Content about CVS Caremark

January 10, 2011
'Pharmacy home' can help organize medication management

The healthcare system needs to find ways to help patients with such complex therapies as chronic heart disease to simplify and centralize their medication management and create a "pharmacy home" to improve medication adherence, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital and CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The healthcare system needs to find ways to help patients with such complex therapies as chronic heart disease to simplify and centralize their medication management and create a "pharmacy home" to improve medication adherence, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital and CVS Caremark.

January 7, 2011
Boomer birthdays, Universal American acquisition put CVS at top of Medicare Part D game

The news that CVS Caremark has entered an agreement to acquire the Medicare Part D business of Universal American is important on several fronts: Not only will the deal more than double the size of CVS Caremark's Medicare Part D program, but the move also comes just as the first baby boomers turn 65.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The news that CVS Caremark has entered an agreement to acquire the Medicare Part D business of Universal American is important on several fronts: Not only will the deal more than double the size of CVS Caremark's Medicare Part D program, but the move also comes just as the first baby boomers turn 65.

(THE NEWS: CVS Caremark acquires Universal American. For the full story, click here)

January 7, 2011
Long-term savings for health care cannot be ignored

Almost $8,000 a year in healthcare savings, per patient. That’s how much patients with congestive heart failure could save the U.S. healthcare system simply by taking their medications as prescribed, an exhaustive, three-year study by CVS Caremark concluded.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Almost $8,000 a year in healthcare savings, per patient. That’s how much patients with congestive heart failure could save the U.S. healthcare system simply by taking their medications as prescribed, an exhaustive, three-year study by CVS Caremark concluded.

(THE NEWS: Adherence among chronic disease patients can lead to big savings. For the full story, click here)

January 6, 2011
Adherence among chronic disease patients can lead to big savings

Patients with one or more out of four chronic diseases studied who take their medications as prescribed may save the healthcare system as much as $7,800 per patient annually, according to findings of a new CVS Caremark study analyzing annual pharmacy and medical costs over a three-year period.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Patients with one or more out of four chronic diseases studied who take their medications as prescribed may save the healthcare system as much as $7,800 per patient annually, according to findings of a new CVS Caremark study analyzing annual pharmacy and medical costs over a three-year period.

January 5, 2011
Collaborative care alchemy: Pharmacists + nurses = gold



Last month, the American Journal of Managed Care published a review of more than 40 years worth of studies from various medical journals that demonstrated that the best way to improve adherence is to get patients to talk to the store pharmacist; the second-best way is to get them to talk to a nurse before they leave the hospital.


January 5, 2011
CVS boosts ExtraCare program with Beauty Club

As announced at CVS Caremark's 2010 analyst meeting in October and reported by Drug Store News, the company's retail division is extending its successful ExtraCare loyalty program by officially launching the new ExtraCare Beauty Club, the first-ever beauty club program for the retail pharmacy industry.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As announced at CVS Caremark's 2010 analyst meeting in October and reported by Drug Store News, the company's retail division is extending its successful ExtraCare loyalty program by officially launching the new ExtraCare Beauty Club, the first-ever beauty club program for the retail pharmacy industry.

CVS/pharmacy is launching the beauty club program during the People's Choice Awards 2011 on CBS at 9 p.m. EST.

January 3, 2011
CVS Caremark acquires Universal American

CVS Caremark is more than doubling the size of its Medicare Part D program by acquiring the Medicare Part D business of Universal American for roughly $1.25 billion.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark is more than doubling the size of its Medicare Part D program by acquiring the Medicare Part D business of Universal American for roughly $1.25 billion.

Universal American’s Part D business currently serves about 1.9 million Medicare PDP members, while CVS Caremark serves roughly 1.2 million Medicare PDP members. This reflects current levels of membership and does not include 2011 auto assignment or the results of the annual enrollment period, which ended Dec. 31, 2010.

December 23, 2010
Improving medication adherence is critical

The CVS Caremark-sponsored study that illustrates pharmacists and nurses are the most effective healthcare "voice" in promoting medication adherence among patients is important because it marks the first step toward unlocking the potential of the collaborative care model (i.e., pharmacists and nurses), and getting those people who matter to pay attention.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — The CVS Caremark-sponsored study that illustrates pharmacists and nurses are the most effective healthcare "voice" in promoting medication adherence among patients is important because it marks the first step toward unlocking the potential of the collaborative care model (i.e., pharmacists and nurses), and getting those people who matter to pay attention.

December 23, 2010
Study: More research needed to improve patient medication adherence

The industry has a lot to learn in order to determine how to most effectively use electronic communications to improve patient medication adherence, as few studies show how health information technology can be leveraged to motivate patients to take medications as prescribed, according to research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The industry has a lot to learn in order to determine how to most effectively use electronic communications to improve patient medication adherence, as few studies show how health information technology can be leveraged to motivate patients to take medications as prescribed, according to research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

December 22, 2010
Adherence is boosted by face-to-face contact, study finds

Pharmacists at a retail pharmacy are the most influential healthcare "voice" in getting patients to take their medications as prescribed, followed by nurses talking with patients as they are discharged from a hospital, according to research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Pharmacists at a retail pharmacy are the most influential healthcare "voice" in getting patients to take their medications as prescribed, followed by nurses talking with patients as they are discharged from a hospital, according to research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

December 21, 2010
2010 CVS Caremark Charity Classic boosts nonprofits

The work of 62 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts received a boost with support from funds generated by the 2010 CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The work of 62 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts received a boost with support from funds generated by the 2010 CVS Caremark Charity Classic.

CVS Caremark's chairman and CEO, Tom Ryan, along with PGA Tour Professionals and CVS Caremark Charity Classic co-hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon, presented more than $1.3 million to area charities at the company's customer support center headquarters.

December 21, 2010
CVS Caremark Charitable Trust awards $3.3 million in grants

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust announced on Tuesday that $3.3 million in grants has been awarded to 72 nonprofit organizations across the country.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust announced on Tuesday that $3.3 million in grants has been awarded to 72 nonprofit organizations across the country.

About half of these grants align with CVS Caremark All Kids Can, a program focused on making life easier for children with disabilities and for their families. The other half of the grants will provide support for medical services for the underinsured and uninsured.

December 20, 2010
CVS/pharmacy participates in local holiday outreach

CVS/pharmacy, the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and dozens of volunteers came together on Dec. 19 at Easter Seals New York's child development center, Project Discovery, to distribute toys, food and coats to families in need.

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — CVS/pharmacy, the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and dozens of volunteers came together on Dec. 19 at Easter Seals New York's child development center, Project Discovery, to distribute toys, food and coats to families in need.

December 20, 2010
MinuteClinic to promote Ask Me 3 health literacy program

CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into an agreement with the National Patient Safety Foundation to become the nation's first retail clinic provider to implement the Ask Me 3 health literacy program.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic has entered into an agreement with the National Patient Safety Foundation to become the nation's first retail clinic provider to implement the Ask Me 3 health literacy program.

MinuteClinic will launch the program in early 2011 in its approximately 500 medical clinics located inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

December 16, 2010
Court blocks Mullany from joining CVS Caremark

A Delaware judge granted Walmart's request for a preliminary injunction on Wednesday and has blocked — for now — CVS Caremark from hiring former Walmart executive Hank Mullany as president of CVS/pharmacy, according to published reports.

WILMINGTON, Del. — A Delaware judge granted Walmart's request for a preliminary injunction on Wednesday and has blocked — for now — CVS Caremark from hiring former Walmart executive Hank Mullany as president of CVS/pharmacy, according to published reports.

Vice chancellor J. Travis Laster scheduled a trial for early March.

December 16, 2010
MinuteClinic forms clinical collaboration with St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

MinuteClinic has entered a clinical collaboration in southern Nevada with St. Rose Dominican Hospitals — members of the Catholic Healthcare West system — to enhance healthcare services provided in communities throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — MinuteClinic has entered a clinical collaboration in southern Nevada with St. Rose Dominican Hospitals — members of the Catholic Healthcare West system — to enhance healthcare services provided in communities throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

MinuteClinic, which is owned by CVS Caremark, operates six clinics inside CVS locations throughout southern Nevada.

December 14, 2010
Former CVS executive joins Market Performance Group

Former CVS/pharmacy executive Steve Ortleb has joined Market Performance Group, a consulting and sales management services company, as a director on the MPG sales and retail services team and a retail adviser for the MPG Strategy Consulting group.

NEW YORK — Former CVS/pharmacy executive Steve Ortleb has joined Market Performance Group, a consulting and sales management services company, as a director on the MPG sales and retail services team and a retail adviser for the MPG Strategy Consulting group.

December 10, 2010
Will Mullany's noncompete agreement undo CVS' succession plan?

CVS Caremark made headlines when it announced late in the day on Dec. 3 that former Walmart executive Hank Mullany had been named president of CVS/pharmacy. However, the wires were soon abuzz with news that Walmart had filed a lawsuit against CVS to block the hiring of Mullany.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — CVS Caremark made headlines when it announced late in the day on Dec. 3 that former Walmart executive Hank Mullany had been named president of CVS/pharmacy. However, the wires were soon abuzz with news that Walmart had filed a lawsuit against CVS to block the hiring of Mullany.

December 7, 2010
Annual DSN roundtables draw record crowd


NEW YORK — Walgreens. Costco. CVS Caremark. Rite Aid. H-E-B. Wegmans. Kerr Drug. The list goes on. In all, it was a veritable who’s who of retailing as Drug Store News’ annual Industry 
Issues Summit, which also included a Specialty Pharmacy Roundtable and Diabetes Roundtable, attracted more than 200 attendees — a new attendance record — and featured the most diverse retail panelists to date.


December 3, 2010
CVS/pharmacy moves ahead with succession plan, Hank Mullany named president

CVS Caremark announced on Friday that former Walmart North executive Hank Mullany will succeed Larry Merlo as president of CVS/pharmacy. The move is part of the corporate succession plan announced last May in which Tom Ryan will retire as CEO prior to the next annual meeting and Merlo will step up as CEO.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Friday that former Walmart North executive Hank Mullany will succeed Larry Merlo as president of CVS/pharmacy. The move is part of the corporate succession plan announced last May in which Tom Ryan will retire as CEO prior to the next annual meeting and Merlo will step up as CEO.

December 2, 2010
CVS Caremark receives PBM, DTM accreditation from URAC

CVS Caremark announced on Thursday that it has been awarded pharmacy benefit management and drug therapy management accreditation from URAC, a healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry ...

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Thursday that it has been awarded pharmacy benefit management and drug therapy management accreditation from URAC, a healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry. CVS Caremark previously had received accreditation for PBM and DTM from URAC in 2007.

November 30, 2010
Future of specialty pharmacy discussed at Drug Store News' Specialty Pharmacy Roundtable

Leaders in specialty pharmacy gathered in New York on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club to attend the second annual Specialty Pharmacy Roundtable discussion presented by Drug Store News and Armada Health Care.

NEW YORK — Leaders in specialty pharmacy gathered in New York on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club to attend the second annual Specialty Pharmacy Roundtable discussion presented by Drug Store News and Armada Health Care.

David Galardi, co-founder of Apogenics Inc., moderated the robust panel, which was comprised of Nick Calla of Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, John Musil of The Apothecary Shops, Tim Kaplan of Amber Pharmacy, Jeanne Ann Stasny of Walmart Specialty Pharmacy and Albert Thigpen of CVS Caremark, among others.

November 24, 2010
Spending on lobbying shows healthcare cos.’ stake in healthcare reform

Most of the newly elected and re-elected Republican members of Congress, Tea Party candidates in particular, vowed to whittle down or repeal healthcare reform once in office, but the healthcare companies that stand to benefit hope to change their minds, as some of their lobbying activities last quarter have shown.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Most of the newly elected and re-elected Republican members of Congress, Tea Party candidates in particular, vowed to whittle down or repeal healthcare reform once in office, but the healthcare companies that stand to benefit hope to change their minds, as some of their lobbying activities last quarter have shown.

(THE NEWS: Report: PhRMA's lobbying efforts total more than $5 million in Q3. For the full story, click here)

November 18, 2010
CVS Caremark's PBM customer care team earns recognition from Contact Center World

The customer care team of CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefit management business earned a silver medal...

WOONSOCKET, R.I. The customer care team of CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefit management business earned a silver medal for its customer service by Contact Center World, CVS announced Friday.

November 18, 2010
MinuteClinic: A force to be reckoned with

The fact that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic was highlighted as an innovator of healthcare delivery by...

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The fact that CVS Caremark's MinuteClinic was highlighted as an innovator of healthcare delivery by the World Economic Forum's Innovation Health Care Delivery Project is important on several fronts. Not only does the recognition further illustrate the important role that convenient care clinics are playing in U.S. health care, but perhaps even more importantly, this forum also was a global stage for the clinic operator.