Independent Rx Forum

Pharmacy is evolving. Are independent pharmacies and pharmacy schools keeping up?    Ed Cohen and Traci Poole join us in this episode of the “Independent Rx Forum” to talk innovation, advocacy, and the push to redefine what it means to be a pharmacist today. From payment reform to public trust, let's turn talk to action.    To learn more about EmpowerRx, the program John Beckner mentioned that was created for pharmacy support staff by our Developing Opportunities committee, visit https://ncpa.org/empower-rx.   Guests:  Ed Cohen, PharmD, FAPhA, COO, PharmTeam Associates  Traci Poole, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA, director of community practice advancement, Belmont College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, fellow, APhA

Get plugged into Community Connected, a CPESN® initiative helping independent pharmacies strengthen community ties, build trust, and break down barriers to care. Our guests from CPESN, Angelina Tucker and Anginette Wyatt, share how this program can help you train your team, boost cultural competency, connect with local stakeholders, and access digital marketing tools. Plus, discover how CPESN can help you tap into accreditation, funding, and payer programs to expand your impact!     Get details at www.communityconnected.us.    Guests:   Angelina Tucker, assistant director, Community Connected, CPESN USA, director of clinical services, Best Value Pharmacies, Inc.  Anginette Wyatt, CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC, Clinical Care Pharmacy, immediate-past president, APhA foundation

How do you turn vaccine hesitancy into a clinical and business success?     Abe Funk, PharmD, shares how a CPESN®-provided grant enabled pharmacies in Missouri to expand vaccination efforts beyond the pharmacy — reaching patients at fairs, shelters, and more. Get strategies to effectively engage patients in conversations about vaccines, streamline your workflow, and use community health workers to close care gaps, and hear why NCPA and CPESN are essential to the future of independent pharmacy.    Guest: Abe Funk, PharmD, owner, John's Pharmacy and John's Rx Long Term Care 

This week, NCPA brought hundreds of independent pharmacy advocates to Capitol Hill to push for NCPA priorities in-person with their members of Congress and their staff. In this episode, we interview NCPA President Jeff Harrell and highlight the experiences of a first-time attendee as well as student attendees.   qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at ncpa.org/qam. Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org). You can find a running list of our news stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).   Samuel Manas Associate Director of Communications National Community Pharmacists Association Phone: (443) 310-1761   Save the date for our 2025 Annual Convention in New Orleans, Oct. 18-21. Registration opens on June 5.

Why is CPESN® such an asset to independent pharmacies? Christian Tadrus, PharmD — pharmacy owner, strategy consultant, and CPESN Luminary of the Year for 2024 — joins us to highlight the resources it provides access to. Learn about how CPESN can connect pharmacies to payer programs, local public health entities, and grants that support enhanced patient care.    Guest: Christian Tadrus, PharmD, pharmacy owner, lead strategy consultant, Tadrus Advisory Group, LLC, CPESN Luminary of the Year 

qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at ncpa.org/qam. Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org).   Today's stories: NCPA urges DOGE to focus on PBMs for waste, fraud, and abuse   - https://bit.ly/4cNTTJb PhRMA report: 25 percent tariff could hike prices by up to 12.9 percent - https://bit.ly/3RzWmNx Ohio shows PBM and Medicaid reforms save money  - https://bit.ly/3YjsU25   For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).

What is long-term care pharmacy at home, and why is there a growing need for these services? Don't miss this valuable conversation with guests Susan Rhodus and Leanne Haley-Brown as they look into all things LTC at home. They also address what makes this a game-changing opportunity, why community pharmacies are perfectly positioned to lead this shift, and what to consider before getting started.    Guests:  Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, CPESN® pharmacy care at home and closed-door facility care lead  Susan Rhodus, BS Pharm, senior vice president, contracts and advocacy, GeriMed

qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at ncpa.org/qamsignup. Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org).   Here are the stories we covered today: Tariffs must be finely tuned to avoid higher costs to pharmacies - https://bit.ly/42ijUg7 NCPA Statement on Drug Pricing Executive Order - https://bit.ly/42sQdYo Arkansas law bans state permits to PBM-owned pharmacies effective 2026 - https://bit.ly/4jC8ae7 Comeback state of the year: Alabama governor signs PBM reform bill into law - https://bit.ly/4413cTJ 39 state and territory attorneys general urge passage of federal PBM reform legislation - https://bit.ly/43ZJeZC   For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).

Measles is making a comeback — and pharmacists play a key role in prevention. In this episode, David Ha, PharmD, BCIDP of Stanford and Rannon Ching, PharmD, owner of Tarrytown Pharmacy, discuss clinical considerations and how pharmacists can fight vaccine hesitancy by educating their communities and working with the local medical community to provide vaccine access. Learn how being a trusted resource can protect vulnerable populations, help boost immunization efforts, and benefit your business.    Guests:   Rannon Ching, PharmD, president, chief pharmacy officer, Tarrytown Pharmacy David Ha, PharmD, BCIDP, infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist and manager at the Stanford University School of Medicine 

Next up in our special series, “Vaccine Voices,” guest host Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, sits down with Marc Ost, CPhT, co-owner of Eric's RX Shoppe, to break down the complexities of medical billing for immunizations. Marc shares how he helped develop a successful vaccine program in his pharmacy. He takes us through the ins and outs of all the different billing types and offers practical tips on using pharmacy management systems to streamline billing, training staff to avoid errors, and tracking different reimbursement options. Whether you're just getting started with immunizations or are looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with advice to help your pharmacy succeed.  This series is sponsored by a CDC cooperative agreement.    Guest: Marc Ost, CPhT, co-owner at Eric's RX Shoppe   Guest Host: Hannah Fish, senior director of strategic initiatives, NCPA 

qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here (https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2005179/1976523/).   Here are the stories we covered today: Senate confirms FTC appointee Mark Meador House takes next steps to pass the president's budget Arkansas HB 1150 heads to the governor Alabama PBM reform tide rolls to Governor's desk   For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website (https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly)     Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).   If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (https://independentrxforum.libsyn.com/).   Hosted by Sam Manas (smanas@ncpa.org).

Growing a vaccine program with a substantial revenue stream starts with strong partnerships. In this episode, guest host Hannah Fish talks with Sanjay Patel, director of pharmacy at Haller's Pharmacy and Medical Supply, about how building relationships with hospitals, local governments, and health entities can increase program revenue. You'll walk away with strategies for fruitful collaboration and learn how these connections can open doors to innovative new business opportunities.  This series is sponsored by a CDC cooperative agreement.    Guest: Sanjay Patel, director of pharmacy, Haller's Pharmacy and Medical Supply, managing network facilitator, CPESN® Central California  Guest Host: Hannah Fish, senior director of strategic initiatives, NCPA

A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 31. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here. (https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2005179/1976523/).   Here are the stories we covered today: Trump tariffs: Information to come Senate advances Trump health care nominee NCPA applauds Senate Judiciary passage of FTC/PBM bill FTC chair no longer recusing himself from PBM lawsuit Florida's biennial PBM examination process underway Arkansas prompt pay reforms advance   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).   If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (https://independentrxforum.libsyn.com/).  Hosted by Sam Manas.

A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 24. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here. (https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2005179/1976523/).   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).   If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (https://independentrxforum.libsyn.com/).  Hosted by Sam Manas.

NCPA's Ronna Hauser, senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, talks with Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisors, about his firm's newest research on how the Medicaid Drug Price Negotiation Program will leave independent pharmacies high and dry.

A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 10. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here. (https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/2005179/1976523/).   Want to catch up on what else we've shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (https://ncpa.org/news#memberpub).   If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (https://independentrxforum.libsyn.com/).  Hosted by Sam Manas.

A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 10. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here.   Here are the stories we reference in the episode: New FTC chair gets an earful on PBM practices during pharmacy visit Congress releases text of government funding legislation without PBM reform President Trump “optimistic” on PBM reform Makary, Bhattacharya, other nominees advance in Congress Senators reintroduce key PBM reform policies Medicaid managed care spread pricing language introduced in the Senate FDA ends compounding discretion for tirzepatide, maintains discretion for semaglutide EPAPs in Calif., Ga., N.C., and Tenn. expire soon   Hosted by Sam Manas.

Tune in to our next conversation recorded live above the NCPA Annual Convention Expo floor, with our friends from Wellgistics Health (the official sponsor of the Independent Rx Forum!), Tim Canning, CEO, and Shafaat Pirani, PharmD, BCGP. Hear what they're doing to fulfill their mission: simplifying prescription fulfillment and opening new opportunities for independent community pharmacies to thrive.    Listen and then learn more at Wellgistics Health.

There are lots of opportunities in community pharmacy to follow your passions for patient care, whether you're an owner, a pharmacist, a technician or another member of the team. In this episode of the Independent Rx Forum, recorded live on day two of #NCPA2024, Dan Krinsky joins hosts John Beckner and Ed Cohen to highlight ways to make your practice your own.

In this episode, we'll hear the story of how one pharmacist discovered her passion for specialty care, leading her to CPESN USA, America's first clinically integrated network of pharmacy providers.    Now, guest Lura Thompson connects community pharmacies to CPESN's innovative programs, such as payer networks and health equity partnerships. From grant-funded vaccine access to telehealth hubs, this episode explores the future of pharmacy-driven patient services.   To learn more about CPESN and to find out if there's a network in your state, visit www.cpesn.com. 

What would pharmacists do without technicians? In this episode, recorded live from #NCPA2024, we're discussing all things technician with Liza Chapman, chief professional officer of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This conversation hits on everything from why technicians are essential to a successful pharmacy and NCPA's partnership with PTCB to how certifications have evolved and why expanding technician roles is more important than ever. Plus, we peek into the future of technician development — because superheroes deserve a solid career path, too!

In this episode, NCPA's Drew Register, director of student affairs and professional development, takes center stage! He shares how he ended up in the association world and his passion for helping pharmacists and pharmacy owners succeed, and delves deep into the NCPA Innovation Center/CPESN Community Pharmacy Fellowship. Discover how this program allows pharmacists and pharmacy owners to implement clinical services, connect with mentors, and engage with peers to advance their careers and businesses.   To learn about all things Fellowship, including how it's structured, the application process and success stories, visit ncpa.org/fellowship. 

Tune in to our next conversation with Meredy Ayers and Jake Galdo, recorded live from #NCPA2024, for insights on maximizing your pharmacy's profitability through effective support staff utilization. Learn how expanding technician roles and improving job satisfaction can boost staff retention, increase safety, and drive revenue in your business.     For information and resources to help expand your technicians' roles, we encourage you to visit our partners at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board at www.ptcb.org.

In our next episode, recorded live from #NCPA2024, Jason Wilkinson joins us to talk about the benefits of partnering with InStep Health, an NCPA corporate member. Wilkinson highlights how InStep Health facilitates patient-pharmacist conversations to build trust, improve health outcomes, and position pharmacies as essential community partners. Tune in to discover how their tailored products drive revenue, enhance patient education, and create measurable ROI for independent pharmacy owners.  Click to learn more about InStep Health and sign up for their free marketing solutions. 

Join us for the first episode of the Vaccine Voices series, where we explore vaccination strategies across different demographics. In this episode, NCPA's John Beckner sits down with Becky Snead, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives and long-term care, and community pharmacist Chichi Ilonzo Momah to discuss the potential of administering vaccines in long-term care facilities. Learn how this rapidly growing business opportunity can enhance patient care and support pharmacy growth. This episode is sponsored by Pfizer.

Join us for a conversation with Lea Wolsoncroft, RPh, 2023-24 NCPA president and owner of Remedies Pharmacy. Lea tells the story of her journey into pharmacy, how her first NCPA Annual Convention shaped her path, and her passion for compounding and pediatric pharmacy. She also reflects on her year as NCPA president, reveals what she enjoyed the most, and discusses the evolving role of pharmacists in public health and preventative care. 

In this episode, we get a fresh perspective on the annual convention from Brett Deese and Trey Kincaid, first-time attendees and P2 students at the VCU School of Pharmacy. They share their convention highlights and get some advice from our hosts and seasoned community pharmacists, John Beckner and Ed Cohen.     Did their experience at #NCPA2024 influence which pharmacy path they will choose? Listen to find out. 

K.C. Ogbonna, PharmD, MSHA, dean of VCU School of Pharmacy, is thinking outside the box to prepare students to enter a rapidly evolving industry. He joined us live at #NCPA2024 to share how VCU is igniting an interest in pharmacy with opportunities that cover the entire workforce, beginning with a high school program that introduces students to the world of pharmacy to a pharmacy technician program at VCU. Plus, we discussed combatting the unfavorable narrative around community pharmacy and why Ogbonna felt it was important to bring his students to the Annual Convention.

If you missed us LIVE at #NCPA2024, you're in luck because we are releasing the Independent Rx Forum interviews as individual podcast episodes! First up, an update on CORE with pharmacy owner and program co-creator Scott Pace. Hear what the inaugural cohort has been up to and how year one has progressed. Stay tuned for more episodes! Interested in learning more about CORE? Visit ncpa.org/core-program.

In this special Election '24 edition, NCPA's Kaite Krell and David Weissman break down the election results and the implications for NCPA's top priorities.

Entrepreneur, television star, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, and now PBM disruptor Mark Cuban drops in this week to talk about his newest passion, Cost Plus Drugs, which is turning the industry upside down. Cuban is joined by Cost Plus Drug VP of Pharmacy Relations and Chief Privacy Officer Erin Albert, and well-known industry analyst Antonio Ciaccia. They bat it around with NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey for this very special episode of Independent Rx Forum. https://tccforms.webflow.io/form-one

In this episode, Jack Mozloom checks in with Elise Damman and Becky Snead of the NCPA Innovation Center to preview the education programming at the upcoming NCPA Annual Convention, happening Oct. 26-29 in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more at ncpa.org/annual-convention.

Marty Makary, MD, MPH, is a surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University. He is a best-selling author (Unaccountable and The Price We Pay), and editorial writer for the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and other major publications. Makary was a keynote speaker at last year's NCPA Annual Convention, and he's sitting down with NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey to discuss his new book, Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health.

In this episode, host John Beckner talks with marketing expert Wayne Glowac on how community pharmacists can harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to boost their marketing.

In this episode, we explore the vital role community health workers (CHWs) play in improving health care access. Tripp Logan discusses an initiative to train pharmacy technicians as CHWs and his efforts to secure funding for these services. Bonnie Scheffer, a dedicated CHW in Tripp's pharmacy, shares how this job has been valuable in her pharmacy and community. Tune in to learn how CHWs are able to play a role in preventing serious health issues and saving money and resources.    Guests:   Tripp Logan, PharmD, owner and operator of three community pharmacies in Southeast Missouri, as well as SEMO Rx Care Coordination. Tripp is Lead Luminary at CPESN Health Equity     Bonnie Scheffer, CPhT, CHW, long-time pharmacy technician and lead community health worker at SEMO Rx Care Coordination 

In a special edition of the Independent Rx Forum, NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey is joined by SVP of Government Affairs Anne Cassity and VP of Communications Jack Mozloom for a rundown on what's happening on the advocacy front. What's the latest on Capitol Hill? When's our next grassroots push? Find out on the Independent Rx Forum! 

In this episode, NCPA's John Beckner interviews Lynn Fruth, owner of Fruth Pharmacy, a regional chain pharmacy headquartered in West Virginia. Lynn waged a one-woman advocacy campaign for PBM reforms enacted recently in West Virginia. Her efforts are a model for independent pharmacists across the country who want to advocate for the changes they need.

In this month's episode, John Beckner talks with Scott Pace, a successful pharmacist and consultant who teamed up with NCPA to develop the CORE program. CORE is not just another "how-to" program. It's a revolutionary approach to training pharmacy owners and their staff members toward success. We've assembled the most talented, most successful pharmacy owners and subject matter experts in the country to coach you on the most essential elements of team leadership. Every week for an entire year, you'll collaborate with one of our coaches in a small group setting – and you'll have the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with them as well. https://ncpa.org/core-ncpa-leadership-program

In a special episode of Independent Rx Forum, John Beckner interviews Anne Cassity, NCPA senior vice president of government affairs, on the latest developments on Capitol Hill with PBM reform. Where does it stand? What comes next? What can NCPA members do? Listen to find out. To advocate for PBM reform, join us at the 2024 Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, April 17-18. Learn more at https://ncpa.org/congressional-pharmacy-fly

In the March episode of Independent Rx Forum we invited two guests with extensive experience in long-term care to talk to us about the world of LTC pharmacy.     Stephanie Wise, PharmD and owner of Oasis Pharmacy, a closed-door LTC pharmacy, shares her journey and the services she offers her community. Doug Smock, CEO at Infinity Pharmacy Solutions, LLC, has over 30 years of LTC experience and spends much of his time advocating for improving the current state of LTC, for patients and providers.      If you offer or are considering offering LTC, tune in to this episode to learn more about the increasing demand for LTC pharmacy and its essential role in comprehensive health care.    BONUS: For LTC resources, check out the NCPA LTC Division at https://ncpa.org/ltc.   

In the February episode of our podcast, Independent Rx Forum, host John Beckner talks with Mitch Rothholz, president of 3 Cs Consulting, and Judy Klein, president of Unity, about adolescent immunizations. How to get started, how to market the service, and what are the challenges? You'll find out on Independent Rx Forum.

In this month's episode of our podcast, Independent Rx Forum, NCPA's John Beckner, RPh, and Ronna Hauser, PharmD, SVP of Policy and Pharmacy Affairs, cover the DIR Hangover and its impact on community pharmacies. Ronna and her team have been working with federal officials and our members for more than a year to help them anticipate and mitigate the cash flow crunch resulting from a federal rule causing reductions in prescription receipts at the point of sale. Find out what's coming and what you can do in the Independent Rx Forum.