Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
Thomas Young to serve as AIS Healthcare’s Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer
Dallas, Texas – AIS Healthcare, the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, today announced the hiring of Thomas Young as Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer. In this role, Thomas will drive AIS Healthcare’s legal strategy, help oversee the company’s regulatory and compliance programs, and lead engagement with state and federal regulators.
“We are thrilled to welcome an experienced and highly respected member of the healthcare industry to the AIS Healthcare team,” said John Finley, AIS Healthcare’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. “Thomas will bring a valuable perspective to the company and serve as a trusted advisor as we continue to raise the bar for delivering the safest and highest-quality care to our patients.”
Young brings more than 30 years of executive experience in the healthcare industry to AIS Healthcare with a focus on navigating complex regulatory environments. Recently, Young served in a senior role at Cigna Health as the company’s Medicare Compliance Officer. Previously, Young spent over 25 years at Aetna Health where he served in various compliance and regulatory roles, including Chief Compliance Officer.
“I’m excited to join AIS Healthcare’s industry leading team and offer my experience to further enhance the company’s efforts to advance quality and compliance standards for specialty pharmacies,” said Thomas Young, AIS Healthcare’s Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer. “I’m proud to be part of a team that is committed to offering the safest and highest-quality treatments and services to dramatically improve the lives of patients suffering from severe chronic pain, spasticity, and immunodeficiency diseases.”
Young holds a J.D. from Duke University’s School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Princeton University.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com.
We are pleased to announce that Natalie DeGroff, MS, RN, FNP-C, our Senior Director of Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD) Nursing Operations, has been selected as one of the 14 qualified nurse practitioners (NPs) for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Executive Leadership Program Cohort. This program helps high-potential NPs develop a strategic mindset and multiply their impact as leaders across their organizations.
Natalie brings more than 16 years of experience to her role at AIS Healthcare. Previously a pain management NP, she has worked in hospital, ambulatory, health call center, home infusion and specialty pharmacy settings. Natalie is an invaluable member of the AIS Healthcare team and her selection to the AANP reflects her exemplary work ethic in the TDD landscape.
“Natalie is a proven, versatile, and engaging leader,” said Pam Carter, Chief Nursing Officer at AIS Healthcare. “AIS Healthcare is fortunate to have nursing leadership of this caliber. This is a well-deserved recognition and accomplishment for Natalie.”
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for NPs of specialties. It represents the interests of more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. The AANP advances health policy through legislative leadership at the local, state, and national levels; promotes excellence in practice, education, and research; and builds standards that best serve NPs’ patients and other healthcare consumers.
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
Dallas, Texas – AIS Healthcare is proud to recognize March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness (MS) month. It is critical to raise awareness and amplify the stories of people living with MS. With nearly 1 million individuals living with MS in the United States, the fight for a cure has never been more important.
Nationally, there is a growing understanding of MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. “While treatments have been developed to treat the symptoms of MS including pain and spasticity, we must continue working towards a cure for every person living with this disease,” said Simon Castellanos, AIS Healthcare Chief Executive Officer. “AIS Healthcare is committed to providing people living with MS the medication and supports required to live meaningful and joyful lives.”
Though the cause of MS remains unknown, there are effective treatment options for patients that can help manage symptoms and provide support in leading a long and productive life. March is a time to raise awareness, educate society, fundraise, and support the scientific and health care community that is working towards a cure and deepening our understanding of MS.
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
Dallas, Texas -AIS Healthcare is proud to recognize March as Brain Injury Awareness month and celebrates the advances in both care and awareness that have benefitted the brain injury community. AIS Healthcare is committed to improving care in addition to raising awareness for issues that affect the 5.3 million individuals in the United States living with a brain injury or brain injury-related disability.
“Individuals who have acquired a brain injury deserve access to the care and support that enables them to thrive in their careers and lead fulfilling lives,” said Simon Castellanos, AIS Healthcare Chief Executive Officer “At AIS Healthcare, we take pride in our work to offer best-in-class medication and services to support this community.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates an average of 1.5 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur each year, however misunderstandings about TBI and its potential impacts are commonplace. This is why Brain Injury Awareness Month is so important for illustrating the need for better understanding and advocacy.
To reduce the occurrence of brain injury, it is recommended to always wear a seatbelt, helmets, and never drive impaired. Reducing the risk of injury lowers the number of people who will need treatment or hospitalization after an injury occurs. For more information about prevention strategies and how to support the brain injury community, contact your local brain injury association by visiting here.
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
CONTACT:
Jud Hall
877.443.4006
Valdosta, GA – Advanced Infusion Care (AIC), a division of AIS Healthcare, announced today the reopening of a newly designed pharmacy in Valdosta, Georgia. The state-of-the-art pharmacy expands the home infusion service provider’s footprint in the southeast and enhances AIC’s ability to service patients across the United States. AIC’s Valdosta pharmacy is its largest pharmacy to-date, with nearly 40 licensed professionals servicing approximately 1,400 patients.
“The Valdosta pharmacy will enhance our industry leading regulatory compliance, quality, and operational flow allowing for sustained growth and expansion into new markets,” said Jud Hall, President at AIC. “This new space will provide optimal working conditions for our team and allow us to continue achieving the highest levels of safety and quality for the patients we serve.”
The pharmacy’s updated layout will benefit operations by expanding production areas and ultimately boosting staff efficiency. Patients using AIC’s services benefit from 24/7 access to dedicated clinical and support staff including clinical pharmacists, infusion nurse specialists, and intake managers. AIC’s Valdosta location was originally purchased by the company in 2017.
AIS Healthcare is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other infusion services providers.
Physicians interested in AIC care services should contact their AIC representatives to get started or visit us at www.aiscaregroup.com/our-divisions/infusion-care/
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
CONTACT:
Jud Hall
877.443.4006
Dallas, TX- Advanced Infusion Care, a division of AIS Healthcare, now offers GAMMAKED™, developed by Kedrion for the treatment of patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in adults and children, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults.
The nationally accredited home infusion teams at AIC collaborate closely with physicians to provide specialized in-home infusion services. This new therapy option, offered under a limited distribution contract with Kedrion, expands AIC’s ability to serve immunoglobulin (Ig) infusion patients.
“We’re proud to be able to add GAMMAKED™ to our growing list of Ig infusion therapies,” said Jud Hall, President at AIC. “This therapy from Kedrion can help us provide additional treatment options for our patients.”
GAMMAKED™ is indicated for the treatment of PI in patients 2 years of age or older, ITP in adults and children, and CIDP in adults. Approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration in 2011, the therapy is now available at all AIC locations (Valdosta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Clinton, Mississippi; Panama City, Florida; Dallas, Texas).
Like all AIC patients, those with PI, ITP, and CIDP will receive a high level of care from AIC, including 24/7 access to clinical and support staff. Every patient is assigned a dedicated team of professionals, including clinical pharmacists, infusion nurse specialists, and intake managers to provide support throughout the treatment process.
For physicians, AIC is a full-service care delivery partner. We have contracts with multiple immunoglobulin suppliers, like Kedrion. These contracts help us ensure prescribed therapies are always in stock. We also work directly with patients, insurance companies, and physician offices to secure all needed authorizations and complete paperwork.
AIS Healthcare is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other infusion services providers.
Physicians interested in AIC care services should contact their AIC representatives to get started or visit us at www.aiscaregroup.com/our-divisions/infusion-care/
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com.
Kedrion Biopharma is a global biopharmaceutical company that collects and fractionates blood plasma to produce and distribute plasma-derived therapies for use in treating and preventing serious diseases, disorders and conditions. It’s portfolio of 37 life-saving products are distributed in over 100 countries.
In 2022, Kedrion joined forces with UK based BPL (Bio Products Laboratory) forming the 5th top player in plasma derivatives and rare disease medicines, employing more than 4,800 people worldwide.
Kedrion places a high value on the welfare of those who benefit from its products, as well as the communities and individuals with whom it works and collaborates. It acts as a bridge between donors and the people who need treatment, working on a global scale to expand patient access to plasma-derived therapies.
AIS Healthcare (AIS), through its counsel King & Spalding, secured a settlement and new network contract following a lawsuit with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi (Blue Cross) over home infusion therapy per diem billing. AIS is a leader in the healthcare industry for these services.
AIS sued Blue Cross for breach of contract for non-payment. Blue Cross counterclaimed, alleging that AIS had misrepresented its bills by including per diem charges for each day the therapy is administered via an implanted pain pump – i.e., billing code S9328. AIS showed during the course of the lawsuit that the way it bills is appropriate and industry standard for these services.
After a full investigation and evaluation of AIS billing per diems, Blue Cross, as well as the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, both acknowledged, in a written settlement statement, there was in fact no fraud by AIS, and no finding of waste or abuse by AIS.
In agreeing to end their litigation, Blue Cross and the Association also confirmed, in the written settlement statement, that the parties have reached an agreement for Blue Cross to pay for past AIS services, and an agreement for AIS to be in-network again for the Federal Employee Benefits Program (FEP).
AIS was represented by King & Spalding healthcare and litigation partner Glenn Solomon along with trial partner Peter Strotz, who is also managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office, and experienced healthcare counsel Jonathan Shin. Overseeing the King & Spalding legal team that handled the lawsuit and negotiations was AIS Chief Legal Officer John Finley.
See link to a full copy of the Written Settlement Statement. The lawsuit was venued in federal court in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The court entered dismissal of the lawsuit earlier this November.
The designation continues to reflect AIS Healthcare’s commitment to advancing quality at its compounding pharmacies in Mississippi and Texas as well as Advanced Infusion Care locations in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas.
Dallas, Texas—AIS Healthcare is proud to announce that its two state-of-the-art 503A compounding pharmacies (Ridgeland, Mississippi; Dallas, Texas) which produces patient-specific prescriptions for targeted drug delivery (TDD), and it’s five Advanced Infusion Care locations (Valdosta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Clinton, Mississippi; Panama City, Florida; Dallas, Texas) have received the prestigious URAC accreditation for Specialty Pharmacy.
URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. By achieving re-accredited status, AIS Healthcare has demonstrated its commitment to going above and beyond to improve quality at every point along the care continuum.
“These accreditations are validation of what we do day in and day out—advancing quality,” said Michelle Wiest, Chief Operations Officer, AIS Healthcare. “It’s a prestigious recognition, and we’re proud to receive it for six of our leading pharmacies.”
AIS Healthcare is the leading targeted drug delivery and infusion care provider. In addition to compounding patient-specific prescriptions at its state-of-the-art 503A specialty pharmacies and providing personalized in-home infusion services, AIS Healthcare also offers a comprehensive suite of services to support both patients and providers.
“Throughout AIS Healthcare, we’re focused on doing more of what matters throughout the care continuum,” said Cindy Dumas, Vice President of Pharmacy Services and Pharmacist-in-Charge, Ridgeland. “This recognition from URAC shows how doing more to advance quality truly does result in meaningful improvements for patients and providers.”
AIS Healthcare is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other compounding pharmacies and infusion services providers.
The URAC accreditations for Specialty Pharmacy are effective through November 1, 2025.
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. URAC is a nonprofit organization using evidence-based measures and developing standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
As the designated 503A provider with Premier, AIS Healthcare will offer its TDD pump medications to Premier’s alliance of 4,000 U.S. hospitals and 165,000 other providers.
The recently released 20% subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy expands treatment options offered by Advanced Infusion Care.
Valdosta, GA—Advanced Infusion Care, a division of AIS Healthcare, now offers Xembify®, developed by Grifols for the treatment of primary immune deficiency disease (PIDD).
AIC’s nationally accredited home infusion teams collaborate closely with physicians to provide specialized in-home infusion services. This new therapy option, offered under a limited distribution partnership with Grifols, expands AIC’s ability to serve
immunoglobulin (Ig) infusion patients.
“We’re proud to be able to add Xembify® to our growing list of Ig infusion therapies,” said Jud Hall, Senior Vice President at AIS Healthcare. “This new therapy from Grifols can help us provide additional treatment options for our PIDD patients.”
Xembify® is for the treatment of PIDD in patients 2 years of age and older. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 3, 2019, the therapy was launched in the United States on November 18 and is now available at all AIC locations.
Like all AIC patients, PIDD patients receive a high level of care from AIC, including 24/7 access to clinical and support staff. Every patient is assigned a dedicated team of professionals, including clinical pharmacists, infusion nurse specialists, patient care
managers and intake managers, to provide support throughout the treatment process.
For physicians, AIC is a full-service care delivery partner. We have contracts with multiple immunoglobulin suppliers like Grifols to help ensure prescribed therapies are always in stock. We also work directly with patients, insurance companies and physician offices to secure all needed authorizations and complete paperwork.
AIS Healthcare is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).
Physicians interested in AIC care services should contact their AIC representatives to get started or visit us at aiscaregroup.com/advanced-infusioncare-overview.php.
Advancing quality. Improving lives.
As the nation’s top intrathecal and infusion care solutions provider, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters for patients and providers. From the industry leading quality and sterility standards at our pharmacies to our comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do. Because when we do more to advance care quality, providers are empowered and patients are supported. Days get easier. Lives get better.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
Grifols is a global healthcare company with more than 75 years of history improving the health and well-being of people around the world. Grifols produces essential plasma medicines for patients and provides hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare professionals with the tools, information and services they need to efficiently deliver expert medical care. Grifols’ three divisions—Bioscience, Diagnostic and Hospital—develop, produce and market innovative products and services available in more than 100 countries.
Learn more at grifols.com