Content about Top Stories

FLINT, Mich. — Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has named a new president.

Gary Kadlec has been appointed president of Diplomat, reporting to the specialty pharmacy provider CEO's Philip Hagerman. As president, Kadlec will support and drive the sales, clinical, managed care, new business and operations teams at the company. Prior to joining Diplomat, Kadlec was president and CEO of ExcelleRx, an Omnicare company.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has partnered with En-Vision America to launch a pilot program that provides those who cannot read standard print a safe and easy way to access the information on their prescriptions.

LONDON — A worldwide provider of managed videoconferencing, telepresence and visual collaboration services has partnered with Telemed Ventures to deliver a managed visual collaboration solution to Walmart's retail medical clinics.

DEERFIELD Ill. — Walgreens has announced the appointment of Alan London as chief medical officer of Take Care Health Systems Consumer Solutions Group.

In the newly created position, London will have leadership responsibility in building and maintaining external physician and health system relationships for Take Care Clinics while also providing strategic direction and leadership for the group’s service expansion, quality, clinical education and training, and collaborative practice agreement functions. London joined Walgreens on May 21. 

WASHINGTON — The number of retailers that fell victim to organized retail crime groups has increased, according to the National Retail Federation's "Organized Retail Crime Survey."

Of the 125 retail companies surveyed for NRF's eighth annual survey, a record-setting (96%) said their company has been the victim of organized retail crime in the past year, up from 94.5% last year. Another 87.7% said ORC activity in the United States has grown over the past three years.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday posted May sales of nearly $6 billion, a decrease of 1.6% as compared with the same month in fiscal year 2011.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The majority of consumers who would be eligible for new healthcare coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have never heard of the state-based healthcare exchanges — where they will have to shop for coverage beginning in 2014 — while more than half said they believe they will need help in understanding healthcare insurance terms and descriptions, and navigating the healthcare system, according to new research from CVS Caremark.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Walgreens-owned clinic operator Take Care Clinics now is offering three new diagnostic tests and administrative physicals — a move that also advances the Well at Walgreens strategy to enhance services as a community healthcare provider and transform to a health and daily living destination.

The launch of these new services is based on input from patients, managed care organizations and healthcare providers on ways to help prevent the progression of disease and use the most appropriate point of care, the company said.

QUINCY, Mass. — Two supermarket chains owned by Royal Ahold are dispensing prescription pet drugs at their stores, they said Wednesday.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has announced the launch of a new in-store fundraising campaign, named Advancing Medical Research, to support medical research and help improve the quality of life for those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.
 
Funds raised through the campaign will benefit the ALS Therapy Alliance, an organization dedicated to advancing ALS research, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Supporters for the 2012 campaign can donate $1 or $3 at the register in CVS/pharmacy locations and online through June 30.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — After announcing the retirement of its leader last December, Hy-Vee has named a new chairman and CEO.

The retailer said its president and COO, Randy Edeker, will become chairman, president and CEO, effective June 1. Edeker, 30-year veteran of Hy-Vee, replaces Ric Jurgens, who has served as Hy-Vee CEO since 2003 and chairman since 2006. Back in December 2011, Jurgens announced his intention to retire and nominate Edeker as his successor.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Just in time for the kick off of this year’s Memorial Day weekend, CVS/pharmacy is bringing back its "Earn Free Gas" promotion, which allows ExtraCare members to earn free gas cards throughout the spring and summer by shopping for household essentials, health and beauty products, and snacks at store locations nationwide.