From The Issue: July/August 2021

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Check Out Our Pharmacy Technology Buyers Guide

Click the button to jump to the Buyers Guide with vendor listings and quick reference tables to compare vendors and easily find out which offer the features and services you are looking for.

The 2021 Buyers Guide

In The July/August 2021 Issue

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The Internet: Friend or Foe?

Cybercriminals have found a way to monetize the internet in a big way. This is something to take seriously. Health systems in particular have been the target of cybercrime and ransom demands, the latter paid in order to reclaim data files. Do what is necessary to avoid being a victim.

Americans Want Access to Their Healthcare Data

The new federal health IT five-year strategic plan supports easier data sharing. It is an outcomes-driven plan designed to meet the needs of patients, caregivers, health providers, payers, researchers, developers, and innovators.

How Should Pharmacies Handle Unbranded Biologics?

Pharmacists often think of the terms “brand” and “generic” as dichotomous and mutually exclusive, so it is not surprising that unbranded biologics, such as insulin and human growth hormone, seem to be causing confusion for pharmacies when it comes to product selection. We will address how unbranded biologics are being displayed in pharmacy management systems and what pharmacists need to do to make sure they are being reimbursed appropriately.
Pharmacy Leadership

Two Goals for Any Pharmacy Leader

Here are two leadership traits to address when developing your pharmacy culture that will help you run a better pharmacy. First, a pharmacy’s corporate culture is its most important competitive advantage. Second, a good leader is able to instill pharmacy employees with the sense that what they do serves a noble cause.

COVID-19: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

As vaccination efforts continue, major barriers must be addressed in order for these efforts to be effective. Here we will discuss vaccine hesitancy — a barrier for many in terms of getting vaccinated — as well as technology you can use when creating messaging campaigns to promote incentives, assistance programs, and pertinent information to prompt patients to get vaccinated.

More From Pharmacy Experts

Five Pharmacy Pain Points – And The Technology Solutions That Can Minimize Their Impact

The list of pharmacy pain points is certainly long. But there are solutions. Resources are available to help pharmacists navigate these challenges, most notably including technology-based solutions that can automate workflows and seamlessly perform tasks that used to require chunks of staff time.
Beginning in January 2024 direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees will no longer be collected retroactively. Instead, they will be collected up front, and deducted from reimbursements paid to pharmacies. But during the first few months of 2024, when the new process takes effect, pharmacies face the very serious situation of what can only be seen as a “double whammy” — 2024 DIR fee assessments withheld at the same time that 2023 fees are retroactively assessed. PrimeRx can help.

DIR Fees are Changing in 2024 – Are You Ready?

Beginning in January 2024 direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees will no longer be collected retroactively. Instead, they will be collected up front, and deducted from reimbursements paid to pharmacies. Are you ready?
BestRx Your Pharmacy App 5 Reason Why Your Pharmacy Needs A Mobile App

5 Reasons Your Pharmacy Needs a Mobile App

As consumers continue to move towards an app-dominated lifestyle, your pharmacy will need to adapt and meet patients where they are — on their mobile devices. Here are five reasons your pharmacy needs a mobile app.
The Medical AI Podcast: Health Informatics and AI

The Medical AI Podcast: Health Informatics and AI

Episode 11 of the Medical AI Podcast, in which host Dr Felix Beacher delves into the crossroads of AI and health informatics, guided by expert guest Professor Mark Braunstein, Professor Braunstein shares his expertise in the field of health informatics.
Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA) Pharmacy Revenue Specialty Pharmacy LTC Pharmacy Infusion Pharmacy

Ways for Post-acute Pharmacies to Boost Revenue

Russ Procopio is executive vice president of the post-acute pharmacy team at Managed Health Care Associates, Inc. (MHA). In this interview with Will Lockwood, ComputerTalk’s director of editorial content, Procopio discusses ways these pharmacy segments can boost revenue.

Four Ways Technology Can Boost Your Pharmacy’s Services

The writing’s on the wall: technology is revolutionizing the way pharmacies provide services. Fortunately, as a pharmacist, you can take advantage of these advances to improve your services and increase customer satisfaction. At ComputerTalk For The Pharmacist, we always have a finger on the pulse of the pharmaceutical tech...
Increasing pharmacy revenue

3 Ways Pharmacies Can Generate Additional Revenue

Fighting shrinking margins at your pharmacy? Consider expanding to include products and services that require little to no third-party involvement. Learn how robust, user-friendly pharmacy software from BestRx can help stores efficiently manage many other revenue-generating services, beyond prescription sales. 
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More From The Issue

Cover Story | Chain Market Report

Our annual survey dives into the chain pharmacy technology priorities.

Chain pharmacies have plenty on their plate right now. In our annual survey, we found leadership is looking to build on the value pharmacy has demonstrated through a successful pandemic response.

This market segment certainly played a strong role in the COVID-19 response as well. Here, we take our annual look at the top pharmacy technology, patient care, and operational challenges and priorities for chains, diving into the details with several to find out what they are doing not just to stay afloat, but to thrive.

Plus… Central Fill: A Solution to Lasting Pandemic Trends

by Mark Longley, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Parata Systems

Changes from the pandemic have been recognized as beneficial, and the expectation is that pharmacies can thrive if they keep meeting the needs of customers in this manner — there can’t be any reverting back to January 2020. The solution is a trend we are seeing across the pharmacy industry — innovate with automation — especially in centralized services and pharmacy software.

Pharmacy Forward | A New Pharmacy System Leads to New Initiatives

Health Care Partners of South Carolina switched to Computer-Rx for its enhanced reporting features, and was surprised by the added benefits that came along with the workflow features.

Exclusive Web Content | Success Through Customer Engagement

Three case studies show how pharmacy retailers use the Epicor Eagle point-of-sale system to create customer interactions that are memorable and build engagement. Learn about strategies to reap the rewards of long-term engagement, loyalty, and advocacy for your business.

Feature | Two Goals for Any Pharmacy

by Bruce Kneeland

Being a good listener, providing clear direction, treating people fairly, and clearly communicating the benefits of your pharmacy to patients, prescribers, and team members are all critical leadership traits. But I’d like to bring up two other leadership traits.

Developing the right culture, and making sure your team knows that what they do is important will help you run a better pharmacy.

Feature | Expanding COVID-19 Vaccine Support Services

by Sandra Leal, Pharm.D.

From medication safety to immunizations, pharmacy technology vendors can alleviate administrative burdens.

Endorsed as critical providers in the national COVID-19 vaccination response, pharmacies can meaningfully impact vaccine uptake and help eradicate the pandemic — with the right support.

Feature | AI Gives Pharmacy the Edge

by Maggie Lockwood

Galva Pharmacy was the first in the United States to use artificial intelligence to accurately translate e-prescriptions, helping avoid medication errors and saving time for each drug dispensed. How an interface between DrFirst and Speed Script pharmacy technology has given one pharmacist more time to do what he loves: care for his patients and his community.

Publisher’s Window | The Internet: Friend or Foe?

The internet is something we cannot live without these days. In that sense, it is our friend. On the other hand, it is becoming our foe as well. I am referring to cybercrime, which is increasingly becoming a real threat to all of us.

Technology Corner | COVID-19: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

We will discuss vaccine hesitancy — a barrier for many in terms of getting the world vaccinated — as well as technology you can use when creating messaging campaigns to promote incentives, assistance programs, and pertinent information to prompt patients to get vaccinated.

Viewpoints | How Should Pharmacies Handle Unbranded Biologics?

Pharmacists often think of the terms “brand” and “generic” as dichotomous and mutually exclusive, so it is not surprising that unbranded biologics, such as insulin and human growth hormone, among others, seem to be causing confusion for pharmacies when it comes to product selection. We will address how unbranded biologics are being displayed in pharmacy management systems and what pharmacists need to do to make sure they are being reimbursed appropriately.

Catalyst Corner | Americans Want Access to Their Healthcare Data

More than 67% of those surveyed want their doctors, hospitals, and other health providers to share advanced care plans, end-of-life preferences, images, and family medical histories. The 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies highlight how important electronic health information is, including how it is enabled by public health surveillance, telehealth, and remote monitoring. He notes that while gains have been made, much work remains to ensure patients and caregivers have access to “valuable, usable information.”