Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
Dallas, Texas—AIS Healthcare has been awarded a group purchasing agreement for 503A intrathecal compounded medications with Premier, Inc., effective July 1, 2025. The new agreement allows Premier members, at their discretion, to take advantage of special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for sterile, patient-specific intrathecal pain pump medications.
In addition, to assist with compliance policies, this agreement with Premier will provide member hospitals with site audit evaluations as well as ongoing quality reporting.
“Partnering with Premier allows us to bring our highquality, patientspecific medications and services to more patients and providers across the country. By combining Premier’s expansive network with our expertise in delivering safe, reliable, and longerdated compounded medications, we can help meet the growing 503A outsourcing needs for Premier’s member organizations with confidence and consistency. Together, we are delivering the best possible care to patients,” said Simon Castellanos, CEO of AIS Healthcare.
Premier, Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company, bringing more than 4,400 US hospitals and health systems and approximately 250,000 other providers and organizations together to transform health care. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost.
AIS Healthcare is a 503A pharmacy that compounds intrathecal medications for Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD). As the leading provider of TDD, AIS Healthcare is committed to providing industry leading intrathecal medications and the highest quality care.
At the center of our TDD operation are our 2 state-of-the-art 503A specialty compounding pharmacies, which prepare and ship more than 145,000 patient-specific prescriptions annually.
At both facilities, we go beyond industry and state standards to produce medications of the highest quality. We use a proven, proprietary process that combines aseptic processing with terminal sterilization on patient-specific prescriptions to achieve higher sterility assurance and extended Beyond-Use Dates (BUD).
To learn more about AIS Healthcare, please contact Chad Jeske at cjeske@aiscaregroup.com or visit our website at https://www.aiscaregroup.com.
Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
The acquisition marks AIS Healthcare’s continued expansion in the infusion space and a continuation of its commitment to providing medication and services of the highest quality.
Dallas, Texas—Advanced Infusion Care (AIC), a division of AIS Healthcare and a leading provider of patient-specific infusion therapy, has announced the acquisition of Preferred Excellent Care (“PEC”), a California-based pharmacy focused on infusion medications and services.
PEC’s pharmacy in Garden Grove, CA is AIC’s sixth location from which the company will dispense essential medications and personalized care to patients across the United States with complex medical conditions like immune deficiency diseases.
“This acquisition, and continued expansion to the West, marks another major milestone in AIC’s continued growth and provides a platform for the company to serve more patients and physicians in the region,” said Simon Castellanos, CEO of AIS Healthcare.
The nationally accredited infusion teams at AIC collaborate closely with physicians to provide specialized infusion services to patients in their home or in an infusion center setting. The PEC pharmacy is strategically positioned and designed to service the unique needs of patients and providers in the West. With a firm commitment to elevating the patient experience, AIC aims to make medications and home infusion services more accessible to those in need of care solutions.
“We are excited to open a pharmacy location in California. With PEC, we are gaining a team that shares our commitment to quality and patient safety. By acquiring this pharmacy, we aim to streamline the medication fulfillment process, enhance convenience, and ultimately improve the lives of our patients with immune deficiencies, said Jud Hall, President of AIC.
AIC is a full-service care delivery partner. AIC works directly with patients, insurance companies, and provider offices to secure all needed insurance authorizations and approvals. Like all AIC patients, those with immune deficiencies will receive a high level of care from AIC, including 24/7 access to clinical and support staff.
AIC is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other infusion service providers.
Physicians interested in AIC care services should contact their AIC representative 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, Texas – Advanced Infusion Care (AIC), a division of AIS Healthcare and a leading provider of patient-specific infusion therapy, proudly announces the launch of Advanced Infusion Care Centers (AICC), with the opening of its first location in Phoenix, AZ. This new center marks a major milestone in AIC’s continued growth and its mission to expand access to compassionate, high quality infusion care nationwide.
The creation of AICC reflects the company’s strategic commitment to meeting rising demands for outpatient infusion therapy through a dedicated state-of-the-art center designed around patient comfort, convenience and clinical excellence. The Phoenix location is now open and is accepting referrals. This new infusion center will help bring individualized infusion therapy closer to patients who need it most.
“Opening an infusion center in Phoenix, with additional infusion center openings across the country in the coming months, is part of our strategic mission to ensure patients receive the personalized, high-quality care they need–close to home,” said Simon Castellanos, CEO of AIS Healthcare. “This new location allows us to deliver different service options to meet the needs of our patients in the Phoenix area.”
AICC, including the new Phoenix center, offers a wide range of therapies to help patients with long- and short-term health conditions get access to the latest FDA-approved treatments. The centers will treat a wide range of health needs, including conditions related to the brain, stomach, skin, immune system, lungs, and more. The Phoenix center features private treatment rooms–providing space for friends, family and caregivers—flexible scheduling options, and highly skilled clinical staff.
“At AIC, we know that infusion therapy is more than a medical treatment – it’s a vital part of a patient’s life and well-being,” said Jud Hall, President of AIC. “What sets us apart is our commitment to less waiting and more caring. From our private rooms to flexible appointments and expert medical staff, we provide care that puts the patient first.”
For providers, AIC is a full-service care delivery partner. AIC works directly with patients, insurance companies, and provider offices to secure all needed insurance authorizations and approvals. AIC is dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other infusion service providers.
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, the leading provider of targeted drug delivery (TDD) and infusion care solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024 Pioneer in URAC’s Leaders in Performance Measurement (LPM) recognition program. This is the second year in a row that AIS Healthcare has been recognized as a Pioneer by URAC for promoting trust in the quality of care delivered through performance measurement activities.
To be recognized with the Pioneer in Performance Measurement Award, an organization is required to make key contributions to advance performance measurements and participate in activities that go beyond the mandatory reporting requirements, such as submission of exploratory measures, all with the purpose of helping improve the health and well-being of the populations being served.
URAC is one of the nation’s leading independent health care accreditation organizations, with certification programs that set the highest standards in quality and safety.
“We are honored to have been named a 2024 Pioneer by URAC,” said Simon Castellanos, AIS Healthcare CEO. “This recognition, for the second year in a row, is a testament to the dedication of our entire company to put patient safety first. I could not be prouder of this team and their unwavering commitment to ensuring quality, sterility, and excellence across all our pharmacy operations.
As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. This accomplishment underscores the company’s commitment to going beyond what’s expected to advance quality care and improve the lives of patients.
AIS Healthcare is also dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other compounding pharmacies and infusion services providers.
Learn more at aiscaregroup.com
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
About URAC
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.
With its multiple, large-scale health facilities, Indiana University Health (IU Health) required assistance a few years back managing their demand for intrathecal pain pump–compounded medications. The need for more pain-pump refills, and the accompanying federal compliance regulations posed significant operational challenges. So they sought a trusted outsourcing partner that could reduce overhead, streamline access, and maintain the highest possible standards.
The Challenge: Navigating Regulatory and Operational Challenges
IU Health’s pain clinic was tasked with delivering roughly 100 intrathecal pain pump refills per week. Between significant compliance hurdles, and the escalating risk exposure associated with in-house compounding, it became clear that trying to do everything in-house was unsustainable.
Tate Trujillo, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, FASHP, CPEL, Executive Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Nutrition & Indiana Poison Center at IU Health, explained, “We were trying to manage this out of our satellite pharmacy and were not meeting the need, particularly as the clinic was adding more and more providers.” This led the pharmacy leadership team to explore outsourcing solutions that could provide both regulatory, compliance, and workflow improvements.
The Solution: AIS Healthcare—The Right Compounding Pharmacy Partner
IU Health needed to identify a pharmacy specializing in Category 3 medications that could meet USP <797> standards. Ideally, this pharmacy could integrate with IU Health’s existing workflows and streamline administrative burdens. After a thorough evaluation, IU Health chose AIS Healthcare, an outsourcing partner with advanced infrastructure, providing the highest standards in sterile compounding.
AIS immediately began providing:
Accurate billing was another hurdle. “Trying to actually bill effectively and get reimbursed appropriately is a challenge, and since AIS does a direct bill for us, those solutions have been solved,” said Tate Trujillo.
A Smooth Transition to Outsourced Compounding
The transition, which took place more than 6 years ago, was designed for minimal disruption. AIS facilitated staff training and pharmacy onboarding. They also implemented a streamlined ordering process. This groundwork has allowed IU Health to integrate outsourced compounding services with remarkable efficiency to this day.
The Future: Driving Better Outcomes for Patients and Providers
“Our top priority is ensuring patient safety while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations,” said Tate Trujillo. “AIS Healthcare’s robust processes, including double-gloving, redundant checks, and terminal sterilization, gave us confidence that they could deliver the quality and compliance we require.” Josie Klink, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager of Business Operations & Procurement, reaffirms that, “AIS has been an outstanding partner for us regarding the intrathecal pain pumps and this critical patient population.”
IU Health’s experience with AIS serves as a model for other health systems facing similar challenges. By prioritizing compliance, patient safety, and financial sustainability, IU Health has successfully navigated the complexities of Category 3 compounding and created a framework for continued excellence in patient care.
Watch the Full Video Case Study
See the case study video on AIS Healthcare’s partnership with IU Health at: aiscaregroup.com/videos/#case-studies
To learn more about how AIS Healthcare can help health systems navigate Category 3 compounding challenges, visit aiscaregroup.com or contact Chad Jeske, PharmD, Vice President, Hospital and Health Systems TDD Sales at cjeske@aiscaregroup.com.
The University of Wisconsin Health System (UW Health) was required to meet the complex needs of their patients with intrathecal pain pump compounded medications. The health system looked for a partner who could quickly integrate outsourced compounding services. An established regulatory-compliant program would enhance patient outcomes while increasing pharmacy, provider, and patient satisfaction.
Regulatory challenges are evolving and complex
Regulations for outsourced pharmacy needs are critical for safe patient care but pose significant challenges to health systems that utilize 503A pharmacies for outsourced compounded medications.
The Joint Commission requires that outsourced pharmacies meet or exceed United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter 797 standards. USP 797 presents unique challenges for Category 3 compounding of sterile preparations, including increased sterility testing, staff training and competencies, and significant facility investments. Health systems must ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) reflect these standards, which require intensive, time-consuming administrative and operational challenges.
In search of a compounding partner
UW Health looked to find a state-of-the-art 503A compounding pharmacy to provide its patients with exceptional quality and service, as well as make it easy for patients and providers. Utilizing a 503A outsourced pharmacy presents implications from a regulatory, financial, and operational perspective. The health system needed a partner who could help minimize operational changes and streamline the necessary in-depth regulatory review. A key area in the transition would be to address the training and administrative changes related to patient-specific electronic ordering. A successful transition would mean robust customer service for key stakeholders.
AIS Healthcare (AIS): a winning solution for patients and providers
Pharmacy leaders at UW Health had a vision for quality patient care and a keen understanding of 503A outsourcing pharmacy requirements. They quickly identified AIS as a partner worthy of the regulatory and timetable challenge. As a dedicated 503A pharmacy for intrathecal medications, AIS offers an unparalleled approach to health system challenges. While maintaining the highest commitment to quality and patient safety, AIS provides flexibility to meet each system’s unique needs.
AIS provided all FDA-required regulatory documentation, as well as a robust quality report that outlined all quality control and assurance measures and outcomes. The report also included testing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, stock solutions, environmental testing, and staff competency training assessments.
AIS provided a streamlined onboarding process for the medical center, incorporating staff training and a dedicated customer engagement team. The process included pharmacy and provider training on the proprietary provider ordering portal, which allowed convenient e-prescribing for the medical center.
Exceeding expectations
Working together, AIS and the UW Health team reached their goal of fully integrating the regulatory-compliant, highly customer-centric compounding services within just 4 weeks.
Timeline for decision-making and implementation:
“Our organization was in a place where we were looking for a new vendor to quickly support our need for third-party compounded pain pumps,” said Kristin Harney, PharmD, MS, of UW Health. “The AIS team was an incredible partner in helping us set up robust systems in a short amount of time. We appreciate their partnership, expertise, and engagement across our interprofessional team members.”
Transitioning to an outsourced 503A pharmacy can be challenging, especially when accounting for the health system’s regulatory, financial, and operational considerations. Many transitions are delayed due to assessment, stakeholder involvement, training needs, and complex regulatory requirements. By partnering with AIS, UW Health overcame these challenges and became regulatory-ready and compliant, maintaining current workflows with minimal changes.
The result: In just 4 weeks, UW Health partnered with AIS Healthcare for fully compliant, state-of-the-art compounding services that improve patient care, patient satisfaction, provider satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial results.
AIS Healthcare provides exceptional and compliant 503A outsourcing for the highest quality and customer satisfaction. We can help your system overcome your most significant challenges with Category 3 intrathecal compounded medications. Visit aiscaregroup.com or email cjeske@aiscaregroup.com to learn more.
Contact:
Simon Castellanos
877.443.4006
Dallas, Texas – In response to recent hurricanes that devastated many communities across the Southeastern United States, AIS Healthcare, a leading provider of targeted drug delivery (TDD) and infusion care solutions, is providing additional support to physicians and patients to ensure continuity of care and access to life-saving medication. The destruction of critical infrastructure and extended power outages have created acute challenges for patients who rely on timely delivery and sustained access to medication used to treat severe chronic pain and spasticity.
To address these near-term supply chain disruptions, AIS Healthcare is increasing capacity at its pharmacies in Texas and Mississippi, which were not impacted by the hurricanes. This additional production capacity is intended to meet the demand of physicians and patients who use other pharmacies and may be struggling to access their medication.
“Our thoughts are with all the communities in the Southeast that have experienced immense tragedy and destruction over the last several weeks,” said Simon Castellanos, CEO of AIS Healthcare. “We see it as our responsibility to support physicians and patients in the one area we can – ensuring continuity of care by making essential medications available. Our pharmacy teams have been working around the clock to add capacity and respond to physicians and patients who cannot wait to have their next prescription filled. I’m proud of the work we have done and believe it is absolutely crucial we take action to provide essential medication in times of crises. We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to help all physicians, patients, and our industry during this difficult time.”
AIS Healthcare is dedicated to prioritizing the health and safety of all patients in need of care during this period of recovery. To support those who are recovering from hurricanes Milton and Helene, the American Red Cross is accepting donations here.
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- AIC, a division of AIS Healthcare, now offers ALYGLO™, manufactured by GC Biopharma, for the treatment of patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) in adults. This includes, but is not limited to, the humoral immune defect in congenital agammaglobulinemia, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), X-linked agammaglobulinemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
The nationally accredited home infusion teams at AIC collaborate closely with physicians to provide specialized infusion services to patients in their home or in an infusion suite setting. This new immunoglobulin (Ig) therapeutic option will expand AIC’s ability to better serve PI patients.
“We are excited to add ALYGLO™ to our expansive list of Ig infusion therapies,” said Jud Hall, President of AIC. “AIC is proud to partner with GC Biopharma to offer this extra-purified IVIg replacement therapy as another treatment option to patients nationwide”, added Stan Singley, Vice President of Trade & Procurement.”
Approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration in 2023, ALYGLO™ is now available at all AIC locations (Valdosta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Panama City, FL; Cockeysville, MD; and Dallas, TX).
Like all AIC patients, those with PI 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, home infusion nurses, RN clinical review specialists, and patient access specialists to provide support throughout the treatment process.
For physicians, AIC is more than a specialty pharmacy. We are a full-service care delivery partner, and we have contracts with multiple immunoglobulin suppliers, like GC Biopharma. 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 insurance authorizations and approvals.
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/
As the leading provider of infusion care solutions and targeted drug delivery, 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.
GC Biopharma is a global biopharmaceutical company, and a pioneer in the field of specialty pharmaceuticals. It is committed to improving the lives of people around the world and has built a global network of professionals and facilities to make this vision a reality.
GC Biopharma manufactured its first plasma-derived therapy in South Korea in 1971. Since then, the company has grown to become one of the top pharmaceutical manufacturers of plasma therapeutics in the world, distributing to more than 50 countries.
Throughout its history, which spans more than half a century, GC Biopharma has focused heavily on plasma-derived drug products. With one of the largest plasma manufacturing facilities in the world, it is devoted to developing new drugs to achieve its mission and vision.
CONTACT:
Jud Hall
877.443.4006
Stan Singley to serve as Vice President of Trade & Procurement for AIC
Dallas, Texas – AIC, a division of AIS Healthcare, today announced the hiring of Stan Singley as Vice President of Trade and Procurement. In this role, Stan will help drive AIC’s growth and expansion strategy in partnering with pharmaceutical manufacturers to gain limited distribution and sole source access for specialty drugs.
“We are thrilled to welcome a highly respected industry veteran with more than 20+ years of experience in immunology and rare diseases,” said Jud Hall, President at AIC. “Stan will bring a valuable perspective in partnering with internal and external stakeholders as we further develop and execute our trade strategy.”
Recently, Singley served as National Account Manager for Grifols USA, where he was responsible for partnering with key stakeholders to develop and execute channel strategy with key biological distributors, national specialty pharmacies, GPOs and health systems for their plasma-derived & hyperimmune products. Prior to Grifols, Stan was a successful sales professional and manager, culminating in his role as National Accounts Director, over the course of 12 years with Baxter BioScience. In this role, he successfully managed and continued to grow their plasma-derived, recombinant, oncology and biosurgery businesses.
“I’m excited to join the nationally accredited home infusion teams at AIC to further enhance the company’s efforts to advance chronic, rare and specialty therapies requiring complex clinical management,” said Stan Singley, Vice President of Trade & Procurement for AIC. “I truly believe, when the stakes are high for patients, that AIC can rise to the occasion with our comprehensive and differentiated care model and teams.”
Singley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Alabama.
AIC 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.
The DEA requires pharmacies like AIS Healthcare (“AIS”) to have a Power of Attorney (POA) in place in order to dispense controlled substances and opioid-based medications directly to a treating practitioner’s clinic.
As the largest and leading provider of intrathecal controlled substances, AIS prioritizes patient safety and well-being. We support measures to strengthen the chain of custody and security involved in the dispensing of these medications. The POA requirement mitigates safety concerns around leaving packages on patients’ doorsteps where they can be exposed to weather, stolen or diverted. Millions of prescriptions go missing from home delivery every year.
This POA requirement is effective now and is only required one time for each patient. This is not a requirement that is AIS-specific. It needs to be followed by every pharmacy. The DEA has made clear that shipping to a practitioner’s clinic is the much better way to do business. But for any pharmacy to do that, the DEA insists that a POA be in place.
The POA needs to be signed by a DEA registered treating practitioner and the patient. The POA must comply with the laws of the state where the medication is being dispensed. Depending on the state, the POA will require the signatures of both the patient and the treating practitioner to be witnessed and/or notarized. By following this process, you and AIS can ensure compliance with the DEA and state law.
Unfortunately, the DEA prohibits pharmacies to dispense controlled substances to a nurse or other intermediary who would then transport the medication to the patient’s home for administration. As of September 15, 2024, AIS stopped dispensing controlled substances to our nurses so they can take them to patients’ homes. Instead, patients are being referred to their respective clinics. Please note that our Home Connect Nursing Program will continue to serve home patients who are not receiving controlled substances.
Obviously, this change will impact pharmacies like AIS, and the treating practitioners and patients we serve. We do offer in-office nursing support through our Clinic Connect Program. That means we can have an RN, with extensive experience, perform pump refills and other services in the clinic-setting with a treating practitioner’s oversight.
It is clear that the DEA believes shipping controlled substances to nurses could put the prescribing practitioner, the nurse and the pharmacy in legal jeopardy. Under current law, pharmacies have two options. They can ship to the prescribing practitioner’s clinic, provided a POA is in place. Or they can ship directly to the patient, which, as mentioned above, is filled with risk. Clearly, the clinic model is the preferred approach which is consistent with how AIS is positioned.
We stand ready to handle any in-home patients (currently served by AIS or another pharmacy) who need to transition to the clinic setting.
Our Care Connect nurses are on call 24×7 to answer questions and help care for patients.
If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the DEA’s POA requirement or have any concerns about transitioning patient care to the clinic setting, please contact us at 877.443.4006. Our mission is to remain the market leader in targeted drug delivery, and to continue to put patient safety and well-being first.
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