Advertise on podcast: Pharmacy Crossroads

In this episode Robyn Amberg, a well-known industry figure interviews Bruce Kneeland and asks him to share examples of tactics he has seen pharmacy owners use to help them succeed.  Kneeland says one such tactic is for pharmacists to realize they are healthcare professionals with expertise in medications.  As healthcare professionals, they can provide a number of services that will generate new revenue and enhance their professional stature.  And he says he first witnessed some of these tactics 50 years ago when he was just starting his career.  It should be noted Robyn Amberg currently works for a major industry firm but prefers to not disclose the company.  She is also the daughter of Bruce Kneeland.  

Late in 2023 the FDA put a hold on the enforcement of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.  Unfortunately, too many pharmacy owners thought that meant they could relax.  Not so according to two industry experts.  In this podcast they explain the delay in enforcement was necessary because too many companies were not ready to comply.  Now, with more time to prepare it is hoped pharmacies will work with their suppliers and get ready to meet the requirement's.  In this podcast information is shared as to what that means.  And, remember, the clock is still ticking to Nov. 2024.     This episode is brought to you by The Healthcare Distribution Alliance,  sometimes better knows and, HDA.  This organization helps serve the needs of distributors, and wholesalers, who supply medications and healthcare products.  HDA works closely with government agencies and their corporate members to  ensure products are safely stored and distributed.  They are intimately involved with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, or DSCSA.  For more information on what this law means to you as a pharmacy owner, manager or vendor check out; DSCSA.Pharmacy

Jade Schuckman owns Medicine Plus Pharmacy in Bedford, Indiana.  He is a superstar when it comes to drug nutrient depletion.  Chris Cornelison has created a line of supplements that Schuckman promotes.  In this episode they share information on the what, why and how of selling supplements and propose two things are essential. First quality products; and, second and well organized system.  In this episode they dig deep into key elements of a successful system for success.  Chris Cornelison, CEO and founder of Solutions Rx.  Jade Schuckman owner of Medina Plus Pharmacy, Bedford, Indiana   

Scott Von Deylen, NimbleRx's new V.P. Sales, shares how this new company has created a new revenue service opportunity to pharmacy owners.  This web based service allows consumers to request refills, and pay for their prescriptions and OTC items, from the convenience of their mobile phone or computer. Von Deylen explains how the company can provide the service free to pharmacy owners and how participation in the program actually results in payments to the pharmacy by NimbleRx.      For more information visit: https://www.nimblerx.com/schedule-demo Scott Von Deylen, VP Sales, NimbleRx

Shahida Choudhry, PharmD, owns two pharmacies in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.  Despite egregious low reimbursement and other PBM problems she is growing and has plans to add more locations.  In this episode she shares several things she does to stay profitable.  Hint, it takes creative marketing, using social media, attending trade shows, networking and being willing (and able) to sell front-end items.  Personality doesn't hurt and Shahida has plenty of that, as you'll soon discover when you listen this podcast.  

Far too many independent pharmacies let their front-ends flounder because they don't know how to buy, display, price or otherwise support the right kind of products.  Well, a cure has been found.  In this episode 3 industry experts share who their companies provide solutions to this problem.  You can have a profitable front-end.  You can contact these three companies at:  solutionsrx.com   BreathROX.com or MatchSquare.com   

Sponsored by: Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA)Dayna Timmer, Pharm D, has worked for a chain, as a nuclear pharmacist and in 2022 opened her own compounding pharmacy.  And, she loves it.  She is joined by Erin Michael, of PCCA.  They both share how Timmer started from scratch and has built both a financially and personally reward practice is Georgia.  Dayna Timmer, Pharm D, owner of Mountainside Compounding Pharmacy in Tate, GA.  Erin Michael, MBA, CPhT, Director of Customer Engagement, PCCA 

When the time comes to ponder selling your pharmacy it might help to know it is complicated.  Understanding valuation, dealing with licenses, leases and finding a buyer are critical success factors.  The good news is there are people out there that can help you.  Tim Clark and Owen BonDurant are pharmacists, pharmacy owners and ownership transition experts.  They also help people start, operate and sell pharmacies.  In this episode they layout some of the changes that have occurred in the marketplace in the past year or so.  They also describe some new options for finding buyers that many owners may not know about.  You can check out their website at:   www.independentrxconsulting.com   

Katie Bass, PharmD and owner of two pharmacies in central California is a dynamo.  After assuring listeners she too pays DIR fees and struggles to balance the demands of owning two pharmacies and raising two small children she shares specific examples of things she is doing to succeed.  The list includes buying smart, knowing her local community, investing in new technology, doing point-of-care testing  and tapping into new revenue available with community health workers.  Katie is a super star who will inspire you to try new things in our pharmacy.  Katie is joined by her IPC Regional Manager, Jake Lewis.  

Tips for understanding and managing your wholesaler's primary vendor agreement.  Scott Patterson, owner of 6 pharmacies joins Scott Wittnebel, Director of Pharmacy Services for IPC talk about strategies and tactics you can use to maximize your rebates and lower you cost of goods.

Bruce Kneeland attended the McKesson IdeaShare show and was able to interview several show attendees and learn from them some of what they saw, heard and learned at this show. Tips for making show attendance a success, examples of the benefits of networking and other ideas your peers will take home and implement are shared. If you did, or did not, attend this show you'll benefit from the comments on this podcast

Executives from four companies with innovative products share examples of how pharmacy owners can improve the front-end and boost their profits.  Central to the discussion is the notion that the front-end is an overlooked asset.  They talk about the importance of creative marketing and share how innovative products open doors for doctor detailing.  The bottom line, the front-end is critical to the  success of your pharmacy and products and services are out there that can make that happen.