well as just over an hour away from New York City. This location made it easily accessible to experience the liveliness of the city while also enjoying the relaxation of the beach. When asked “Where are you from?” and answering New Jersey, I find that people inevitably have a negative view of our state; I couldn’t disagree more. I grew up here, attended school here, am raising my children here and started and based 340Basics in New Jersey. Access to excellent education, a substantial experienced talent pool for business and geographic location makes this one of the best places to live and work.
Q: Where did you go to college/graduate school?
I attended Stockton University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Public Health and then onto the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to earn a Master’s in Public Health. This laid the groundwork for my career in the health sector, but it was my hands-on experience as VP of Business Operations at one of the largest health centers in New Jersey that provided the experience to truly understand the needs of Covered Entities and begin to develop solutions.
Q: What are your favorites?
Food: Without a doubt, anything pasta!
Movie: Midnight in Paris
Musicians: Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Mumford and Sons
Destination: Ravello, Italy
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
There is an “outside of work”? Where is this place? In all seriousness, I have 2 teenage sons that keep me on my toes, when I am not attending practices and games I am helping with homework and school. Travel and life experiences are very important to me. My family and I try to travel a couple of times a year, visiting new cities and countries each time.
Q: What kind of work does your company do in 340B and what makes it stand out?
We deliver cutting-edge 340B solutions, dedicated client support and 340B consulting services that drive results. Our impressive suite of products and services include:
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- Exceptional Contract Pharmacy Administration
- Innovative Split-billing Solution
- Extraordinary Advanced Referral Program
- Superior Dedicated Account Management
- Astonishing Business Intelligence Reporting
- Accurate Internal, External and Mock Audits
- Knowledgeable 340B Consulting Services
But, if I had to emphasize what makes us stand out, it would, without a doubt, be our staff. We employ people that have a tremendous amount of 340B knowledge, combined with the desire to assist 340B organizations improve access to healthcare in their communities. Our service to clients is just as important as the technology we provide.
Q: Why did you choose to work in the 340B space?
During my time working at two different FQHCs, I was able to witness firsthand, not only the need of patients, but the need of the health center itself. I was able to learn as much as possible about the program and the important role it plays in helping providers continue to offer and improve the care given to those in need. After witnessing solution gaps in the vendors that we used, I made the hard decision to leave the CE side and move to the vendor side, with the goal to improve the solutions and services that are available.
Q: What do you feel is your most significant contribution to the 340B world or to a 340B customer/client?
I genuinely feel that it is not only my contribution, but my CEO’s as well. Our goal from the inception of 340Basics was to provide CE’s with tools that allowed them to focus on what is important, patients, all with the confidence of running a successful, transparent and compliant program. Most recently, during the pandemic, a client expressed to us that if it were not for the stable savings base due to increased claim capture from our contract pharmacy solution combined with our advanced referral program; the health center would have had to furlough staff and significantly reduce office hours. Providing CE’s, the ability to persevere and continue to provide communities much needed health care is the mission of our company.
Q: What advice do you have for a young professional who has recently launched a career in the 340B space?
Surround yourself with knowledgeable, driven people. The 340B industry can be difficult to navigate and take time to fully understand, my advice is to ensure that you choose the place you begin your 340B career wisely. Do your goals and vision align with your place of employment? Do you feel you are supporting and upholding the true value of the program? Your answers, along with a strong desire for continuing education as the program changes and evolves, will help steer you in the right direction.
For questions, Colleen can be reached at cdiclaudio@nuvem.com
