Good Neighbor Pharmacy Connect Podcast

43. Pharmacy Deserts: What They Are and Why They May be a Larger Issue Than You Think

Turn up the volume for this eye-opening episode as Justin Baker meets with Ronna Hauser, SVP of Policy and Pharmacy Affairs for the NCPA.

Ronna shares that through her joint research efforts with USC, they have not only uncovered that a quarter of the US population reside in a pharmacy shortage area, but also confirmed that over 30% of census tracts are completely reliant on their independent pharmacy to avoid becoming a pharmacy shortage area.

Their analysis demonstrates that this research can affect all of us, through shifts in pharmacy access standards, legislative and policy making recommendations, reimbursement thresholds, mail order threats as well as the acceleration of clinical service offerings. Tell your friends!

42: Biosimilars; What, How, When?

Please join your host, Justin Baker, as he learns from industry experts, Connor Nell and Brian Biehn, why biosimilars are becoming such an eye-opening opportunity, and why independents need to take a hard look at them.

In addition to being an alternative to expensive brand name drugs, the breadth of biosimilars is growing exponentially, and gaining acceptance with physicians, pharmacists and patients. 

This countertop chat dives deeply into increasing access, understanding their benefits, and gaining confidence in these emerging therapies.

41: Point-of-Care Testing; We’re Only Getting Started!

With her cutting-edge approach to Point-of-Care Testing and clinical services, owner of Springfield Pharmacy and Medical Supply, Chichi Ilonzo Momah, has been stirring up a lot of dust. Justin was lucky enough to sit down with Chichi to discuss what the hubbub was all about – from CLIA waivers to training her staff to expand their clinical service offerings, Chichi discusses why point-of-care testing is the future of pharmacy. She shares what her barriers were in getting started, how she rolled up her sleeves, and more importantly, how she got her staff involved. We also learned that POCT isn’t her end game, it’s just the beginning…   

40: Med D and Open Enrollment; Throw out the Rulebook!!

Med D populations represent between 30-40% of the independent community pharmacist’s patient population.  Historically, we’ve always used October as a defensive strategy to retain current patients, and help them navigate and find the best plans.  Industry expert Michele Elliott joins Justin Baker to add a new twist to the conversation.

Michele proposes that we leverage this opportunity to position ourselves as a healthcare destination for NEW patients. Profitable patients with expectations of point-of-care testing, chronic disease monitoring, and test to treat options that fill care gaps.

 

Don’t miss this game changing conversation!

39: Back to the Front End; You Are a Million Dollar Business. Now Act Like It!

This week’s countertop chat welcomes industry guru Andy Clarey, who shares his insights on capitalizing on pharmacy’s post-Covid evolution, and how our stores’ front end needs to reflect it.  Justin and Andy cover a broad swath of topics ranging from physical transformations to expanded offerings to pricing, perceptions and promotion.

As we develop new niches and begin embrace service as our new normal, the faster we can begin enjoying that non-PBM high margin revenue.  You are a healthcare destination now, start acting like one!

Additional Resources:

wearegnp.com/covid19

OurIndependentVoice.com

38. Pet Meds; You are Barking Up the RIGHT Tree!

This month’s countertop chat with host Justin Baker will feature special guest, MWI Animal Health’s Pet Whisperer Alison Hodgson, as they “paw-nder” a new non-PBM revenue generating revenue opportunity that is near and dear to all of us.  Being a growing $3B retail and $19B pet OTC market, studies have shown that pet owners want to purchase pet products for their fur babies from someone they can trust, putting this “paw-some” “opp-purr-tunity” for independent pharmacies at the top of that list. 

This booming new market segment is positioned “purr-fectly” for independents, as these animal-y-tics shared that;

• 45% of Americans buy their pet a birthday gift
• 73% of Americans let their pets sit on the couch
• 95% consider their pet part of the family

 

Alison points out that her research demonstrates that most families want to get their medications for ALL of their family members in one place (including their fur babies), and that high income households account for roughly 60% of the spending, because money is no object, with our four- legged friends. 

As you develop your stores personal brand, this niche will build loyalty like no other, will garner a profitable cash business, and “dif-fur-entiate” your store from the chains.  From passing out dog treats in your drive through window, to “pet-working” with local veterinarians, Alison shares tips and tricks on how to gain visibility and market share.  The growth “pet-ential is limitless”.

37: Hiring and Recruiting Best Practices

Join your host, Justin Baker and progressive pharmacy owners Dr. Tripp Logan, Pharm D. and Dr. Richard Logan, Pharm D as they share their secret on recruiting, hiring and retention in small town America.  Having 3 stores in very rural Southeast Missouri, the Logan’s aren’t immune from the struggles of keeping a full and talented staff.  As Richard quips “Everyone wants a job but not everyone wants to work”.  Sound familiar?

As part of their recipe for success they will share how they’ve reimagined the culture of their organization and use some nonconventional tactics to draw in high performing candidates.  This rousing episode calls on the Logan’s to share their mistakes as well as their best practices.  As a testament to their efforts and success, Tripp shares that the number of applicants that they have been receiving during the pandemic is up 5x, from before!

Listen in to hear more lessons learned and where to go from here. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

36: What We’ve Learned, and Where We’re Going; COVID Reflections

Join your host, Justin Baker and Brandon Antinopoulos, Pharm D., Business Coach for Good Neighbor Pharmacy to learn about Brandon’s experiences in the rapid changes in the independent space over the past 24 months.  While many took the challenge head-on and others waited, the COVID-19 vaccine was a blessing both to saving lives but also an opportunity for pharmacies fighting to stay profitable.  Brandon challenges us to “capture this moment”, while independents are seen in a new and broader light by their patients, provider partners, and the entire pharmacy industry.

In this episode you’ll learn about best practices shared by coach Brandon are shifting workflow away from traditional dispensing model, engaging your technology and provider partners, community, and medication synchronization.

Listen in to hear more lessons learned and where to go from here. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Special Edition: More on PSAOs: Investing in Independents

We're joined again by AmerisourceBergen's Peter Kounelis to discuss how the right PSAO should invest in and advocate for independent pharmacies. 

35: Point of Care Testing; Beyond COVID

Join your host, Justin Baker and Jared Thornhill for our latest counter-top chat. Jared Thornhill, owner of Thornhill’s pharmacy located in West Texas will go into detail how he successfully implemented point of care testing in his pharmacy. Jared will discuss his philosophy, methodology, and walk us through every step of re-imagination.

Thornhill’s pharmacy depended on “PBM generated revenue” to fuel the store. After much thought and research, Jared and his wife decided to take control of their futures and give their store a more clinical focus, practicing at the top of their licenses.  Since making that decision, their business has exploded!

Listen in to hear more about Thornhill’s journey and best practices. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!