CDMA partners with e-learning provider
The Chain Drug Marketing Association has teamed up with LearnSomething Inc. on a program to provide an online alternative to off-site or internal training.
Retail News
Walgreens gets more mobile with Rx text alerts
Walgreen Co. has stepped up access for on-the-go customers with a relaunched mobile Web site and iPhone application plus prescription text alerts and other new capabilities for text messaging and smart phone users.
Bartell continues anniversary celebration with new contest
As part of its 120th anniversary celebration marketing, Bartell Drugs has launched the "Magical History Tour," a contest focusing on fun facts about Washington’s Puget Sound. The drug store chain said Monday that it developed the contest in collaboration with HistoryLink.
Loblaw changes dispensing fees at nofrills pharmacies
Loblaw Cos. has changed the usual and customary dispensing fees for drug products to one common fee at all of its nofrills banner store pharmacies in Ontario.
CVS Caremark to buy back up to $2B in stock
CVS Caremark Corp. has initiated a new share repurchase program for up to $2 billion of its outstanding common stock. The drug store chain and pharmacy benefit manager said Monday that the share repurchase authorization expires at the end of 2011.
LegitScript to Rx sellers: Stick with FDA-approved
Internet pharmacy verifier LegitScript has sent a letter to leading pharmacy retailers and pharmaceutical distributors to stress the importance of only supplying prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
‘Major victory’ for pharmacy in South Carolina
South Carolina has signed into law a budget bill with a provision that fortifies pharmacy reimbursement for Medicaid prescriptions, which the National Association of Chain Drug Stores hailed as a "major victory" for pharmacies and their patients.
CVS to launch free health checks in D.C. area
As part of its "To Your Health" community wellness program, CVS/pharmacy plans to begin offering free health screenings in the Washington, D.C., area this weekend.
Cardinal Health to buy Healthcare Solutions Holding
In a move to expand its specialty pharmaceutical services, Cardinal Health Inc. has agreed to acquire Healthcare Solutions Holding LLC in a $517 million cash deal.
Take Care to run work-site pharmacy at submarine builder
Walgreen Co.’s Take Care Health Systems subsidiary is managing a work-site pharmacy opened at General Dynamics Electric Boat, a maker of submarines for the U.S. Navy. The new pharmacy, located at Electric Boat’s headquarters and shipyard in Groton, Conn.
Former Duane Reade CEO Cuti convicted of fraud
Anthony Cuti, former chief executive officer of metropolitan New York drug chain Duane Reade, has been convicted in federal court of securities fraud and other charges, according to published reports.
CVS Caremark to cut Walgreens from PBM network
CVS Caremark Corp. plans to terminate Walgreen Co.’s participation in its pharmacy benefit management unit’s retail network in 30 days. In addition, CVS Caremark said Wednesday that it will terminate Walgreens’ participation in its Medicare Part D retail pharmacy networks effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Pharmacy groups call on Senate to extend FMAP hike
Five pharmacy associations are urging Congress to extend the temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), which provides funding for state Medicaid and other health programs.
NABP: Microsoft, Yahoo require accreditation for online Rx ads
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has lauded Microsoft and Yahoo for their new policies requiring Web sites selling prescription drugs to be accredited through NABP’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program.
NACDS, NCPA hail Mississippi’s reversal of Medicaid cut
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association have praised a decision by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to forgo proposed reimbursements cuts for pharmacy and other health care providers.
Ontario goes ahead with Rx reform plan
Operators of drug stores in Ontario had their hopes dashed this week when the provincial government opted to proceed with a health reform plan that stands to halve prescription drug reimbursement for pharmacies.