Content about pharmacist

January 31, 2013
NCPA and three Oregon legislators push for greater oversight, transparency of PBMs

The National Community Pharmacists Association urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

NCPA has identified four issues of import:

January 30, 2013
Rite Aid promotes heart health for American Heart Month

Rite Aid is promoting heart health to mark American Heart Month in February.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is promoting heart health to mark American Heart Month in February.

The retail pharmacy chain announced Wednesday that it would distribute 12-page Heart Health guides and offer counseling with pharmacists and collect money for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement by selling red dress paper pinups.

January 30, 2013
Second Medication Adherence Team Challenge launched

A group of organizations has launched a nationwide competitive outreach project to enlist students studying to become healthcare professionals to find new ways to raise awareness about medication adherence as a public health issue.

WASHINGTON — A group of organizations has launched a nationwide competitive outreach project to enlist students studying to become healthcare professionals to find new ways to raise awareness about medication adherence as a public health issue.

January 30, 2013
Study: Thrifty White's Medication Synchronization Program improves Rx adherence

Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

January 29, 2013
Citizen's Petition asks that behind-the-counter status be mandated for St. John's Wort

Pharmacists Planning Services, Inc. earlier this month filed a Citizen's Petition with the Food and Drug Administration calling to move St. John's Wort, a mood enhancing supplement, behind the counter.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Pharmacists Planning Services, Inc. earlier this month filed a Citizen's Petition with the Food and Drug Administration calling to move St. John's Wort, a mood enhancing supplement, behind the counter. 

January 29, 2013
NCPA, NGA and NACS together file a 'friend of the court' brief in support of suit v. American Express

In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae, or "friends of the court," in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant. 

January 29, 2013
New York Times: Battle against biogenerics is on

The battle against biogenerics is on, noted a report published in The New York Times.

NEW YORK — The battle against biogenerics is on, noted a report published in The New York Times Tuesday.  As many as eight states have introduced legislation that would restrict generic competition of biological pharamceuticals so far this year and one, the Virginia House of Delegates, already passed such a measure by a 91-to-6 vote. 

January 28, 2013
Addressing drug-related nutritional deficiencies

As more Americans are prescribed medicines to alleviate their chronic metabolic conditions, more Americans are exposed to common drug-induced nutrient depletions, noted pharmacist and supplement expert James LaValle, CEO of Integrative Health Resources.

As more Americans are prescribed medicines to alleviate their chronic metabolic conditions, more Americans are exposed to common drug-induced nutrient depletions, noted pharmacist and supplement expert James LaValle, CEO of Integrative Health Resources.

January 28, 2013
Crime story: Detecting and preventing drug diversion

The illegal diversion of prescription medication is a growing problem in this country. Controlled substances have great potential for abuse and addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recreational use of prescription drugs is on the rise; in 2010, 2 million people reported using prescription painkillers for recreational purposes for the first time that year.

The illegal diversion of prescription medication is a growing problem in this country. Controlled substances have great potential for abuse and addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recreational use of prescription drugs is on the rise; in 2010, 2 million people reported using prescription painkillers for recreational purposes for the first time that year.

January 28, 2013
Pharmacy trends and outlook for 2013

Health care is evolving. As obvious of a statement as that is, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very real. Throughout last year, there was intense discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and what impact the outcome of the presidential election might have on its future. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled and elections are settled, healthcare companies and providers across the country are implementing strategies to meet ACA requirements.

Health care is evolving. As obvious of a statement as that is, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very real. Throughout last year, there was intense discussion on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and what impact the outcome of the presidential election might have on its future. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled and elections are settled, healthcare companies and providers across the country are implementing strategies to meet ACA requirements.

January 28, 2013
Q&A: Optimizing pharmacy’s function

In August 2012, the American Association of Diabetes Educators highlighted recommendations and research confirming that more than one-third of the 25 million Americans with diabetes don’t take their insulin as prescribed. Collaborative Care recently had the opportunity to interview Jerry Meece, a pharmacist, certified diabetes educator and author of the AADE’s recommendations, about what pharmacists are — and should be — doing to address the problem.

In August 2012, the American Association of Diabetes Educators highlighted recommendations and research confirming that more than one-third of the 25 million Americans with diabetes don’t take their insulin as prescribed, with 20% intentionally skipping doses and many admitting they inject it in the wrong place or at the wrong time or use the wrong technique, and only 30% of patients receive formal insulin education.

January 25, 2013
Ohio Northern University pharmacy students sponsor medication adherence events

Students at an Ohio pharmacy school are taking part in a nationwide effort to boost medication adherence.

ADA, Ohio — Students at an Ohio pharmacy school are taking part in a nationwide effort to boost medication adherence.

Ohio Northern University announced that the school's chapter of the American Pharmacists Association — Academy of Student Pharmacists — had scheduled several events as part of the Medication Adherence Challenge, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

January 24, 2013
NCPA: Mandatory mail raising 'serious concerns' among seniors

Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

January 23, 2013
New ad promotes independents' agenda in Washington

A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

The National Community Pharmacists Association ad lays out the group's legislative agenda for the 113th Congress and the Obama administration.

January 21, 2013
Reports: State legislation targets biosimilar substitution

While regulations for biosimilars work their way through the Food and Drug Administration, state governments are already looking at legislation concerning the substitution of biosimilars for their branded counterparts, according to a legal affairs blog focused on the FDA.

NEW YORK — While regulations for biosimilars work their way through the Food and Drug Administration, state governments are already looking at legislation concerning the substitution of biosimilars for their branded counterparts, according to a legal affairs blog focused on the FDA.

In a post Friday on FDA Law Blog, the official blog of the law firm Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, attorney Kurt Karst wrote that several states were laying the groundwork for such legislation, recalling state-level antisubstitution laws targeting generics that were adopted in the 1970s.

January 17, 2013
Half of consumers will seek alternative brands at shelf

If the OTC products for which they were looking were not on the shelf, half would switch to another product, with 30% looking for an alternative product and 20% asking the pharmacist for an alternative solution, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. However, 42% of respondents are observed to be product loyalists and would seek the OTC out at another retailer.

If the OTC products for which they were looking were not on the shelf, half would switch to another product, with 30% looking for an alternative product and 20% asking the pharmacist for an alternative solution, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. However, 42% of respondents are observed to be product loyalists and would seek the OTC out at another retailer.

To see more Patient Views, click here.

January 15, 2013
GNP announces annual conference dates

Good Neighbor Pharmacy on Monday announced the dates for ThoughtSpot 2013 — July 24-27 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — Good Neighbor Pharmacy on Monday announced the dates for ThoughtSpot 2013: July 24 to 27 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"ThoughtSpot 2013 is Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s premier conference to provide community pharmacists new opportunities to grow their business," stated Scott Robinson, group VP of GNP. "It is more than just a purchasing event or a place to get [continuing-education] credits; pharmacists and store owners learn from each other and take away best practices that they can implement immediately."

January 15, 2013
OTC choices based on advice, availability

At least half of consumers cite prior use (58%), in-store browsing (54%) and pharmacist’s recommendations (50%) as the most commonly reported methods used to select an OTC remedy, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September 2012. And 4-out-of-5 respondents indicated that their OTC remedies are easy to find.

At least half of consumers cite prior use (58%), in-store browsing (54%) and pharmacist’s recommendations (50%) as the most commonly reported methods used to select an OTC remedy, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September 2012. And 4-out-of-5 respondents indicated that their OTC remedies are easy to find.

January 14, 2013
OTC purchase decisions based on experience

At least half of consumers cited prior use (58%) as the most commonly reported method to select an OTC remedy, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. Decisions also are commonly made by reading packages at the shelf (54%) or from a pharmacist's recommendation (50%).

At least half of consumers cited prior use (58%) as the most commonly reported method to select an OTC remedy, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. Decisions also are commonly made by reading packages at the shelf (54%) or from a pharmacist's recommendation (50%).

To see more Patient Views, click here.

January 11, 2013
With Walgreens two trends - omnichannel retailing and ACOs - are already taking shape in 2013

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

Two major announcements were made in the wake of the shareholders meeting, both of which were identified by DSN as two of the top six big trends to watch through 2013. Walgreens reiterated its commitment to fostering an omnichannel experience for its shoppers and, a day after the shareholders meeting, Walgreens became the only retail pharmacy operator to partner on three Accountable Care Organizations.

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead, that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots. 

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 7, 2013
Mass. governor proposes new compounding pharmacy legislation

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has introduced legislation that would give the state government broader power over compounding pharmacies, the governor's office announced.

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has introduced legislation that would give the state government broader power over compounding pharmacies, the governor's office announced.

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 2, 2013
Pharmacists employ grassroots efforts to officially recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers

A St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate last week picked up on a petition to recognize pharmacists as health care providers and filed the petition on the Obama Administration's "We the People" web site, according to a report published online by The Pharmacopedia.

NEW YORK — A St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate last week picked up on a petition to recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers and filed the petition on the Obama Administration's "We the People" web site, according to a report published online by The Pharmacopedia. 

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.