I’d like to call your attention to an excellent analysis published yesterday by XIL Consulting, which is run by a former Express Scripts executive. The report focuses on how PBMs are manipulating the Medicare Part D system with DIR fees…

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  CBD is everywhere. From gas stations to health food stores, even finding its way into local independent pharmacies. Studies say that by 2024, CBD will be a 20 billion1 dollar industry. This is a perfect opportunity for pharmacies to…

Watch a video here. Check for NACDS’ public policy recommendations and resources here.

Pharmacist John O’Brien, former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services senior adviser for Drug Pricing Reform and one of the key architects of President Trump’s American Patients First blueprint, will be the marquee speaker for NCPA’s 2020 Multiple Locations Conference,…

You’ve heard the terms – Dog Dad, Cat Mom, Fur Babies – these titles are clear indicators on how much the owner and pet role has changed in your patient’s household. In 2019, Americans spent more than 75 billion on…

When you think of running an independent pharmacy, social media probably isn’t high up on your list. However, while social media isn’t as important as maintaining your inventory, it can be an incredibly powerful tool for growing and maintaining your…

“It’s A Retail Apocalypse!” “Traditional Retail is Dead!” “The Fall of Brick & Mortar!” These are just a few of the headlines we’ve experienced over the past five years and, to be fair, the introduction of online shopping giants (Amazon,…

When it comes to improving patient outcomes, experiences, or your independent pharmacy’s bottom line, success relies on your ability to provide service in a timely and efficient manner. Disruptive innovations are everywhere. The challenges these disruptions pose act like jackknifed…

Pennsylvanians are losing BILLIONS of dollars every year in potential prescription drug savings. The only problem is most have no idea because they aren’t familiar with the commonwealth’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). To read more: What PBMs Don’t Want You To…

Your PA Community Pharmacies is a coalition of your independent pharmacies across Pennsylvania, who take pride in being long-standing members of the community. To read more: Your PA Community Pharmacies

58 percent may close in next two years, says a national NCPA survey Read the press release here from NCPA

It’s open enrollment time. Click on the links below for valuable information, list of helpful resources, and materials to help you talk to your patients. Since Keystone covers NCPA membership, members of Keystone should take advantage of the resources readily…

Quality is quickly becoming more important to customers than price when considering a purchase. In fact, a recent study found that 53 percent of customers polled rated quality higher than price (38 percent) as a deciding factor when buying a…

As your pharmacy and patients jump headfirst into the school year and fast forward into flu season, it’s a good time to recover from the ongoing controversy surrounding vaccinations and refocus on their benefits to the community. To read more: KPPA_3…

Communication, beyond simply great services, is likely the top way for an independent pharmacy to bust through patient connection barriers. But beyond going back to grad school to master health literacy, what are key methods we can use to ensure…

While drug makers are working to develop medications and make them more marketable, physicians and providers are doing double-duty ensuring patients receive the medications and therapies best suited for their individual needs. And these events open opportunities for community pharmacies.…

Your PA Community Pharmacies_Sept Your PA Community Pharmacies is a coalition of your independent pharmacies across Pennsylvania, who take pride in being long-standing members of the community.  Check out the above link for current news articles across Pennsylvania counties.

Unemployment rates in the US are at their lowest in decades. This is great news for the economy; however, it can result in complications when attempting to fill open positions in your pharmacy. Click to read more: Building Your Pharmacy’s Top…

NCPA has developed a blank USP <800> risk assessment template, and a sample template for testosterone, to help you create your own risk assessments for each hazardous drug as required by USP <800>. USP General Chapter <800>’s implementation date is…

Effective 12/1/2019, the following procedures for handling Hazardous Drugs must be complied with: Here is the latest list (May 2019) of Hazardous Drugs from NIOSH – Lists drugs such as Dilantin, Klonopin, Coumadin, & Depakote so please review carefully. These…

Out of all the challenges thrown at independent pharmacies today, those most likely to keep you awake at night are financial – especially as you continue to take on retail giants. In fact, these challenges are so pressing, they continue…

Some researchers say that pharmaceuticals have grown to consume up to 30 percent of each healthcare dollar. With that in mind, your community pharmacy may need to rethink traditional care models to drive improved outcomes and value – or risk…

Keystone_Blog_4 Trends that Make or Break Pharmacy

Purpose: – Expose unfair PBM practices in reimbursements, such as MAC Payments, price discrimination compared to amounts paid to mail order and mega-chains. – Focus attention on a single, large PBM – Minimize individual pharmacies legal costs by using the…

Keystone_Blog_80 20 Rule Make More_062119

Keystone_Blog_Building Adherence into Your Pharmacy

NCPA 2019 Annual Convention. Special Code for Keystone Members, save $100 using code Buy100. This rate is for owner/managers and staff pharmacists ONLY. Don’t miss out on this amazing rate and all that Convention has to offer. Mark your calendar…

Learn how to prepare your business and to navigate the reimbursement process for annual flu vaccines. We are excited to invite you and your members to participate in an upcoming webinar on the topic of payer reimbursement for influenza vaccines…

ASPIRE HEALTH PHARMACY SERVICES Launches Independent Pharmacy GPO Groundbreaking Independent Pharmacy Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) is focused on leveling the competitive playing field among PBMs, wholesalers, health plans and manufacturers.  Click here for full Press Release

NCPA has created sample comments that you can easily and quickly submit through our grassroots portal. It is vital that as many comments as possible are submitted prior to the Jan. 25 deadline to compel the administration to finalize their…

Independent pharmacists have been facing a changing industry for decades but have managed to maintain a presence in communities around the US. As reimbursements dwindle, pharmacists are starting to get creative, looking for new ways to get paid by health…

Independent pharmacists now can order the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 14-day system from their wholesaler. This pharmacy resource guide contains product information and wholesaler order numbers for both the FreeStyle Libre 14-day Reader and FreeStyle Libre 14-day Sensor. Since its introduction,…

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/UCM625884.htm?utm_campaign=111518_Statement_FDA%20Commissioner%20statement%20on%20proposals%20to%20address%20youth%20tobacco%20use&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

https://whyy.org/articles/philly-may-require-all-pharmacies-to-stock-overdose-reversal-drug-naloxone/  

https://www.drugchannels.net/2018/11/express-scripts-launches-new-formulary.html

Attached is a flyer showing how Independents are being paid compared to the major chains…. All I can say is WOW! Show this to your PSAO – can they explain the difference in reimbursement? On this one Rx for Quetiapine…

As you have already heard the Department of Justice has approved both the CVS/Aetna & Cigna/ESI mergers. A few members have already called me to VENT – now I would like you all to VENT to the proper people within…

The Auditor General, Eugene DePasquale, held his second hearing on the questionable business practices of PBMs in Delaware County on September 12, 2018 The Auditor General in his press conference stated he “is committed to looking into the PBM practices,…

http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/rutgers-profs-as-boomers-age-small-business-owners-get-new-incentive-to-sell-to-employees-20180815.html?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/do-prescription-drug-middlemen-help-keep-prices-high

Keystone Pharmacy Purchasing Alliance pharmacists receive $50 off when you register and use the promo code BUY50.  Open to owner/managers and staff pharmacists only. Register + Book your hotel at www.ncpanet.org/convention It’s where ideas are born!  The programming is peer-led with…

HARRISBURG (June 13, 2018) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said he is launching a review to bring transparency and accountability to prescription drug pricing in Pennsylvania. The result will be a special report focused on practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs),…

  To renew their pharmacist licenses, pharmacists are required to complete pharmacist continuing education approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy (Board).  Of the total 30 contact hours that pharmacists…

PARD’s Mel Brodsky has something to say about the gag rule: http://6abc.com/health/troubleshooters-pharmacist-gag-rule/3493881/

Mary Hawley takes the widely used drug Humira for her rheumatoid arthritis. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, but for nearly a decade Hawley has been assisted with discount coupons from the drug’s manufacturer, AbbVie.  “You…