Pharmacy Crossroads

Executives from four companies with innovative products share examples of how pharmacy owners can improve the front-end and boost their profits.  Central to the discussion is the notion that the front-end is an overlooked asset.  They talk about the importance of creative marketing and share how innovative products open doors for doctor detailing.  The bottom line, the front-end is critical to the  success of your pharmacy and products and services are out there that can make that happen.  

Ashton Maaraba has spent 20 years bring exciting new products and services to independent pharmacy. Most of them deploying major new technological capabilities. Now he has taken the helm of IPC Digital Health. In this episode he outlines the 5 Pillars that form the foundation for IPC's continuing efforts to future proof pharmacy. Maaraba indicates that telehealth, remote patient monitoring, adherence programs, operational efficiency and new patient care services such lab testing will provide pharmacies with the ability to generate much needed non-dispensing or PBM dependent revenue.

DIR fees and PBM reform are the topic for this podcast. Mark Kinney is a government relations pro. Fresh from a week long trip to DC, Mark shares information on what's happening with DIR fees and PBM reform. The good news, Mark says, the momentum on Capital Hill is finally in our favor.

Look up the word, grit, in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Chichi Momah, PharmD., and owner of Springfield Pharmacy in Pennsylvania. Momah opened her brand new start from scratch pharmacy in 2012. She weathered some hard times but kept-on-keepin'-on. She shares how taking leadership, finances and other courses helped her bring her pharmacy along and then how she put it in high-gear with immunizations. Momah is the real deal and you'll be inspired and motivated by her remarkable story.

Marc Essensa, the new CEO of IPC shares some of, "What’s New at IPC".  As the largest of the independent pharmacy GPO's you’ll want to listen to this podcast even if you’re not an IPC member.   Essensa, talks with PPN Founder, Todd Eury, and podcast host, Bruce Kneeland, about how IPC, under the direction of the group’s Board of Directors, all of whom own pharmacies, are working to “future proof” pharmacy.  Essensa discusses his background in logistics and pharmaceutical procurement and tells how that will enhance IPC’s purchasing power.  He also lays out IPC’s strategy for launching several new services that will simplify the way pharmacy owners can offer them to their patients.  Marc Essensa, CEO, The Independent Pharmacy Cooperative 

Chris Schaffner, owner of Schaffner Pharmacy explains how he is successfully providing enhanced clinical services to people, and, getting paid for providing the service.  He shares the microphone with Tara Pfund of AssureCare, the company that has provided the tools for making this possible.  He also talks about a business book, Extreme Ownership, that he says has provided him with valuable information on how to build a world class pharmacy team.  One that allowed his pharmacy to be selected as the best pharmacy in his county. 

John Beckner, R.Ph., from NCPA talks about how immunizations include much more than flu and COVID. They are a door opener to capture many new, and profitable, revenue streams. NCPA can help with detailed guide books and classes to show how to bill for immunizations and how you can obtain, and profit from, a CLIA waiver. Check out the website; www.ncpa.org and look under the Resources tap.

An exciting new, FDA Approved Class 1 over the counter health device is helping scores of pharmacies improve front-end sales.  The good news is the product provides people with hours long protection from germs, viruses and even allergens by lining the nasal passages with a protective gel barrier.  Dr. Gail Lebovic, a female surgeon and entrepreneur has developed the product, tested and is brining it to market. Almost by happenstance, two of the earliest customers for, the product, where two independent pharmacies.  Now scores of them, all across the coutry are selling NasoClenz to their customers.  
 
For more information visit www.nasoclenz.com