CACDS tracks growing reliance on pharmacists
A recent survey of pharmacy patients across Canada shows that nearly three-quarters of those polled have talked to a pharmacist about health issues beyond those related to their prescriptions.
Issue 03-26-2012
More groups speak out against PBM merger deal
Organizations representing food retailers and wholesalers have urged the Federal Trade Commission to block the proposed acquisition of Medco Health Solutions Inc. by Express Scripts Inc.
Next frontier reached in use of patient data
Walgreen Co. has begun using Surescripts’ clinical interoperability to electronically deliver patient data to primary care providers and better coordinate care.
Rite Aid clarifies its wellness ambassador role
After two U.S. senators expressed concerns, Rite Aid Corp. has reiterated the role of its “wellness ambassador,” a key customer service feature of the drug chain’s new “wellness store” format. In press announcements this month, Sens. Richard Durbin (D., Ill.) and Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.
Retail sales are on the upswing
Retail sales in February showed the highest gain in five months, and the industry’s largest drug chains mirrored the broader trend. At Rite Aid Corp., for instance, total sales for the five weeks ended March 3 increased 2.3% to $2.55 billion, up from $2.
CVS, Cardinal win round in DEA fight
Cardinal Health Inc. and CVS Caremark Corp. have won reprieves from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) efforts to have them stop selling certain prescription drugs in Florida. In separate rulings a week apart, the U.S.
Chains have no tolerance for Rx diversion
Chain pharmacies have “zero tolerance” for prescription drug diversion, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores told a congressional subcommittee earlier this month. Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, chaired by Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R., Calif.
Walgreens helps consumers make most of smartphones
Walgreens has introduced mobile applications that allow its customers to use their smartphones to do everything from managing their prescriptions to ordering photographic prints.
A move toward greater transparency
The Utah state legislature’s passage of a bill that would require audits conducted by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to be “fair and rational” has been praised by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, which asserts that the action addresses the concern that PBMs jeopardize neighborhood ph
Cosby gets off to impressive start at CVS
Whatever aspirations CVS Caremark entertained in hiring former Macy’s executive Mark Cosby as president of the company’s drug store unit, they appear, even at this early date, to have been both justified and exceeded.
Forces of change at work in the PBM market
The market for pharmacy benefit management services is in flux, with many different stakeholders working to alter the sector’s dynamics or exploring new options. The ultimate outcome of the ongoing dispute between Express Scripts Inc. (ESI) and Walgreen Co.
