There is a growing public focus on the potential for legitimate pharmacological uses of cannabis. Much of this focus has been directed toward medical marijuana — the use of marijuana in plant form or its basic extracts. Although some states have legalized its use, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved marijuana in plant
The last three years have been very tough for retail pharmacies. Reimbursement rates have declined, formularies are more complex, preferred networks are becoming more aggressive, access to specialty drugs that are driving innovation is still limited, generic drug prices are deflating, and DIR fees are consuming more than 2% of sales revenue. At the same
As specialty drugs grow in importance and prominence, this is an ideal moment to consider the essential and evolving roles retail pharmacies play in this significant health care category. Whether patients are using specialty treatments to cope with a rare cancer or some of the most common chronic illnesses, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s
The continued digitization of electronic health records (EHRs) and growth in the number of wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are rapidly expanding the volume of patient data. This increased digitalization offers patients more access to their health histories and the ability to track and take active responsibility for their health. EHRs also hold
Now is the time for Food and Drug Administration reforms designed to dramatically increase the number of prescription-to-O-T-C switches in the U.S. At a time when both political parties are pushing for transparency and pricing reform, the opportunity to align multiple agendas that benefit consumers, retail pharmacies and the health care system overall is too
Perhaps the best way to begin the complicated story of generic drugs, and how using a data-based approach could help pharmacists, is to tell a bit about the rise of generics. How did we reach a point where many branded drugs are actually cheaper than generics for holders of Medicare Part D? First, it should
In Dr. Seuss’ (Theodor Geisel’s) last major book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, he put forth advice for recent graduates from almost any school: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself. Any direction you choose. And you’re on your own. And you know what you know.
In 2018, five national pharmacy associations and a growing number of state associations launched Pharmacists for Healthier Lives, (PfHL), a public education campaign targeting influential groups of consumers and health professionals. The campaign was described in the February 8, 2019, issue of Chain Drug Review. This article drills deeper into the questions of why such
An aging population, rising drug costs, DIR fees, value-based insurance plans, disruptive new market players and new specialty drugs are just a few of the rapidly evolving trends that continue to put pressure on the industry and pull pharmacy staff in directions that take time away from consultative patient care. Through all the change, the
It’s no secret that community pharmacy is facing a period of tremendous challenge. With diminishing reimbursement, the continued prevalence and negative impact of DIR (direct and indirect remuneration) fees, and market pressures born by the vertical integration of health care, there may have never been a time as challenging as the present for pharmacy. However,
As stakeholders in chain pharmacy gather this month for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Total Store Expo in Boston, the industry confronts a host of important issues — legal proceedings in which it is asserted that retailers and drug wholesalers bear at least some responsibility for the ongoing opioid epidemic; the emergence of
A recent event affirmed a retailing revolution. Representatives from some of America’s leading mass market retailers gathered in New York City to accept awards for the contributions they have made to their companies and the retailing community. What was remarkable — or perhaps not so — was that these award winners were all women. They
Titration. In chemistry, it’s adding a reactant to a solution until a chemical reaction is achieved. The titration process might take numerous drops of reactant before its concentration is high enough to observe a noticeable change. That chemical reaction is an apropos analogy for the current misaligned pharmacy payment model and its pathway to change.
Earlier this spring, the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) partnered with the Healthcare Leadership Council to hold town hall meetings in Raleigh, N.C., and Nashville. We asked health care leaders in those communities what really matters to them. Participants focused on the top of the health care funnel: prevention. Many thoughtful participants in those rooms felt
