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March 6, 2013
NCPA, NDPA praise unanimous passage of PBM transparency bill by N.D. state assembly

The National Community Pharmacists Association joined the North Dakota Pharmacy Association in support of a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill that was passed by the state assembly by a vote of 93-0 on Feb. 25.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday joined the North Dakota Pharmacy Association in support of a pharmacy benefit manager transparency bill that was passed by the state assembly by a vote of 93-0 on Feb. 25. 

March 6, 2013
Survey: Most practitioners recommend OTC before prescription-only

Nearly 98% of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists trust and recommend over-the-counter medicines to their patients, according to a new survey released Wednesday by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.

WASHINGTON — Nearly 98% of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists trust and recommend over-the-counter medicines to their patients, according to a new survey released Wednesday by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. Nearly three-fourths of primary care physicians recommend OTC medicines to relieve symptoms before recommending a prescription treatment.

March 5, 2013
OutcomesMTM names top pharmacy-based MTM centers across the country

OutcomesMTM, a medication therapy management delivery system, on Tuesday recognized its top chain and independent pharmacies for 2012.

DES MOINES, Iowa — OutcomesMTM, a medication therapy management delivery system, on Tuesday recognized its top chain and independent pharmacies for 2012. Walgreens and Kerr Drug were named top large pharmacy chain and top regional pharmacy chain, respectively.

March 4, 2013
NCPA submits comments to CMS over wide range of issues

The National Community Pharmacists Association submitted written comments urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take action on a wide range of what NCPA characterizes as "anti-patient, anti-pharmacist practices," the association announced.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Friday submitted written comments urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to take action on a wide range of what NCPA characterizes as "anti-patient, anti-pharmacist practices," the association announced. 

March 1, 2013
PTCB to change pharmacy tech-certification program

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is making changes to its certification program that it said would advance pharmacy tech certifications, the group announced.

WASHINGTON — The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is making changes to its certification program that it said would advance pharmacy tech certifications, the group announced.

The PTCB said that over the next seven years, it would phase in the changes, which include mandatory background checks, accredited education requirements and changes in acceptable continuing education programs for recertification. The group said its requirements have remained largely unchanged since its 1995 founding.

February 28, 2013
NCPA supports Kentucky Senate bill for transparency of MAC pricing

The National Community Pharmacists Association applauded the Kentucky Senate for voting to pass S.B. 107, a bill that will provide transparency regarding how pharmacy reimbursements are determined for multiple source generic drugs, and establish an appeals process when a dispute arises over those payment levels.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday applauded the Kentucky Senate for voting to pass S.B. 107, a bill that will provide transparency regarding how pharmacy reimbursements are determined for multiple source generic drugs, and establish an appeals process when a dispute arises over those payment levels. 

February 28, 2013
Senate hearing looks at delivery system reform

Medicare and Medicaid are working with the private sector to create a roadmap for the future of healthcare delivery, and a congressional hearing was convened Thursday to ensure it does that.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Medicare and Medicaid are working with the private sector to create a roadmap for the future of healthcare delivery, and a congressional hearing was convened Thursday to ensure it does that.

The Senate Finance Committee hearing, titled "Delivery System Reform: Progress Report from CMS," included Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

February 27, 2013
House calls for GAO review of pending diabetes supply reimbursement changes

The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday commended a bipartisan push for the Government Accountability Office to review the impact on patients of sharp reductions in reimbursement for diabetes test supplies provided by community pharmacies to Medicare beneficiaries.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday commended a bipartisan push for the Government Accountability Office to review the impact on patients of sharp reductions in reimbursement for diabetes test supplies provided by community pharmacies to Medicare beneficiaries. 

February 27, 2013
Rite Aid announces winners of Favorite Pharmacy Team Member contest

Rite Aid announced the two winners of the 2012 Favorite Pharmacy Team Member contest: a pharmacy technician from Ada, Ohio, and a long-time customer of the Birmingham, Mich., store.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid announced the two winners of the 2012 Favorite Pharmacy Team Member contest: a pharmacy technician from Ada, Ohio, and a long-time customer of the Birmingham, Mich., store. Both were selected at random from more than 13,000 entries in the annual contest honoring Rite Aid's pharmacy team members for their commitment to customer care and service.

February 26, 2013
Baby boomers most likely to research supplements online

Those ages 55 years and older are significantly more likely to use the Internet for information on vitamins as compared with younger shoppers, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Additionally, respondents ages 55-plus years are more likely than younger individuals to consult a doctor or pharmacist and read magazines for vitamin information.

Those ages 55 years and older are significantly more likely to use the Internet for information on vitamins as compared with younger shoppers, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Additionally, respondents ages 55-plus years are more likely than younger individuals to consult a doctor or pharmacist and read magazines for vitamin information.

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February 26, 2013
NCPA study finds 90-day scripts at retail delivered at lower cost than mail-order

A newly conducted study of millions of Medicare Part D prescription drug event data has found that community pharmacies provide 90-day medication supplies at lower cost than mail-order pharmacies and that local pharmacists substitute lower-cost generic drugs more often when compared with mail-order pharmacies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A newly conducted study of millions of Medicare Part D prescription drug event data has found that community pharmacies provide 90-day medication supplies at lower cost than mail-order pharmacies and that local pharmacists substitute lower-cost generic drugs more often when compared with mail-order pharmacies.

February 26, 2013
RxAlly, Shenandoah University pharmacy school collaborate in pneumococcal vaccination study

A Virginia-based pharmacy school will collaborate with an alliance of more than 22,000 pharmacies around the country to find ways to promote and increase pneumococcal vaccinations among elderly and high-risk people.

LEESBURG, Va. — A Virginia-based pharmacy school will collaborate with an alliance of more than 22,000 pharmacies around the country to find ways to promote and increase pneumococcal vaccinations among elderly and high-risk people.

February 26, 2013
Safeway pharmacists bridge another gap in care

All over the United States and Canada, retail pharmacy innovators keep stepping up to fill in more of the gaps that separate people from quality, proactive resources for health, wellness and preventive care.

One of the latest examples is Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway. In a new and groundbreaking alliance with the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, the 1,641-store supermarket and pharmacy megachain has kicked off a long-term campaign to help its customers quit smoking. As reported by Drug Store News’ Alaric DeArment, Safeway pharmacists will deliver the program, which was developed by UCSF pharmacy school faculty, after being schooled in smoking-cessation counseling techniques.

All over the United States and Canada, retail pharmacy innovators keep stepping up to fill in more of the gaps that separate people from quality, proactive resources for health, wellness and preventive care.

February 25, 2013
APhA survey finds growing demand for MTM services

The American Pharmacists Association has released the latest edition of a publication for pharmacists who provide medication therapy management services, the professional group said.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association has released the latest edition of a publication for pharmacists who provide medication therapy management services, the professional group said Monday.

February 25, 2013
Diplomat software specialist wins MPA award

A clinical technology manager at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has received an award from a state pharmacy association.

FLINT, Mich. — A clinical technology manager at Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has received an award from a state pharmacy association.

Diplomat said Monday that Michael Crowe had received the Fellow of Michigan Pharmacists Association award, announced over the weekend at the MPA's annual convention and exposition in Detroit. According to the MPA, the award "recognizes achievements and dedication to the practice of pharmacy, the community and MPA. The distinction signifies the recipient's actions well beyond the regular practice toward the advancement of pharmacy."

February 25, 2013
NCPA survey: Closed-door LTC pharmacies dispense meds at 25% higher cost vs. retail

Long-term care pharmacies incur dispensing costs that are 25% higher than those of traditional retail pharmacies and provide additional services to meet the unique health needs of LTC residents, according to the findings of a new survey released Friday by the National Community Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Division.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Long-term care pharmacies incur dispensing costs that are 25% higher than those of traditional retail pharmacies and provide additional services to meet the unique health needs of LTC residents, according to the findings of a new survey released Friday by the National Community Pharmacists Association Long-Term Care Division.

February 22, 2013
Primary care physicians 'go-to' source on supplements

While pharmacists are reported as the primary source of information on OTCs, doctors are the ‘go-to’ on vitamins and dietary supplements, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Two-in-5 survey participants reported that they were primarily given information about their supplements from their doctor, followed by 28% who received that information from a friend or relative, and 18% who researched their supplements online.

While pharmacists are reported as the primary source of information on OTCs, doctors are the ‘go-to’ on vitamins and dietary supplements, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in late 2012. Two-in-5 survey participants reported that they were primarily given information about their supplements from their doctor, followed by 28% who received that information from a friend or relative, and 18% who researched their supplements online.

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February 22, 2013
‘World Class’ in session at WAG U

Competing in the new age of retail, where bricks, clicks and anything in between compete for a larger share of the omnichannel customer, will require new skill sets and a generally better educated workforce at every level of the organization, but particularly at the store level.

Walgreens on Friday opened the doors to "Walgreens University,” an internal education center equipped with technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and video-conferencing capabilities. The new learning center will be the base of operations for employee educational programs offered online and in regional locations nationwide.

February 21, 2013
Kerr Drug completes chainwide implementation of PDX pharmacy system

Kerr Drug has rolled out the PDX Enterprise Pharmacy System chainwide, the retail pharmacy chain said.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug has rolled out the PDX Enterprise Pharmacy System chainwide, the retail pharmacy chain said.

Kerr said the system would help it focus on "the future of pharmacy," with increased prescription volume and higher patient care requirements.

February 20, 2013
AP: Oklahoma legislator files bill requiring PBMs to get a state license from state pharmacy board

Legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to seek licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy if they were to distribute medicines to Oklahoma residents was introduced on Tuesday, according to an AP report.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to seek licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy if they were to distribute medicines to Oklahoma residents was introduced on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press report. 

February 20, 2013
NACDS, NCPA offer suggestions to DEA on drug take-back programs

Lobbying groups for the retail pharmacy industry have a few suggestions for the Drug Enforcement Administration for drug take-back programs.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Lobbying groups for the retail pharmacy industry have a few suggestions for the Drug Enforcement Administration for drug take-back programs.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores expressed support for a rule the DEA proposed in December to govern the secure disposal of controlled substances by DEA registrants - including pharmacies - and patients, as well as people acting on their behalf.

February 19, 2013
IMAHelps seeks volunteer pharmacist for international medical mission

A nonprofit organization based in California is looking for a volunteer pharmacist for a medical mission to Peru.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — A nonprofit organization based in California is looking for a volunteer pharmacist for a medical mission to Peru.

IMSHelps has assembled a team of nearly 100 doctors, surgeons, nurses, dentists and support personnel who will visit Huacho, Peru, for a 10-day medical mission, starting Aug. 8. The group said it was specifically looking for pharmacists who had previously volunteered on international medical missions and who were willing to travel without a spouse or significant other.

February 19, 2013
Pharmacists and the battle to boost adherence

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

So the failure by patients to take their meds as prescribed is a big deal. And it’s gotten a lot of attention from payers in the last couple of years because it’s one of the most obvious levers to pull as public and private health plan sponsors struggle to get a grip on the astronomical and still-expanding cost of health care in the United States.

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

February 19, 2013
Reports: Florida House subcommittee approves biosimilar-substitution bill

A new bill in Florida's state legislature would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars for branded biotech drugs, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — A new bill in Florida's state legislature would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars for branded biotech drugs, according to published reports.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that the Health Quality Subcommittee of the Florida House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow for substitution while requiring pharmacists to notify prescribing physicians within five days and require the doctor and pharmacist to maintain a record for at least four years.

February 19, 2013
Weis Markets names new VP pharmacy

Weis Markets promoted Rick Seipp to VP pharmacy.

SUNBURY, Pa. —  Weis Markets on Monday promoted Rick Seipp to VP pharmacy. 

In his new position, Seipp will oversee the day-to-day merchandising, operation and management of Weis Markets’ 131 pharmacies. He will also oversee the company’s Lifestyle Initiatives’ team, which focuses on health and wellness issues.