INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN Just returned from a Federation of Pharmacy Networks (FPN) Board Meeting and thought our membership should be advised of some very interesting programs that are in the works at the present time. Flu Vaccine: Our combined Buying Groups have ordered over 35,000 vials of Flu Vaccine, and over 1000 vials of Pneumovax. Delivery to our distributor is expected in September, with delivery to our stores in October. Many distributors that promised Flu vaccine to its customers at a reduced price are notifying their customers that they will NOT be able to honor that commitment. If you have not ordered through our program, you may be shutout this year. NCPA/FPN Programs: During the past year, the relationship between NCPA & FPN has grown into a beneficial partnership. Since FPN represents over 11,000 Independent Pharmacies throughout the country (50%), this partnership is a plus for both organizations. A $50.00 discount on 1st year membership in NCPA is being offered through the buying groups. An application will be sent to all Keystone stores not presently a member of NCPA during the next month. NCPAís efforts have been beneficial to Independent Pharmacy in allowing us to become part of SureScrript Systems, Inc. SureScript Systems will provide a connection point for physician offices to efficiently reach the broadest possible number of pharmacies, and for those pharmacies to be able to communicate electronically with connected physicians. SureScript Systems was formed by a partnership with NCPA & NACDS. Wide adoption of the SureScript system will improve patient care by reducing the time health professionals spend trying to communicate by telephone and decreasing the potential for medical error associated with handwritten prescriptions. More information on this program will follow. NCPAís efforts have also been beneficial in the formation of a new entity, The Independent Pharmacy Marketplace Alliance (IPMA). The primary focus of IPMA at the outset was the need to regain control of one of the independent pharmacyís most valuable assets ñ the health and drug information they aggregate in their pharmacies ( i.e. DATA SALES). The purpose of the organization was consciously developed with a broader agenda in mind, so an entity would be in place to help independent pharmacy groups pursue a wide array of initiatives together on behalf of our members. Its membership will include most of the groups presently active in market share data and aggregate data. The market for end use of pharmacy data to manufacturers is estimated to exceed $300 million annually. IPMA will be represented at this yearís NCPA convention in Philadelphia, and details of the plan will be available then.
Pharmacy Discount Card: We are presently negotiating with a vendor that could supply you with the software at a very nominal price that would allow YOU to offer your cash customers a free Rx Card Program. You could offer this card to your customers to compete with the Bank Cards and other Discount cards charging a monthly fee. You would have complete control of pricing and they could be used as a charge card for your pharmacy. More information to follow. EPN Pharmacy Network: Over 10% of our stores have already signed up with this program. Information was recently included in a mailing to you concerning this very valuable program. If you need further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our offices. Keystone is working on your behalf everyday. PARTICIPATION equals $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Primary Wholesalers: AmerisourceBergen Cardinal Kinray Bottles & Vials: TriState Distributors Rx Labels & Bags: Rx Systems Vitamins: Natureís Bounty Generic Distributor: Anda Circular Program with Special RX & OTC Pricing: IPC /Independent Pharmacy Cooperative PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE VENDORS THAT SUPPORT US !!!!!!!!! |