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January 8, 2013
Telemedicine trend gets a boost in Congress

Widespread reliance on telemedicine to electronically deliver health and pharmacy services to hard-to-reach patients in remote locations is getting closer to reality. And in a fast-evolving health care system struggling to improve access to health services at a lower overall cost, that’s a good thing.

Widespread reliance on telemedicine to electronically deliver health and pharmacy services to hard-to-reach patients in remote locations is getting closer to reality. And in a fast-evolving health care system struggling to improve access to health services at a lower overall cost, that’s a good thing.

The potential breakthrough for remote-site dispensing and health counseling came in the U.S. House of Representatives. California Democrat Mike Thompson is sponsoring legislation that would eliminate barriers to telemedicine services for all federal health programs.

January 8, 2013
Walgreens opens comprehensive worksite health center at BMW Manufacturing's U.S. campus

Walgreens and BMW Manufacturing on Tuesday celebrated the grand opening of a comprehensive worksite health center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, S.C.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and BMW Manufacturing on Tuesday celebrated the grand opening of a comprehensive worksite health center on the BMW campus in Spartanburg, S.C. The 25,000-square foot facility, managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group, will provide BMW associates, dependents and eligible retirees a wide range of health services, including primary and occupational care.

January 4, 2013
Bill would advance telemedicine

New legislation aims to increase access to telemedicine services through government-sponsored health programs.

WASHINGTON — New legislation aims to increase access to telemedicine services through government-sponsored health programs.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., recently introduced H.R. 6719, the Telehealth Promotion Act of 2012, which would establish that "no [medical] benefit covered shall be excluded solely because it is furnished via a telecommunications system," allowing greater access to telemedicine services through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, Tricare, Department of Veterans Affairs and federal employee health plans.

January 4, 2013
Healthcare pioneer Steve Burd will still have an indelible impact on healthcare reform

After 20 years at the helm, Safeway CEO Steve Burd last week announced his retirement to spend more time with family and pursue interests in health care.

After 20 years at the helm, Safeway CEO Steve Burd last week announced his retirement to spend more time with family and pursue interests in health care. He will be leaving behind a Safeway that's gaining market share with each passing quarter within a highly competitive sector. 

But he shouldn't go far. As a champion of health reform and consumer directed care, Burd will likely continue to be a pioneer in the healthcare space as companies begin to implement Obamacare in 2014.

January 4, 2013
NCPA and others will need to bring freshman Congress class up to speed in record time

The National Community Pharmacists Association last week noted that language in the "fiscal cliff" legislation that averted the worst of potential tax consequences for individuals nonetheless had a chance to negatively impact diabetics who buy their supplies from their local community pharmacy.

The National Community Pharmacists Association last week noted that language in the "fiscal cliff" legislation that averted the worst of potential tax consequences for individuals nonetheless had a chance to negatively impact diabetics who buy their supplies from their local community pharmacy. 

January 4, 2013
Walgreens, Target, Sears, Supervalu, Costco get high marks for gay, lesbian employee policies

Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

WASHINGTON — Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The Human Rights Campaign released its 2013 Corporate Equality Index, which gives companies ratings of up to 100% based on their policies regarding LGBT employees and also released a buyer's guide for LGBT consumers.

January 3, 2013
H-E-B launches shelf labeling system and health newsletters to help Texans make healthier food choices

H-E-B announced that it is introducing more ways to help customers eat and live healthier in 2013, including the introduction of a nutrition labeling system and a weekly newsletter filled with healthy tips, recipes and coupons.

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B on Thursday announced that it is introducing more ways to help customers eat and live healthier in 2013, including the introduction of a nutrition labeling system and a weekly newsletter filled with healthy tips, recipes and coupons.

January 3, 2013
Outreach by telephone reduces hospital readmission risk, study finds

Reaching out to discharged hospital patients by telephone could help reduce the chances they'll be readmitted in the future, according to a new study by a healthcare service company.

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — Reaching out to discharged hospital patients by telephone could help reduce the chances they'll be readmitted in the future, according to a new study by a healthcare service company.

January 3, 2013
Safeway chief to retire in May

Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013. Safeway's board will begin a search for a successor, and will consider both internal and external candidates for the job, the grocer stated.  

January 2, 2013
Chattem settles ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash suit

Consumers who purchased Chattem’s ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash between Jan. 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, may be entitled to a cash refund from a class action settlement, according to a statement issued by the manufacturer.

SAN DIEGO — Consumers who purchased Chattem’s ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash between Jan. 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, may be entitled to a cash refund from a class action settlement, according to a statement issued by the manufacturer.

December 28, 2012
As WAG celebrates Worksite Health Centers AAAHC accreditation, industry can expect further growth

Half of the primary care work-site health centers managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group have received AAAHC accreditation as patient-centered medical homes, with plans to have all of the company’s employer-based primary care centers accredited in the first half of 2013.

The news speaks to the quality of care delivered at Walgreens work sites, and as employers increasingly look for ways to curb healthcare costs and boost employee productivity, one can expect to see greater growth of such facilities going forward.

Half of the primary care work-site health centers managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group have received AAAHC accreditation as patient-centered medical homes, with plans to have all of the company’s employer-based primary care centers accredited in the first half of 2013.

December 28, 2012
Walgreens is paving the way toward a better pharmacy proposition

Walgreens executives last week were upbeat looking ahead to calendar 2013, identifying the company's growing base of Well Experience format stores, the expanding role retail pharmacy plays in the delivery of health care and the promise to be realized through creating a global pharmacy operator as the three primary reasons lifting their spirits.

A new, fast-growing loyalty card program and closure to the company's nine-month separation from Express Scripts' pharmacy network are working wonders on improving the perception of Walgreens' future potential. A fortified faith in Walgreens' full potential never left the company's executive suite, of course. It's Wall Street analysts that still need a little convincing, and that may be coming along as well.

Walgreens executives last week were upbeat looking ahead to calendar 2013, identifying the company's growing base of Well Experience format stores, the expanding role retail pharmacy plays in the delivery of health care and the promise to be realized through creating a global pharmacy operator as the three primary reasons lifting their spirits. 

December 27, 2012
Christmas tornado narrowly misses Alabama Walgreens location

A video depicting a tornado blowing through the parking lot of a Walgreens was posted to YouTube on Wednesday.

MOBILE, Ala. — A video depicting a tornado blowing through the parking lot of a Walgreens was posted to YouTube on Wednesday. The footage captures both shoppers and store employees reacting to the tornado with footage from both outside and inside the store. 

December 27, 2012
Ohio becomes 25th state to adopt NPLEx

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association last week applauded Ohio Gov. John Kasich for signing into law House Bill 334, an anti-methamphetamine bill authored by Reps. Terry Johnson, R-Portsmouth, and Danny Bubp, R-West Union.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association last week applauded Ohio Gov. John Kasich for signing into law House Bill 334, an anti-methamphetamine bill authored by Reps. Terry Johnson, R-Portsmouth, and Danny Bupb, R-West Union. With the new law, Ohio now becomes the 25th state to adopt real-time, stop-sale technology known as the National Precursor Log Exchange.

December 27, 2012
Walgreens Infusion Services selected as a contracted provider of just-approved long-term treatment for SBS

Walgreens Infusion Services has been selected as a contracted provider of a new injectable medication that helps patients with short bowel syndrome.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Infusion Services has been selected as a contracted provider of a new injectable medication that helps patients with short bowel syndrome get more — or all — of their nutrients orally, reducing their dependence on intravenous parenteral nutrition, the division announced Wednesday.

December 27, 2012
Winn-Dixie Foundation invests $1.5 million across 123 nonprofit organizations

The Winn-Dixie Foundation last week announced it is investing $1.5 million in neighborhoods across the Southeast through partnerships with 123 nonprofit organizations, providing a broad range of services.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Winn-Dixie Foundation last week announced it is investing $1.5 million in neighborhoods across the Southeast through partnerships with 123 nonprofit organizations, providing a broad range of services.

December 21, 2012
Returning ESI patients, strong start to loyalty program has WAG executives bullish for 2013

Though total same-store sales were down 8%, Walgreens Friday morning characterized a first quarter lifted by a steady influx of returning Express Scripts patients and driven by a steady stream of new Balance Rewards members.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Though total same-store sales were down 8%, Walgreens Friday morning characterized a first quarter lifted by a steady influx of returning Express Scripts patients and driven by a steady stream of new Balance Rewards members. The Chicagotown retailer has signed 45 million Walgreens faithful since mid-September. "Today, we have the wind at our backs as we head into a new calendar year," Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson told analysts Friday morning.  

December 21, 2012
Rite Aid donates toys to children's charity

Rite Aid is donating 80,000 toys to a charity for children affected by poverty and tragedy, emphasizing those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the retailer said Friday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is donating 80,000 toys to a charity for children affected by poverty and tragedy, emphasizing those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the retailer said Friday.

Rite Aid announced the donation of coloring books, stuffed animals and activity workbooks to Kids In Distressed Situations.

December 20, 2012
Study finds increase in retail co-pays for prescription drugs

Retail co-pays for drugs are on the rise across all drug types, according to a new study by the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute.

PLANO, Texas — Retail co-pays for drugs are on the rise across all drug types, according to a new study by the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute.

The study, based on a survey of 424 U.S. employers representing about 3.7 million members, found that retail co-pays increased 10% for generics, 13% for branded drugs and 26% for specialty drugs. Meanwhile, there was an increase in use of multitier designs, which now represent 92% of plan sponsors, while adoption of medication therapy management for commercial populations was "minimal."

December 20, 2012
Walgreens Worksite Health Centers receive accreditation as medical homes

Walgreens and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care announced on Thursday that half of the primary care worksite health centers managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group have received Medical Home accreditation, with plans to have all of the company’s employer-based primary care centers accredited in the first half of 2013.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care announced on Thursday that half of the primary care worksite health centers managed by Walgreens Employer Solutions Group have received Medical Home accreditation, with plans to have all of the company’s employer-based primary care centers accredited in the first half of 2013.

December 19, 2012
Game changing results: Is it a matter of strategy or execution?

The vast majority of product launches, reorganizations, mergers and improvement initiatives either fail or grossly disappoint. In all, roughly 90% of major projects violate their own schedule, budget or quality standards.

The vast majority of product launches, reorganizations, mergers and improvement initiatives either fail or grossly disappoint. In all, roughly 90% of major projects violate their own schedule, budget or quality standards.

Obviously these performance gaps are not part of the plan. Companies that work together to create very concise business plans, supported by a constant rhythm of team meetings, are more apt to stay on course and execute their plans with precision.

Seems obvious, so why do most initiatives breakdown?

December 14, 2012
CVS/pharmacy to acquire 19 Medicine Chest pharmacy locations in Texas

CVS/pharmacy and Medicine Chest Pharmacy announced on Friday that CVS will acquire 19 Medicine Chest drug stores in Texas during the last weekend of December.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. and SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — CVS/pharmacy and Medicine Chest Pharmacy announced on Friday that CVS will acquire 19 Medicine Chest drug stores in Texas during the last weekend of December.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

CVS/pharmacy will operate nine of the acquired locations and relocate 10 other Medicine Chest pharmacies into nearby existing CVS/pharmacy locations. Medicine Chest will continue to operate its remaining 10 locations.

December 14, 2012
Diplomat Specialty's 'top job creator' nod a boon for specialty pharm

Inc. magazine named Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy as one of the country's top 100 job creators as part of the business magazine's inaugural Hire Power Awards. Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy cracked the list at No. 94 with the addition of 233 new positions over the past three years and came in at No. 5 in the company's home state of Michigan.

But though the company comes in at No. 94 on 'Inc.''s list, measured up against the likes of IT Services juggernaut GoDaddy.com or the rapidly growing fast-food chain Colorado Smashburger, Diplomat Specialty is a bellwether all the same — specialty pharmacy is and will be the catalyst for growth in the retail pharmacy industry.

Inc. magazine named Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy as one of the country's top 100 job creators as part of the business magazine's inaugural Hire Power Awards. Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy cracked the list at No. 94 with the addition of 233 new positions over the past three years and came in at No. 5 in the company's home state of Michigan.

December 14, 2012
Federal court upholds validity of Crestor patent

A federal court has ruled in favor of AstraZeneca in a case regarding a cholesterol drug, the company said.

WILMINGTON, Del. — A federal court has ruled in favor of AstraZeneca in a case regarding a cholesterol drug, the company said.

AstraZeneca said the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruling that a patent covering the drug Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) was valid and enforceable. The patent, which expires in 2016, covers the active ingredient of Crestor.

December 14, 2012
Hair accessories brand Goody once again supports 'The Today Show' gift drive

Goody, a maker of hair accessories and styling tools, is supporting the 19th annual “Today Show “Holiday Gift Drive, through a donation of more than $200,000 hairstyling accessories to benefit children, teens and their families across the country this holiday season.

ATLANTA — Goody, a maker of hair accessories and styling tools, is supporting the 19th annual “Today Show “Holiday Gift Drive, through a donation of more than $200,000 hairstyling accessories to benefit children, teens and their families across the country this holiday season. The donation was made on “The Today Show” that aired on Friday.