Chain Pharmacy

CMS has eased rules on short-cycle dispensing of Part D medications in long-term-care facilities and is now requiring not 7-day but 14-day fills. The workload, however, may still double or triple.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

Depression is a disease like any other. The pharmacist's task is to keep depression patients educated about their disease and their medications, and to stress the importance of adherence to medication. But before that, depression screening may be Job 1.

During a recent webinar presented by Pharmacy OneSource, Michael R. McDaniel, RPh, MBA, FASHP, showed how use of data can help identify appropriate cost-containment measures and justify necessary staffing.

Jenelle Sobotka, PharmD, FAPhA, 2011-2012 president-elect of the American Pharmacists Association, started out at the U.S. Veterans Administration, where she helped improve patient health through medication management.

Prophylactic acid suppression is not appropriate for most hospital patients who are not being treated in intensive care, according to researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston.

We do not usually think of courage as a part of a pharmacist's ethical duties, but it is, and it is one that is sometimes the most difficult to practice.

This overview of some recently available OTC products marks the first time our Self Care page has focused on testing kits and accessories.

CMS is considering new regulations that would require Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to contract directly with long-term-care facilities rather than with consultant pharmacists. This doesn't sit well with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.

In March the National Association of Chain Drug Stores relaunched its advertising campaign to promote new MTM legislation and pharmacists ' role in medication therapy management.

Many third-party payers have either switched to or are considering moving to a mail-order requirement for long-term prescriptions that would prevent patients from choosing to purchase medications through retail pharmacies. Pharmacists and patients are pushing back.

Readers speak out about the increasing efficiency demands of chain pharmacies.

A DNA paternity test kit is available in New York retail pharmacies for the first time.

Using social media to promote their businesses can give independent pharmacy owners the competitive edge.

The role of pharmacists in medication adherence has taken center stage nationally since last year's passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, when medication adherence and medication therapy management were recognized as areas that should receive funding.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

The first medical marijuana kiosks are expected to roll out in medical marijuana dispensaries starting in April.

Finding stability in an unstable economy can be difficult, but it seems that many pharmacists have done just that. Pharmacists report low unemployment rates, high salaries, and high job satisfaction at a time when many industries are struggling with layoffs and budget cuts. But the perks of being a pharmacist don't come without stress.

As a counter-detailer, Mark Greg meets with physicians to encourage use of generic over brand-name medications in medically appropriate circumstances. He's a pharmacy rep's worst nightmare.

As America's diverse population continues to grow, disparities in healthcare delivery have become more prevalent. Studies show that when it comes to healthcare benchmarks, many racial and ethnically diverse populations are at a disadvantage

Tats and studs and rap and hip-hop can turn off patients and send them on a search for the real pharmacist. You're a medical professional. You need to look and sound the part.

A letter about Walgreens' POWER program gets David Stanley asking questions.

A roundup of information on CHA2DS2-VASc score versus CHADS2 as a thromboembolism determinant; the incidence of pulmonary embolism in knee arthroscopy patients; the increase of venous thromboembolism with antipsychotic drug use.

DEA's "Office of Diversion Control" prevents, detects, and investigates the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate sources while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply for legitimate medical needs. To accomplish this mission, the DEA sets forth regulations designed to prevent any such diversion.

Both the Food and Drug Administration and officials from a number of generic drug companies indicate they are in active talks on creating user fees to be paid by that industry to give the agency more resources to speed generics to the market, carry out inspections and other functions.

While Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, has offered the State of Florida $1 million for a pill mill database, the anticipated cost of sustaining the program may deter Florida Governor Rick Scott and other legislators from accepting the grant.

New data suggest that certain prescription drug products are associated with aggression and violence toward others.

For patients seeking new ways to keep their breath fresher and their pearly whites whiter, today's manufacturers continue to develop and rebrand products to better address both the health and beauty aspects of oral care.

The U.S. Senate last month voted to repeal a 1099 tax-filing requirement that would have been time-consuming for retail pharmacists.

Drug-seekers will go to sometimes ludicrous lengths to get what they want. For the addict's equivalent of "The dog ate my homework," read on.