Pharmacy Crossroads

Jed Lewis is an innovative pharmacist that owns four pharmacies in Nebraska.  But Lewis is doing something remarkable!  By working with doctors and incorporating a line of "uniquely formulated" branded generics he has found a way to increase his gross profit by thousands of dollars.  The company he works with is FH2 Pharma and in this episode he tells how he met the company's local sales rep and then started calling on doctors, with suggestions for using the new product line with specific patients, one's that would benefit most of the unique formulations.  He shares that for nearly two years now he has found the program to be beneficial in two ways; one the products provide an unusually high reimbursement from all the major PBM's.  But, because he visits the doctors and "details" the drug, he has learned how to get-in to see them and in doing so he is picking up a lot of new business as the doctors have come to know him and know he'll take good care of their patients.  This is a must listen episode.  

Kyle Panter, PharmD shares insights on how he got started in compounding and some of what he does for Innovative Pharmacy Solutions. He talks about how he does doctor detailing and how his business card, rolled up in a giant horse pill, has proven to be a great tool for getting in to see the doctor.  He is joined by Michelle Bethel, Product Manager from Kalchem International who talks about how her company supports Kyle and other pharmacies by providing quality chemicals and ongoing support.  You can learn more about Kalchem at: www.kalcheminternational.com    Participants:  Kyle Panter, PharmD, kyle@innovativepharmacysolutions.com Michelle Bethel, Product Manager, mbether@kalcheminternational.com 

Pharmacist Liability Insurance: Do you know if you are properly covered as a pharmacist? Have you even looked at your policy? Cord Pyles, with Pharmacist Mutual, helps us understand what to look for and ask for in a complete pharmacist liability policy. 

Pharmacy CrossRoads is celebrating an incredible year of more than 60+ interviews with people in independent community pharmacy making a difference through technology, practice innovation, and networking to build stronger community pharmacies. Pharmacy CrossRoads is one of the most popular podcasts on the Pharmacy Podcast Network with an impressive 40,000+ downloads this podcast is one of the best shows about Independent Community Pharmacy.  With an increase of pharmacy deserts throughout the country threatening access to life saving medicaitons and primary care providers driven to the brink exhaustion with so many patients needing access to care, the community pharmacy is more importatnt than ever before. Pharmacy CrossRoads is expanding its team. Started by Bruce Kneeland through the Pharmacy Podcast Network, the popularity of the show and themes will bring our listeners 4 new Hosts, each taking a theme which has personally impacted their work in community pharmacy. Adam Robinson We have Dr. Adam Robinson, PharmD, known as the "Work flow Whisperer" as a pharmacy owner of Save Rite Drugs in Radcliff KY, Adam will be brining real-world experieces of pharmacy ownership. Kris Rhea With over 15 years of pharmacy and healthcare business experience, Director of Business Development of Pharmacy Marketplace, Kris Rhea is joining the Hosts of Pharmacy CrossRoads to drive content about the business of pharmacy's impact on independent owners. Shahida Choudhry Owner of The Palms Pharmacy in Tampa FL, member of the board of directors with Independent Pharmacy Cooperative, and voted 4 years in a row as one of the "50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy" Dr. Shahida Choudhry PharmD is joining Pharmacy CrossRoads to participate in discussions about moving community pharmacy forward and away from the clutches of the PBMs hampering the effectiveness of our Pharmacists in communites across the country. Stacy Hall Pharmacy Business Executive Stacy Hall, MBA is the CEO of the Florida Pharmacy Association which brings Pharmacy CrossRoads significant insights from state policies, government programs, and a diverse knowledge of multiple sectors of pharmacy care. As CEO of the FPA, Stacy is in conistent communitcations with national organizations like the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). This will bring Pharmacy CrossRoads listeners an indepth conversation about issues impacting independent community pharmacies. "It's been an honor to work with Bruce. With over 40 years of Pharmacy Business experience and as a prolific writer for Pharmacy Times, Drug Topics, Computer Talk, Dispense Times, and other publications, podcasting was a natural fit to draw out Bruce's insights and guidance of relevant conversations about community pharmacy in the U.S." --stated Todd Eury, CEO of RxPR, LLC dba Pharmacy Podcast Network, "There's no other host on the PPN that's connected better with businesses looking to use podcasting as education for pharmacy onwers in a meaninful way which doenst sound like a boring commerical. We're looking forward to adding our 4 new podcast hosts to one of our most popular shows." To listen to the latest Pharmacy CrossRoads podcast featuring the new hosts, click here: (LINK) Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and all podcast directories. About Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN) The only platform of its kind, PPN offers a comprehensive range of podcasts and content related to pharmacy, covering topics such as careers, compounding, education, hospital and health system issues, politics, professional development, retail and community pharmacy, senior and long-term care, specialty pharmacy, and student pharmacists.

Heather Haro serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for Diversify Rx, the pharmacy support company that produces the Pharmacy Profit Summit.  Heather is a true professional when it comes to pharmacy operations and marketing.  In this episode she explains how the summit is a bit different than most pharmacy shows and lays out some of the ways attendees are helped to go home after the show and actually implement a couple major changes in their operation. 

One major thing that makes K&B different from other GPO is that the people who run it are also pharmacy owners.  They created the group to help them get better prices and once they did others wanted to join.  Ken Thai, former president of the California Pharmacist Association and owner of dozens of pharmacies and Robert Ojeda, owner of several pharmacies run the group and emphsis two principle goals; bring the best possible by plan to their own stores; and build a network of pharmacy owners who want to benefit from that buy plan and are willing to share and collaborate with others on management, marketing and clinical service programs that have been proven to work.  More info can be obtained at: www.kb-rx.com and or robert.o@kb-rx.com 

15 years ago Kevin Borg took the big risk and opened his pharmacy.  4 years ago he met Shelbi Witt who was looking for advice.  Today both of them have found professional satisfaction and business success.  How, they talk about the processes they used and are joined by Erin Michael of PCCA who has played a central role in both of their journeys.  For more information about the PCCA visit www.pccarx.com   

Fighting PBM abuses is hard, but necessary if independent community pharmacy is to succeed.  In this podcast two articulate and experienced leaders share insights on how pharmacy owners, and industry leaders, can be more successful in their advocacy efforts.  Going to association sponsored Hill Days is one great way to start but, according to these two experts, it takes more than that.  What, why and how is discussed in a simple and straight forward manner.  The good news, donations are not essential but getting to know your elected officials, and their staff members as people, seems to be the key to success.  Reeves and Phipps say we need many more owners to get involved if we are to win this fight.  

According to Dave Falk, President of Sav Mor Pharmacies in central Illinois he has found a way to spend less on advertising and get more.  His secret, he works with a well known marketing agency that specializes in independent community pharmacy.  In this episode he is joined by Nicolle McClure, President of GRx Marketing.  Together they dig deep into the programs and processes they use to help Sav Mor do more and be better.  

Saleem Shah, is a veteran pharmacist and pharmacy owner that has put together a team of experts and launched the Collaborative Patient Care Group.  Drawing upon the expertise and connections in DME, using Technology and hiring and training scores of customer service personnel they are helping pharmacist provide current patients with much needed, and profitable products that improve the quality of their lives.  

Gus Bassani is a pharmacist on a mission.  As the Chief Scientif Officer for PCCA he gets involved in government and regulatory affairs, helps insure products are pure and with helping to ward-off intrusive efforts by the FDA and big pharma.  With more than 20 years at PCCA he is well-known, highly respected and totally committed to help pharmacists practice the art and science of compounding to help people and pets get the care they need.    PCCA --> https://www.pccarx.com/AboutUs/WhoisPCCA   

Adam Robinson, of Saverite drugs in Kentucky was not happy and his staff wasn't either.  So he changed his management style and his pharmacies workflow.  It made a big difference and in this episode he tells us how he did it.  Now he is having other pharmacy owners visit his pharmacy and learning how to emulate his process and speaking at pharmacy conferences.  If you are looking for ways to improve then you'll want to hear what Adam has to say.    

Located in rural Tennessee Marcrom's Pharmacy has been finding ways to do more and be better for decades.  Joe McKamey is the right-hand-man to Ray Marcrom, the owner of this remarkable pharmacy.  In this episode, Joe is joined by Joel Flaker, CEO and founder of Suncrest Solutions, which provides several technology solutions that make prescription pick-up faster and easier for patients.  Joe shares several tips on how Marcrom's uses inventory control, MedSync, drug nutrient depletion, immunization texts,  as well as other technology tools to be successful. 

Two experienced and dedicated female executives take time from their busy schedule to talk  about how the Health Mart program is working to help members move into the future.  Crystal Lennartz, the newly appointed president of Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas is joined by Nancy Lyons, VP and Chief Pharmacy officer in this information packed podcast.  Together they provide insights and heads-up on what new, improved and coming for this major pharmacy franchise.  

There is good news for pharmacy owners and in this episode we hear from two experts who are helping to bring much needed revenue to pharmacies.  And, what's even better the payments are coming from the medical side of the insurance industry, not the pharmacy side.   Jeff Harrell, PharmD., and CEO of Cascadia Pharmacies is joined by Tara Pfund, PharmD with AssureRx.  They talk about the success Harrell is having working with payers to perform clinical services and be compensated.    

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.  

Ashton Maaraba has spent 20 years bring exciting new products and services to independent pharmacy. Most of them deploying major new technological capabilities. Now he has taken the helm of IPC Digital Health. In this episode he outlines the 5 Pillars that form the foundation for IPC's continuing efforts to future proof pharmacy. Maaraba indicates that telehealth, remote patient monitoring, adherence programs, operational efficiency and new patient care services such lab testing will provide pharmacies with the ability to generate much needed non-dispensing or PBM dependent revenue.

DIR fees and PBM reform are the topic for this podcast. Mark Kinney is a government relations pro. Fresh from a week long trip to DC, Mark shares information on what's happening with DIR fees and PBM reform. The good news, Mark says, the momentum on Capital Hill is finally in our favor.

Look up the word, grit, in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of Chichi Momah, PharmD., and owner of Springfield Pharmacy in Pennsylvania. Momah opened her brand new start from scratch pharmacy in 2012. She weathered some hard times but kept-on-keepin'-on. She shares how taking leadership, finances and other courses helped her bring her pharmacy along and then how she put it in high-gear with immunizations. Momah is the real deal and you'll be inspired and motivated by her remarkable story.

Marc Essensa, the new CEO of IPC shares some of, "What's New at IPC".  As the largest of the independent pharmacy GPO's you'll want to listen to this podcast even if you're not an IPC member.   Essensa, talks with PPN Founder, Todd Eury, and podcast host, Bruce Kneeland, about how IPC, under the direction of the group's Board of Directors, all of whom own pharmacies, are working to “future proof” pharmacy.  Essensa discusses his background in logistics and pharmaceutical procurement and tells how that will enhance IPC's purchasing power.  He also lays out IPC's strategy for launching several new services that will simplify the way pharmacy owners can offer them to their patients.   Marc Essensa, CEO, The Independent Pharmacy Cooperative 

Chris Schaffner, owner of Schaffner Pharmacy explains how he is successfully providing enhanced clinical services to people, and, getting paid for providing the service.  He shares the microphone with Tara Pfund of AssureCare, the company that has provided the tools for making this possible.  He also talks about a business book, Extreme Ownership, that he says has provided him with valuable information on how to build a world class pharmacy team.  One that allowed his pharmacy to be selected as the best pharmacy in his county. 

John Beckner, R.Ph., from NCPA talks about how immunizations include much more than flu and COVID. They are a door opener to capture many new, and profitable, revenue streams. NCPA can help with detailed guide books and classes to show how to bill for immunizations and how you can obtain, and profit from, a CLIA waiver. Check out the website; www.ncpa.org and look under the Resources tap.

An exciting new, FDA Approved Class 1 over the counter health device is helping scores of pharmacies improve front-end sales.  The good news is the product provides people with hours long protection from germs, viruses and even allergens by lining the nasal passages with a protective gel barrier.  Dr. Gail Lebovic, a female surgeon and entrepreneur has developed the product, tested and is brining it to market. Almost by happenstance, two of the earliest customers for, the product, where two independent pharmacies.  Now scores of them, all across the coutry are selling NasoClenz to their customers.     For more information visit www.nasoclenz.com

One proven way for pharmacy owners to boost sales, improve profits and generate word of mouth recommendations is by operating an attractive and well merchandized front-end. But finding products that people want at prices that allow you to sell them profitably has been a major problem up until now. I say “has been” because now MatchSquare has combined the resources of an experienced independent pharmacy front end buyer with the technology and buying power of a company necessary to solve this age old problem.   In this episode Bruce Kneeland talks with Johny Kello, CEO of MatchSquare and co-founder of MatchRx and Renee Zawaideh, front-end manager of a six store chain and Lead Merchandizer of MatchSquare. These two experienced managers tell how MatchRx, with 7,000 independent pharmacy customers has built a brand new company that will make, in an organized and curated manner, tens of thousands of front-end items that can be bought in appropriate quantities and attractive prices sold in an independent pharmacy.     Here's hoping you'll learn something that will help you do more and be better.  

Sandy Canally is a nurse and an entrepreneur and she understands the many opportunities pharmacies are missing by not becoming accredited or certified to provide health care services. She founded the Compliance Team, a privately held, nationally recognized healthcare accreditation firm with the idea that accreditation doesn't need to be complicated. In this episode Sandy talks about ways pharmacies can take the lead in the patient centered pharmacy home, benefit from DMEPOS accreditation and implement point of care testing.

Johnathan Marquess, PharmD owns several pharmacies in Georgia. He and his wife, Pamela, are true leaders both having served volunteer leadership positions with a number of pharmacy associations. For years now Jonathan has spoken at major association events on immunizations and how to implement successful clinics. In this episode he share concrete examples on how, and why, doing clinics is good for patients and pharmacy. He also talks about ways to work with in home care agencies and how they can help pharmacies better serve those who need the care these agencies provide.  

Blueberry Pharmacy is creating an entire new way to think of retail pharmacy and what Kyle McCormick, PharmD., is doing is beyond remarkable. He has gone all cash. Just think about this, no PBM's, nor third party audits or pre-authorization hassles.  The pharmacy stocks only generics, does a super job of providing one-on-one care and his patients love it, and tell their friends. In this podcast Kyle tells Bruce Kneeland, and co-host Robyn Amberg, how he got started along with the rationale for how and why it works. I think you'll love listening to the story of how a true pharmacy pioneer has taken off on a new path.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) was passed by congress nearly 10 years ago. Its intent so to protect the integrity of the nation's drug supply chain. Until now, most of the work has been thrust upon manufacturers and distributors. But, that is changing and retail pharmacies are being required to adopt new processes to insure, document and report on the products they buy and sell. Leon Nevers, Director of Procurement and Business Development for one of the nation's most prominent grocery/pharmacy chains says the regulation's rules for pharmacies are scheduled to be enforced in Nov. 2023. Nevers shares examples of the kinds of things every pharmacy will need to know, and do, by that date. He also warns that if you are going to make it you'll need to get started now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know clever crooks have found ways to place fake orders? Chuck Forsaith with the Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalitions shares 3 ways thieves are making money buy hacking into the supply chain and explains simple - but very important - things pharmacy owners can do to protect themselves. This is a must listen episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a 300 square foot front-end make a difference in the success of a community pharmacy? Oh yes! Says Shahida Choudhry, PharmD and owner of The Palms Pharmacy in Tampa, FL. Since opening, from scratch, six years ago Shahida has learned a lot, and part of that learning came from a serendipitous relationship with the star of the reality TV show, The Prophet. Following his advice, Shahida totally rethought and rearranged her 300 square foot front end and turned it into a profit center on its own right, and into a magnet that attracts patients to her remarkable pharmacy. You can hear what she did on inspiring podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two accomplished professionals share insights into key things to look for, and to do, have a successful nutritional supplement business in your pharmacy. Dennis Song, R.Ph. and owner of Flower Mound Pharmacy in Flower Mound, Texas is doing remarkable things. Critical to his success, he says, is working closely with prescribers and finding ways for nutraceuticals to become part of their prescribing habits. Getting out of the pharmacy and taking at community events is also a key aspect of success. Mike Ewers, CEO of Medella Springs provides an “insider's” view of the way his company decides which products they can produce that meet a need in the consumer market place and how clinical and functional trials help them produce products that deliver on their promise. At the end of the day, Song says there is a need for pharmacists to get more involved in helping people prevent illness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices