Technology in Community Pharmacy

Bruce Kneeland discusses technology in independent pharmacy with Kevin DeMass, RPh, president of the Apothecary Shoppe in Salt Lake City, UT.

Kevin DeMass, RPh: There’s a burger franchise out there that says, “You can have it this way,” and I won’t tell you who that is, but when you come here you can anything custom that you want. We will tailor anything to make it easy to take your medicines, easy for you to take it on time, and to take the right thing. So, if you think of something or if I think of something or if my staff thinks of something that’s gonna make it easier for you that what we’re gonna kind of invent that together so that it’s just for you. One size doesn’t fit all for our business.

Bruce Kneeland: Do you have any special circumstances or contracts or ability to purchase better, for example are you a 340b entity?

Kevin DeMass, RPh: We are not a 340b entity at this time. Our hospital is not a 340b supplier. We have those in our valley, but we are not supplying 340b medication at this time. But we do have specialized contracts throughout the country where we can buy specialized medication that will meet the requirements for that patient.

Bruce Kneeland: And I’m assuming with your custom stuff, you’re talking about compounding as well? 

Kevin DeMass, RPh: We do compounding yes. If a patient needs a special formulation or a special flavor or a special dose, whatever they might need, we can get that drug for them and get that compound to them in the way that they want it.