NEW YORK — Accompanying the sweeping changes augured by health care reform are ongoing changes from advances in technology, which are opening doors for the retail pharmacy sector with new solutions. With implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as well as other factors reshaping the U.S. health care system, a variety of
LAS VEGAS — Smartphones and other digital technologies have a role to play in making drug therapies and other health care services more effective, chain drug retailers say. Walgreen Co. has developed mobile applications for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices, the company’s chief medical officer, Dr. Cheryl Pegus, pointed out at the recent Consumer Electronics
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark Corp. agreed late last month to acquire the Medicare Part D business of Universal American Corp. However, some say the pending $1.25 billion deal for the Rye Brook, N.Y.-based company could open CVS up to further charges of engaging in anticompetitive practices. The deal that was announced on December 31
NEW YORK — A strong finish helped the chain drug industry post solid sales for 2010. Industry sales volume advanced 5.4% for the year to $238.3 billion, with same-store sales climbing 2.6%, according to research by Racher Press, the publisher of Chain Drug Review. And drug chains closed 2010 with a flourish, posting a nearly
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has launched what it says is the industry’s first beauty club program. Unveiled during the People’s Choice Awards television broadcast earlier this month, the opt-in ExtraCare Beauty Club is an extension of the chain’s ExtraCare loyalty program launched in 2001. “Because of our ExtraCare program, we know our customers and what
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. is encouraging its customers to use their wellness+ cards by giving them a chance to win an array of prizes. Through January 22, shoppers who use the Rite Aid loyalty card will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a vacation, fitness equipment, personal
NEW YORK — Two recent studies from CVS Caremark Corp. and a call from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores for further research into the matter are helping to draw attention to the importance of medication adherence. “There have been many studies through the years that suggest adherence can save on health care costs,
WASHINGTON — The battle over the health care reform bill President Obama signed into law last spring continues, with incoming Republicans in the House vowing to undo the law. An out-and-out repeal of the health care reform law, which House Republicans aim to push for, seems unlikely. Democrats still have a slight majority in the
WASHINGTON — Health care spending in the United States increased by 4% in 2009, the slowest rate of growth in 50 years, a government report released this month shows. Despite the slower growth, the report from the office of the actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notes that although the nation’s
Here are seven things guaranteed — or not — to happen in the chain drug retailing arena in 2011. • The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will finally begin to address some of the issues that have kept the organization from realizing its potential to fully dominate the retail trade association arena. As a
Aside from the necessary toiletry items, when most teenage girls go into the beauty isle of a store they are usually looking for nail polish. Nail polish has been the prevailing cosmetic in fashion lately, with low-cost brands like Sally Hansen creating collections for several runway shows such as Tracy Reese. Nail polish is becoming
