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2015

In-store flu shots catch on in Canada

Canadians love getting their flu vaccinations at neighborhood pharmacies, according to research released by the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies).

Workshop to explore quality ratings in Rx

The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) will co-host a one-day pharmacy quality ratings workshop with the American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.

Bratspies named chief merchant at Walmart

Walmart named new head merchants for its Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club divisions, and designated a successor to its chief financial officer, who is retiring. Steve Bratspies, who most recently served as executive vice president of food for Walmart U.S.

Foley leaves Walgreens to join Fred’s exec team

Fred’s Inc. has hired retail pharmacy veteran John Foley as executive vice president of store operations. Foley assumed his duties on October 7. He succeeded Mike Holligan, who was named to the open position of regional vice president of store operations for Fred’s.

Enrollment on health exchanges to grow slowly

Enrollment on health exchanges to grow slowly

Slow growth is foreseen for health insurance enrollment through the Affordable Care Act exchanges, the Obama administration said this month. Coverage by the end of 2016 will barely exceed current levels, the administration said.

Health care partnerships are wave of the future

Health care partnerships are wave of the future

The move toward closer cooperation among providers is one of the more intriguing developments in health care, one that promises to improve patient outcomes and limit expenditures in a sector that accounts for almost 20% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Social media has impact on consumer health care

Social media has impact on consumer health care

There are many social media channels, and personal experiences with them vary based on age, interests, technology savvy and more. Depending on one’s interests or information being sought, there are likely a variety of ways to participate or find others online that can relate.

More M&As expected to shake up retail Rx

More M&As expected to shake up retail Rx

As much as the chain drug industry has consolidated, there is room for more mergers and acquisitions. That’s evident from the M&A speculation swirling about the sector in the U.S. and Canada, as well as recent activity.

CVS grows health care arsenal

CVS grows health care arsenal

CVS/pharmacy is adding hearing centers in seven stores and providing optical services in another five. The hearing centers are debuting in greater Dallas and Cleveland, while the vision services will be unveiled around Washington, D.C./Baltimore.

HHS lays groundwork for ACA enrollment

HHS lays groundwork for ACA enrollment

The government vows to conduct an extensive outreach initiative during the Affordable Care Act’s upcoming open enrollment period in an attempt to enroll millions of eligible but difficult-to-reach Americans who have yet to sign up for health insurance.

Ritzman eyes pharmacy of future

Ritzman Pharmacy has entered into an agreement with Pharmacy Innovations LLC, an affiliate of Northeast Ohio Medical University, to create a “pharmacy of the future.” With a planned opening in January 2016, the pharmacy will be located in the NEOMED Education and Wellness (NEW) ­Center.

MTM gets a big lift from new CMS plan

A pilot program for an enhanced medication therapy management model for Medicare Part D has been welcomed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.