Walgreens adds Rx intelligence to Facebook page
Walgreen Co. has teamed up with Sharecare to launch an "Answers" application that provides visitors to the drug chain’s Facebook page access to a searchable drug, supplement and wellness database.
Retail News
N.J. governor urged to oppose PBM merger
New Jersey lawmakers have taken a stand against the proposed merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. and called on Gov. Chris Christie (R.) to oppose the deal, which would create the nation’s biggest pharmacy benefit manager.
Navarro’s 31st store opens doors in Broward County
Navarro Discount Pharmacy has opened its 31st store, located in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The South Florida chain, the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned pharmacy retailer, said Thursday that the Pembroke Pines store is part of its three-year, 22-store expansion strategy throughout the state.
JD Power customer service
Since the onset of the recession, the importance of people as a driver of service excellence has increased substantially–even more than the importance of price, according to a J.D. Power cross-industry special report titled, "Beyond Satisfaction: J.D.
NACDS, NCPA hail Utah bill on PBM audits
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association praised the Utah state legislature for passing a bill that would require audits conducted by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to be fair and rational.
Shoppers Drug Mart poll gives insight on debit use, rewards
A consumer survey by Shoppers Drug Mart and Royal Bank of Canada sheds some light on the differences between women and men in debit card use and the value of rewards programs.
APhA, Cardinal present GenerationRx Award
At the American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Annual Meeting and Exposition here, the Cardinal Health Foundation and APhA received the inaugural APhA GenerationRx Award of Excellence, which honors a pharmacist for outstanding efforts in the prevention of prescription drug abuse.
Walgreens to use Surescripts clinical network for immunizations
Walgreen Co. plans to use Surescripts’ Clinical Interoperability services to electronically send patient data directly to primary care providers, with the goal of improving the coordination of care.
Senators ask about Rite Aid’s ‘wellness ambassador’
Addressing concerns expressed by two U.S. senators, Rite Aid Corp. has clarified the role of its "wellness ambassadors," a key feature of the drug chain’s new "wellness store" format. In press announcements late last week, Sens. Richard Durbin (D., Ill.) and Richard Blumental (D., Conn.
Senate passes bill cracking down on counterfeit drugs
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores hailed the Senate’s approval of a bipartisan bill that would provide more safeguards from counterfeit medications. NACDS said Friday that the Senate passed the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act (S.
Walgreens expands mobile Rx, photo functionality
Walgreen Co. has added new capabilities for mobile device users to help them better manage their prescription drug needs and stick to their medication regimens. Walgreens on Friday said it has launched features called Pill Reminder and Transfer by Scan.
BioScrip turns in 4Q, year-end sales gains
Pharmacy services helped fuel an overall revenue gain at BioScrip Inc. for the company’s 2011 fourth-quarter and full fiscal year. BioScrip said Friday that total sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 7.3% to $483.3 million. Revenue for the pharmacy services business climbed 7.
NACDS gives take on PDUFA reforms
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores stressed to lawmakers that chain pharmacies are commited to patient safety as part of the next Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) reauthorization.
Rx boosts Rite Aid’s same-store sales in February
Getting a lift from prescription business, Rite Aid Corp. saw same-store sales growth climb in February. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended March 3, comparable-store sales rose 3.1% year over year. That topped the drug chain’s 2.2% comp-store gain in January and approached the 3.
Veterans Rx discount plan caters to Walgreens patients
Veterans Advantage Inc., a national membership program providing service benefits for the military and their families, is offering its discount prescription plan as option for Walgreens patients with Express Scripts drug plans. As of Jan.
APhA honors advocate for pharmacist immunizations
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has selected Deborah Wexler, founder and executive director of the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), to receive 2012 APhA Immunization Champion Award — Friend of Pharmacy.