Content about Patient safety

October 4, 2011
NACDS urges consumers to prevent super-PBM 'stranglehold' on medicines

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Tuesday unveiled the print advertising component of its campaign to emphasize the anti-competitive and anti-consumer effects of the proposed merger of Express Scripts and Medco.

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Tuesday unveiled the print advertising component of its campaign to emphasize the anti-competitive and anti-consumer effects of the proposed merger of Express Scripts and Medco.

The new print ad was published in the Oct. 4 issue of the Washington Post (and can be seen by clicking here).

September 20, 2011
Cardinal Health Foundation develops new guidelines for medication disposal days

Cardinal Health announced that the Cardinal Health Foundation has developed new guidelines that are designed to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals understand the steps involved in hosting medication disposal days.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health announced that the Cardinal Health Foundation has developed new guidelines that are designed to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals understand the steps involved in hosting medication disposal days.

September 15, 2011
Rite Aid offers 'virtual' clinics

Rite Aid is teaming up with OptumHealth to become the first to provide "virtual clinics" in a retail pharmacy setting.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is teaming up with OptumHealth to become the first to provide "virtual clinics" in a retail pharmacy setting.

Rite Aid announced Thursday the launch of NowClinic online care services at select Rite Aid stores in the Detroit area. NowClinic allows Rite Aid customers to interact in real time with doctors and OptumHealth nurses.

September 8, 2011
NACDS highlights value of community pharmacy in letter to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it issued a letter calling on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to urge collaboration with community pharmacy in developing solutions to curb healthcare costs, while at the same time maintaining patient access to prescription medications and pharmacy services.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it issued a letter calling on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to urge collaboration with community pharmacy in developing solutions to curb healthcare costs, while at the same time maintaining patient access to prescription medications and pharmacy services.

Highlighting the accessibility of local pharmacists, the letter urged improved medication adherence as key to improved health and reduced costs.
 

September 8, 2011
Pennsylvania legislation would ban mandatory mail order

Bills proposed in Pennsylvania's state legislature would allow patients to have their prescriptions filled through mail-order and at community pharmacies for the same price.

PHILADELPHIA — Bills proposed in Pennsylvania's state legislature would allow patients to have their prescriptions filled through mail-order and at community pharmacies for the same price.

House Bill 511 and Senate Bill 211, which promoters said are designed to give a "booster shot" to local pharmacies and save jobs, are the latest episode in what appears to be a growing battle between pharmacy benefit managers and retail pharmacies.

September 7, 2011
Tracking medication adherence easier in integrated health systems with EHRs, Kaiser Permanente study finds

Patients using an integrated healthcare system that uses its own pharmacy and electronic health records get their medications filled at a higher rate than those in nonintegrated systems, according to a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

DENVER — Patients using an integrated healthcare system that uses its own pharmacy and electronic health records get their medications filled at a higher rate than those in nonintegrated systems, according to a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

August 26, 2011
Walgreens preps patients for Hurricane Irene

As officials across the East Coast closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Irene, Walgreens on Thursday afternoon released several tips for assuring prescription needs are met for those potentially impacted by the storm.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As officials across the East Coast closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Irene, Walgreens on Thursday afternoon released several tips for assuring prescription needs are met for those potentially impacted by the storm.

In the event of evacuation, patients should proceed to a safe location first and refill any medications at the nearest pharmacy. That allows patients to avoid potentially long lines at their local pharmacy, and they won't needlessly delay any evacuation.

August 24, 2011
Hi-res imaging technology enables Rx verification

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Pharmacy and Technology Conference in Boston will feature a multitude of suppliers showcasing everything from new drugs and devices to online services and pharmacy automation equipment.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Pharmacy and Technology Conference in Boston will feature a multitude of suppliers showcasing everything from new drugs and devices to online services and pharmacy automation equipment. Among those suppliers is Innovation, which will display its latest machine for automating the counting and processing of medications, after having showed it at Cardinal Health’s Retail Business Conference in Las Vegas last month.


August 24, 2011
Pharmacy crime: Pushing back against rising wave


Dispensing narcotics and other highly abused prescription drugs, pharmacies have always been potential targets for robbery and burglary. But a series of violent crimes over the past year and a half have thrown a spotlight on the dangers faced by pharmacy workers and customers, and have galvanized public opinion for tougher laws.



Dispensing narcotics and other highly abused prescription drugs, pharmacies have always been potential targets for robbery and burglary. But a series of violent crimes over the past year and a half — including the killing of a pharmacist, a teenage clerk and two customers in Medford, N.Y., in June, as well as the murders of a pharmacist in Trenton, N.J., and a store clerk in Sacramento, Calif. — have thrown a spotlight on the dangers faced by pharmacy workers and customers, and have galvanized public opinion for tougher laws.


August 23, 2011
Publix offers free lisinopril to pharmacy patients

Publix announced that it now offers free 30-day supplies (up to 30 tablets) of lisinopril to customers with a prescription for the medication.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix announced that it now offers free 30-day supplies (up to 30 tablets) of lisinopril to customers with a prescription for the medication.

All strengths of generic lisinopril are free, Publix said, noting, however, that lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combination products are excluded from the offer. Lisinopril is designed to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of such conditions as hypertension, certain heart conditions, diabetes and certain chronic kidney conditions.

August 22, 2011
H. D. Smith names IT vet David Guzmán chief information officer

H. D. Smith on Monday appointed David Guzmán as chief information officer.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Monday appointed David Guzmán as chief information officer.

August 19, 2011
OTCs now available to patients, employees at hospital pharmacy kiosks

Asteres, a provider of 24/7 automated pharmacy kiosks, earlier this week announced that Guthrie Health is the first hospital pharmacy to offer OTC products in addition to prescriptions at their ScriptCenter kiosk.

SAN DIEGO — Asteres, a provider of 24/7 automated pharmacy kiosks, earlier this week announced that Guthrie Health is the first hospital pharmacy to offer OTC products in addition to prescriptions at their ScriptCenter kiosk.

Hospitals are installing ScriptCenter to provide a quick and convenient prescription drop-off and pickup service to hospital employees, especially those who work when the pharmacy is closed, the company stated.

August 17, 2011
Kerr Drug launches online eyewear store

Kerr Drug is offering savings of up to 70% to customers who buy prescription eyewear through a new website, the chain said Wednesday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug is offering savings of up to 70% to customers who buy prescription eyewear through a new website, the chain said Wednesday.

Kerr Drug Optical, at Kerrdrugoptical.com, features more than 8,000 designer frames and options, such as scratch-resistant, Transitions and anti-reflective lenses, as well as ultraviolet treatments and prescription sunglasses. In addition, as part of the grand-opening offer, the company will give away the top 100 frame styles for free with a $49 purchase of lenses.

August 11, 2011
Pharmacists, dentists raise awareness of medication-related dry mouth

A lot of prescription and OTC medications carry the side effect of dry mouth, and while it usually is a mere nuisance that quickly passes, its severe forms can increase the risk of mouth sores, infections and tooth decay, especially among elderly patients.

CHICAGO — A lot of prescription and OTC medications carry the side effect of dry mouth, and while it usually is a mere nuisance that quickly passes, its severe forms can increase the risk of mouth sores, infections and tooth decay, especially among elderly patients.

August 5, 2011
NACDS praises introduction of legislation to curb organized theft of medical products

A bipartisan bill that aims to provide law enforcement with tools to crack crime rings that harm consumers by attempting to resell stolen medical products on the black market has received the praise of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A bipartisan bill that aims to provide law enforcement with tools to crack crime rings that harm consumers by attempting to resell stolen medical products on the black market has received the praise of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

In a letter sent to Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., NACDS thanked him for his leadership in introducing and advancing S. 1002, the “Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety Act of 2011,” also called the “SAFE DOSES Act.”

August 3, 2011
Topco institutes OTC substitution program for generic Rx

Topco, a member-owned cooperative serving the food industry, recently kicked off an initiative substituting its TopCare-branded over-the-counter medicines for the equivalent prescription pharmaceutical, where appropriate, in an effort to save patient dollars and promote the TopCare brand.

SKOKIE, Ill. — Topco, a member-owned cooperative serving the food industry, recently kicked off an initiative substituting its TopCare-branded over-the-counter medicines for the equivalent prescription pharmaceutical, where appropriate, in an effort to save patient dollars and promote the TopCare brand.

August 2, 2011
Sen. Schumer latest to endorse MTM legislation

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on Monday became the 11th senator to sign on as a co-sponsor for the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2011. The legislation was first introduced in February by Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on Monday became the 11th senator to sign on as a co-sponsor for the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2011. The legislation was first introduced in February by Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.

July 28, 2011
BSDS kicks off contest to celebrate 1 millionth Rx

Bause’s Super Drug Store is anticipating filling it’s 1-millionth new prescription in the coming months and is preparing to celebrate the event in grand manner, the Philadelphia-area independent pharmacy announced Tuesday.

BOYERTOWN, Pa. — Bause’s Super Drug Store is anticipating filling it’s 1-millionth new prescription in the coming months and is preparing to celebrate the event in grand manner, the Philadelphia-area independent pharmacy announced Tuesday.

July 28, 2011
NACDS outlines continued efforts in improving patient health to Senate committee

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which held a hearing Thursday titled "FDA User Fees: Advancing Public Health," outlining community pharmacy's commitment to addressing drug safety and the appropriate use of prescription medications to help improve patient health.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which held a hearing Thursday titled "FDA User Fees: Advancing Public Health," outlining community pharmacy's commitment to addressing drug safety and the appropriate use of prescription medications to help improve patient health.

July 21, 2011
Take Care's enhanced website offers visibility to real-time information to patients

Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has revamped its website to now provide patients with online access to estimated clinic wait times, clinical quality scores and cost of services at Take Care Clinics across the country.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has revamped its website to now provide patients with online access to estimated clinic wait times, clinical quality scores and cost of services at Take Care Clinics across the country.

July 20, 2011
Innovation to present PharmAssist Optix at two pharmacy trade shows

Pharmacy automation equipment manufacturer Innovation will unveil a new device for automating the counting and processing of medications at two pharmacy trade shows this summer, the company said Tuesday.

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Pharmacy automation equipment manufacturer Innovation will unveil a new device for automating the counting and processing of medications at two pharmacy trade shows this summer, the company said Tuesday.

July 19, 2011
Multipayer patient-centered medical homes may boost health outcomes for diabetes patients

A new report published in the June issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that diabetes patients can benefit from multipayer patient-centered medical homes.

NEW YORK — A new report published in the June issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that diabetes patients can benefit from multipayer patient-centered medical homes.

July 15, 2011
Polyglot Systems, CarePoint partner to help healthcare providers communicate medication instructions

Polyglot Systems and CarePoint have partnered to help healthcare providers communicate medication instructions more effectively to patients, the two companies said Thursday.

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Polyglot Systems and CarePoint have partnered to help healthcare providers communicate medication instructions more effectively to patients, the two companies said Thursday.

July 14, 2011
Legislation introduced to restore OTCs as qualified FSA/HSA reimbursements

Four legislators on Thursday introduced legislation that would restore over-the-counter medicines as qualified reimbursements under health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts without a prescription.

WASHINGTON — Four legislators on Thursday introduced legislation that would restore over-the-counter medicines as qualified reimbursements under health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts without a prescription. A provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act enacted in January had created a prescription requirement in order for OTC medicines to qualify for pre-tax reimbursements. 

July 14, 2011
NACDS supports repeal of legislation requiring prescriptions for OTCs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday its support of legislation that seeks to repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires consumers to obtain a prescription to use their flexible spending accounts for over-the-counter medication purchases.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday its support of legislation that seeks to repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires consumers to obtain a prescription to use their flexible spending accounts for over-the-counter medication purchases.

The Restoring Access to Medication Act was introduced by U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., and Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Sens. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb.