From The Issue: July/August 2022

Cover Story | Chain Market Trends

2022 has seen chain pharmacy operations getting back to a more normal footing. Overall the trend is to look for efficiency gains everywhere, as pharmacies balance prescription volumes with clinical activities. Chains are doing their best to address challenges such as PBMs‘ (pharmacy benefit managers) continual tightening of performance requirements associated with DIR (direct and indirect remuneration) fees, reimbursements for clinical services that aren’t remotely commensurate with the service and pharmacy costs, and a consolidation among technology vendors that can unsettle long-standing partnerships that chains have developed.

Direct Access | Evolution of Robotic Dispensing

Robotics is now a mainstay in many pharmacy settings and has transformed the dispensing process, making it more efficient and safer for patients. In this interview with ComputerTalk‘s publisher, Bill Lockwood, Mike Coughlin, founder and CEO of ScriptPro, tells us how it all came about and the trajectory of the company since then.

Feature | How Central Fill Can Lead Techs to New Roles

by Christine Cline-Dahlman, B.F.A., C.Ph.T-Adv

Central fill is an opportunity for technicians to expand their role in the pharmacy. One such role is technician product verification (TPV). Look to develop your technician staff now so they are ready when TPV comes to your state.

Feature | Protecting Your Patients and Business: More on DSCSA Compliance Requirements

by J. Randall Hoggle, B.Pharm., D.Ph., M.B.A.

In part II of this series on the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), learn about the five additional requirements that must be implemented by Nov. 27, 2023.

Feature | Creating a Services-Based IT Development and Implementation Roadmap

by Lisa Schwartz, Pharm.D.

In her work at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the author hears what new features will drive future software development.

Feature | Kneeland’s Notes

by Bruce Kneeland

No one idea, strategy, or tactic is the final answer to the pharmacy benefit manager problem, but getting suppliers and vendors to join pharmacists in the fight would be another tool to generate change to the status quo.

Publisher’s Window | Disruptions

Technology Corner | Collaborating to Maximize Health Information Technology Innovations

Viewpoints | Pharmacogenetics: Pharmacy Evolution Rolls On

Catalyst Corner | COVID-19 and Its Aftereffects