MinuteClinic cites surge in pertussis cases
Pointing to a rise in whooping cough cases, MinuteClinic announced that DTap and Tdap vaccinations are available daily at more than 600 walk-in health clinics nationwide.
Retail News
Rite Aid spotlights consumables for ‘big game’
With Super Bowl Sunday coming up soon, Rite Aid Corp. is launching a new promotion that highlights the chain as a convenient, year-round destination for commonly purchased food and beverage items.
Walgreens CFO, pharmacy chief, ex-CEO join boards
Current Walgreen Co. executives Wade Miquelon and Kermit Crawford and former chief executive officer Jeffrey Rein have joined the boards of health care service providers.
CVS Caremark lands Pennsylvania Rx benefits pact
The Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) has awarded CVS Caremark Corp. a three-year contract to provide prescription drug benefits to Pennsylvania state employees.
Mobile app compares retail pharmacy drug prices
LowestMed, a provider of discount drug programs, has launched what it calls the industry’s first mobile application that enables consumers to view and compare prescription drug prices at local retail pharmacies on a smartphone.
N.Y. to assess AAC as Rx reimbursement benchmark
As part of an effort to revamp its Medicaid program, the state of New York this year plans to evaluate average acquisition cost (AAC) as a benchmark for pharmacy reimbursement.
Kinney appoints marketing, supply chain execs
Kinney Drugs has hired Jennifer Whalen as director of marketing and Steve Harris as inventory and replenishment manager, a newly created position.
NCPDP highlights progress in Rx initiatives
The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) made key strides during 2011 in the areas of prescription labeling, electronic prior authorizations, medication therapy management and electronic prescribing.
Coalition lauds call for hearing on Express Scripts-Medco deal
A North Carolina congressman drew praise for urging a House subcommittee to hold a hearing to review the planned merger of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc.
Sam’s Club gets new CEO; Walmart U.S. gets COO
Walmart has named a new chief executive officer for Sam’s Club, whose current CEO is leaving, and promoted another executive to chief operating officer of Walmart U.S., a newly created position.
NACDS Foundation to fund MTM research
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to study the health impact of pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM) in care teams.
NCPA: Medicare Part D patients ‘duped’ into preferred pharmacy networks
The National Community Pharmacists Association is calling for a special enrollment period for Medicare Part D patients who claim deceptive marketing led them to sign up for a prescription drug plan with a restrictive "preferred pharmacy" network.
Walgreens debuts new format in Indianapolis
Walgreen Co. has officially reopened 68 stores in the Indianapolis area that have been converted to the drug chain’s new "health and daily living" format. Walgreens said Thursday that president and chief executive officer Greg Wasson was joined by Sen. Richard Lugar (R., Ind.
Bank praised by NCPA for nixing mandatory mail order
The National Community Pharmacists Association has applauded Regions Bank for rescinding its policy requiring employees to fill prescription drugs for chronic conditions via mail order pharmacies. NCPA said Tuesday that the bank’s new policy had been scheduled to become effective Jan.
Take Care Clinics enable online appointments
Take Care Health Systems has added a real-time scheduling option in which patients can now set up Take Care Clinic appointments online or in the clinic. The Walgreen Co.
Shoppers Drug Mart, RBC plan co-branded bank card
Shoppers Drug Mart and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) are slated to introduce a co-branded banking account and debit card that will offer extra benefits through the retailer’s Shoppers Optimum rewards program.