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Articles from the CDR print editions. Limit this selection to a specific issue by selecting from BACK ISSUES & CATEGORIES.

Ritzman wraps up Buehler Rx deal

COSHOCTON, Ohio — Ritzman Pharmacies Inc. has completed its acquisition of Buehler Food Markets Inc.’s in-store pharmacies. Ritzman — which has nine retail pharmacies — adds 13 locations and 75 employees from Buehler pharmacies. Part of the negotiations was for Ritzman to retain all current pharmacy employees while keeping similar wage and benefit packages. Exploration

High Court set to review reform law

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration wants the Supreme Court to hear a case pertaining to the 2010 health care reform law. The request makes it near certain that the nation’s highest court will soon agree to hear one or more cases involving challenges to the law. Arguments are anticipated to be made by the spring,

Obama proposes cuts in Medicare, Medicaid

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is proposing to cut $320 billion from projected spending on Medicare and Medicaid in the coming decade as part of an overall reduction of the federal deficit. The president has called for higher premiums and deductibles for many Medicare beneficiaries and lower Medicare payments to teaching hospitals and rural hospitals.

Walgreens hits green milestone

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has reiterated its commitment to sustainability with its 100th rooftop solar power system installation in a store in Mason, Ohio. Since its first solar installation in 2007, Walgreens has expanded its plans to include stores and distribution centers in Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Oregon and Ohio for a total of

Walgreens tries out new ideas

OAK PARK, Ill. — A new store concept from Walgreen Co. brings the future of pharmacy into the present. At 17 locations in the Chicago area Walgreens is piloting a format that transforms the traditional drug store pharmacy department into a neighborhood health center — in both practice and design. On an industry level, the

Indianapolis to become retail lab for Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens plans a major store pilot in Indianapolis as it experiments with various concepts in transitioning its drug stores into “health and daily living” stores. By the end of this year the drug chain expects to finish conversions of 75 stores in the Indianapolis area that will reflect its new, community-driven approach

Giancamilli to step down as Katz CEO

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Andy Giancamilli, who for the past eight years has kept Katz Group Canada Ltd. in the forefront of efforts to secure a bigger role in health care for community pharmacy, will retire as the company’s chief executive officer on February 2. He will be succeeded by chief operating officer Frank Scorpiniti, who

FTC will take close look at big PBM merger

WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission’s request for more information on the planned merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. has opponents hoping the deal will be scuttled. Express Scripts says it expected the FTC’s request, and both companies have vowed to work with the agency. Express Scripts and Medco say they

‘Super committee’ gets overture from NACDS

WASHINGTON — Community pharmacy advocates say that the “super committee” on deficit reduction should collaborate with community pharmacy on reducing health care costs while maintaining patient access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services. In a letter sent to the 12-member committee this month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores highlights the accessibility of local

Rite Aid, OptumHealth team up for online care

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Corp. has joined forces with the health care information provider OptumHealth to give customers in greater Detroit what the drug chain says is “the latest in quality, convenient online health care.” The effort is centered on what the two companies are calling NowClinic Online Care services that are available

Lewis does a lot more than fill prescriptions

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Regional chains such as Lewis Drugs are making important contributions to the transformation of retail pharmacies into true community health care centers. This week the 32-store chain, which operates in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, will hold the latest installment in its annual series of flu shot clinics in Sioux Falls.

Navarro names Mier, Leon to fill key posts

MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy has expanded its management team, bringing in Luis Mier as chief financial officer and promoting Manuel Leon to vice president of wholesale and over-the-counter programs. “With the addition of these executives to our management team, we continue to focus on implementation of our three-year expansion strategy and the overall growth

Drug chain same-store sales up, but consumers still wary

NEW YORK — Drug chains posted strong results last month, although anemic sales in other retail channels suggest consumers remain reluctant to spend any more than necessary. Walgreen Co. recorded volume of $6.1 billion, up 7.8% over August 2010. Total front-end sales climbed 6.8%, and comparable front-end sales rose 4.8%. Customer traffic in comparable stores

Health reform act wins round in court

RICHMOND, Va. — A federal appeals court here has dismissed two cases challenging the 2010 health care reform law, ruling the plaintiffs did not have grounds to sue. Two of the three judges on the panel said they would have upheld the law if they had been able to rule on the suits’ merits. Other

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