Drug, wellness database launched on Facebook
Walgreen Co. and Sharecare, an online health care question-and-answer service, have teamed up to provide what they say is the largest searchable drug, supplements and wellness database on Facebook.
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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.
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
Express Scripts CEO’s remarks draw fire
A less-than-flattering assessment of pharmacists from Express Scripts Inc. chief executive officer George Paz has fanned the flames over his company’s proposed merger with Medco Health Solutions Inc.
RxAlly program gets backing of nine chains
Nine drug chains and thousands of independent pharmacies across the country have signed onto an initiative to give pharmacists a chance to work more closely with patients to improve care and cut costs. The drug stores, which include Walgreen Co.
Medi-Cal challenge to proceed
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and several other pharmacy associations are applauding a recent decision by the Supreme Court that sides with pharmacists and other health care providers in preserving their ability to challenge reimbursement cuts in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid progr
Community pharmacy irked over proposed Tricare changes
A portion of the 2013 federal budget proposed by the Obama administration last month has community pharmacy advocates up in arms.
Cardinal Health loses round in DEA battle
A federal judge here has allowed the government to suspend Cardinal Health Inc’s license to distribute controlled substances from its Lakeland, Fla., facility. U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton denied Cardinal Health Inc.
Private label line extended at Health Mart
McKesson Corp. has rolled out a line of Health Mart branded vitamins for the more than 2,900 independently owned pharmacies that operate under that banner. In conjunction with the rollout the company has launched the 2012 Vitamin Finder on its website.