Community pharmacists needed more than ever, NCPA CEO says

With the ever-changing healthcare landscape, independent pharmacists are more vitally needed and relevant than ever, according to National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA.

Speaking at NCPA’s 115^th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition in Orlando, Hoey spoke on a variety topics important to independent community pharmacists, including poor medication adherence rates and prescription drug abuse.

“I challenge anyone to pinpoint a time in history when there has been a greater need for a community pharmacist than now,” Hoey said. “There are many things happening in our world of pharmacy.  Accountable Care Organizations are developing. Healthcare insurance exchanges opened less than 2 weeks ago. Pharmacies often are being given report cards on quality measures rather than on number of prescriptions dispensed.  Star ratings are becoming relevant to pharmacies.”

Hoey said NCPA envisions pharmacy and pharmacists as a leader in the healthcare evolution. “Not everything will be perfect. But make no mistake- being a leader requires some level of discomfort to accomplish the goal,” he said.

He said pharmacy faces many challenges, including preferred networks in Medicare Part D that are excluding independent pharmacies. “NCPA has vigorously protested these networks in Part D since they started a few years ago. … We continue to work with Congress and [Medicare] on this vital issue,” he said.

Hoey said NCPA is also concentrating its efforts on helping state pharmacy associations establish business environments that are conducive to independent community pharmacists. “NCPA is helping community pharmacy cross the healthcare bridge,” he said. “We want everyone to get there safe and sound.  Along the way, we will provide hope and ideas to diversify your revenue sources.”