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Inside This Issue - News
These days, everywhere community pharmacy operators turn there seems to be a new challenge. But in a roundtable discussion held by Chain Drug Review, industry executives indicated that they're more than up to the task. Following a court ruling earlier this month that lets insurers reduce the rate at which they reimburse pharmacies for filling prescriptions, industry advocates have appealed to federal regulators for help. Imminent deadlines for accreditation and bonding to provide durable medical equipment threatens pharmacies’ ability to care for Medicare patients with diabetes, say pharmacy advocates. CVS Caremark Corp. has named Mike Bloom senior vice president of merchandising and supply chain. The Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill may shortchange pharmacies for Medicaid prescriptions, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson says. Walgreen Co. has added three executives to its management ranks, including a new member of the senior leadership team. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has gone national with its free mail delivery prescription program. Shoppers Drug Mart’s third Murale specialty beauty store that opened here just before the Labor Day weekend incorporates all the refinements suggested by management’s experience with the two pilot outlets launched last fall. Lewis Drugs this month continued a mass flu shot program, which is said to be unparalleled in the chain drug industry. Ernie Richardsen, a 17-year pharmacy industry veteran, has been promoted to group vice president of pharmaceutical purchasing and clinical services at Rite Aid Corp. Community pharmacy advocates are hailing the approval of higher dispensing fees in the Texas Medicaid program as a significant victory.
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