Thrifty White expands clinical services

As Thrifty White Health heads into 2026, the organization continues to expand the role community pharmacies play in delivering accessible, pharmacist-led care. Over the past year, Thrifty White focused on growing clinical services, increasing access for patients, and strengthening how pharmacy care connects with providers and health plan partners.

“2025 was about building on what we already do well and leaning further into clinical care,” said Jeremy Faulks, vice president of pharmacy operations. “Our teams spent more time with patients, addressed real medication and adherence issues, and helped close gaps that directly affect health outcomes.”

Throughout the year, pharmacists completed thousands of comprehensive medication management visits and carried out targeted adherence outreach. This work helped patients stay on therapy and supported health plan partners in maintaining and improving quality measures tied to medication use and chronic disease management.

Immunizations continued to be a major focus, with Thrifty White exceeding annual influenza and ancillary vaccination goals while adapting to updated clinical guidance. The organization also launched its Test to Treat program, allowing pharmacists to assess symptoms, perform point-of-care testing and initiate treatment when appropriate. For many communities, this meant faster access to care without the need for an appointment or a trip to urgent care.

“When pharmacists have the time and tools to care for patients, access improves,” said Justin Heiser, Thrifty White’s president and chief executive officer. “That’s especially important in rural areas, where access can be limited.”

Behind the scenes, continued investment in the PatientRicity clinical platform helped pharmacists identify care opportunities, document interventions, proactively reach patients and support medical billing for eligible clinical services. Programs such as RxMedSync, central fulfillment and more standardized workflows reduced administrative work and created more time for meaningful clinical conversations at the pharmacy counter and beyond.

“Our goal is to make it easier for pharmacists to focus on patient care,” said Samantha Ketterling, director of pharmacy and clinical operations. “The more we simplify the background work, the more time our teams have to work directly with patients.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Thrifty White Health plans to continue expanding pharmacist-led services, deepen relationships with provider groups and health plans, and advocate for broader recognition and reimbursement of pharmacy-delivered care.

“Our employee-owners are what make this work,” Heiser said. “Our pharmacists, technicians and care teams show up every day for their communities, and that shared ownership and commitment is what continues to move Thrifty White forward.”

Point-of-Care Testing And Treatment Empowers Pharmacists, Improves Access

By Kelly Frauendienst

Thrifty White pharmacies are trusted, accessible and patient preferred destinations for care across the communities we serve. As health care continues its shift toward value-based models, Thrifty White continues expanding the role of community pharmacy by delivering convenient, high-quality clinical services where patients already shop and live. Our offerings include comprehensive medication management, vaccine screening and administration, and now point-of-care testing, assessment and treatment — bringing timely care closer to home. Point-of-care testing enables early detection and treatment of common, non-chronic infectious diseases such as influenza, Group A Streptococcus, and COVID 19, as well as selected chronic conditions. For many rural and underserved communities, access to these services can otherwise be limited. By offering point-of-care test and treat services within our pharmacies, Thrifty White is removing barriers to care and providing patients with a fast, reliable and convenient option when they need it most.

Thrifty White’s point-of-care test and treat program was successfully rolled out across all locations throughout 2025. Each pharmacy was thoughtfully equipped with the tools, resources and support needed to ensure safe, consistent and high-quality care. Pharmacists received comprehensive training through a combination of hands-on workshops and online education, reinforcing both clinical confidence and operational consistency. Standardized protocols were developed to streamline workflow, support proper documentation and ensure regulatory compliance. Through collaborative practice agreements, pharmacists confirm patient eligibility and follow evidence-based treatment algorithms that guide appropriate dosing and duration of therapy. Thrifty White continues to actively monitor program performance and identify opportunities for ongoing enhancement.

Community response to point-of-care testing has been overwhelmingly positive. During peak respiratory seasons, patients value having a trusted local option for influenza, strep and COVID 19 testing — without the delays or travel often associated with other care settings. One pharmacist shared, “A patient came in feeling miserable and unsure where to turn. Being able to test, assess and start treatment in one visit not only saved them time, but you could see the relief on their face knowing they were getting answers right away. Moments like that remind us why this service matters.”

Beyond the patient experience, the program has also strengthened our pharmacy teams. Pharmacists and staff report a renewed sense of purpose, increased confidence in their clinical skills, and pride in the meaningful impact they are making on patient health every day.

Overall, Thrifty White’s point-of-care testing and treatment services have proven to be a valuable addition to the care we provide, reinforcing our role as a frontline health care destination. By expanding access, improving convenience and empowering our teams, we are enhancing health outcomes in the communities we serve — and I am excited to build on this momentum as we grow these services into the future.

Kelly Frauendienst is the regional support pharmacist at Thrifty White.

Thrifty White Pharmacy

KEY EXECUTIVE

Justin Heiser, President & CEO

HEADQUARTERS

6701 Evenstad Drive, Suite 100
Maple Grove, Minn. 55369
Phone: (763) 513-4300
Website: thriftywhite.com

Trade class — Drug Chain

FULL-YEAR RESULTS

Overall sales — $952.9 million

Prescription drug sales — $928.8 million

Number of stores — 90

Number of pharmacies — 90