Content about pharmacist

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A new Walgreens study examining the impact of 90-day medication refills at community pharmacies compared to 30-day refills for Medicaid patients found that across four therapeutic categories, patients with 90-day refills had greater medication adherence and greater persistency, nominal wastage and more cost savings. The study, titled "Medication Days’ Supply, Adherence, Wastage and Cost Among Chronic Patients in Medicaid," was published in Medicare & Medicaid Research Review and released Wednesday.

NEW YORK — About two-fifths of pharmacists say they spend more time providing care and support for patients than they did two years ago, according to a new study from a market research and advisory firm.

Manhattan Research released the results of its "Taking the Pulse Pharmacists 2012" study, which surveyed 752 U.S. pharmacists online in September and October about their use of various channels and sources, including digital content and mobile devices for professional purposes and patient care.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is renewing its diabetes extension for Wellness+ and offering free screenings at all of its Wellness stores to mark American Diabetes Month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Given the extent of the meningitis outbreak linked to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, new regulations for such pharmacies might be a good idea, but how to implement them remains uncertain.

(THE NEWS: Meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy spawns new proposed legislation. Click here to read the story.)

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is partnering with the American Diabetes Association as the sponsor of "A Day in the Life of Diabetes" campaign — a photo-sharing campaign on the ADA's main Facebook page.

The CVS/pharmacy ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every photo or image uploaded, up to $25,000. CVS/pharmacy will also co-host a Twitter chat on Nov. 15 with Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist, VP medicine and science for the ADA.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As officials across the East Coast closely monitor the approach of Hurricane Sandy, Walgreens and Duane Reade on Saturday offered several preparation tips to ensure uninterrupted access to prescription medications. 

For evacuees, Walgreens suggested that consumers leave first and refill later at a pharmacy close to their evacuation area. "This allows you to avoid potentially long lines at your local pharmacy, and you won’t needlessly delay your evacuation," Walgreens advised. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation on Thursday applauded a report illustrating the impact medication adherence can and should have on reducing hospital readmission rates, and the critical role community pharmacists play in coordinated care approaches to enhancing patient medication adherence.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health has introduced a new multidose drug packaging system that it said would help pharmacy customers adhere to medication regimens, the company said Tuesday.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A group that lobbies on behalf of independent pharmacies is urging Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett to sign a bill that would allow retail pharmacies to match the reimbursement terms, pricing and conditions that mail-order pharmacies negotiate exclusively with health insurance plans.

The National Community Pharmacists Association expressed hopes that Corbett would sign S.B. 201, which the Pennsylvania state Senate and House have unanimously approved.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Recognizing the important role its community pharmacy team plays in helping people get, stay and live well, Walgreens is celebrating its more than 27,000 pharmacists and their commitment to patient care in communities nationwide during American Pharmacists Month.

HAMILTON, Ohio — Kroger has extended a pharmacy call center pilot project with Koncert IT through February 2013, according to a report published Tuesday by JournalNews. 

"Right now [Kroger is] looking at possible infrastructure expansion in the event that it continues to move forward," Walt McLaren, president of Koncert IT, told JournalNews. 

 SAN DIEGO — The number of independents still is down from 2000, and margins of 2.9% represent the lowest in five years. However community pharmacists have proven resilient and helped reduce healthcare costs by dispensing a record high number of lower-cost generic drugs in 2011 and reported more frequent interaction with physicians to promote the appropriate use of generics, according to the 2012 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health.