The number of pharmacy robberies has been steadily increasing over the past several years, and many are lacking the proper policies and procedures to adequately deter them. Do you know what to do to prevent robberies, and how to act in the event of one? Read on for some helpful tips on what to do before, during, and after a robbery.
ABSTRACT. This study measured the effect of Medicare Part D on community pharmacy profitability using data from the first months of implementation. Gross margins for individual prescriptions before and after January 1, 2006, were compared to determine any changes. A random sample of 30 prescriptions from each of 10 community pharmacies across the United States was examined to compare total pharmacy compensation for individual prescriptions. The average gross margin decreased 22.3% after implementation of Medicare Part D. If 30% of all prescriptions will be covered by a Medicare Part D provider, that decrease in gross margins will result in an overall decrease in margins to 22.0% from 23.6%, assuming margins for the other 70% of prescriptions remain constant. Such a decrease would likely result in a 21.1% reduction in the average total owner compensation for community pharmacies in the US.
Large medical centers in urban areas are frequently used as experiential training sites for pharmacy students across the country. However, don’t rule out rural hospitals as great places for pharmacy students to learn! Guthrie County Hospital has been a clinical rotation site for Drake University College of Pharmacy students since shortly after I arrived in July of 2000. As the pharmacy department has grown over the past seven years, so has the role of our pharmacy students. Brenda Halling, R.Ph., Clinical Staff Pharmacist, and I consider our students to be integral members of the pharmacy team. Under our supervision and guidance, our students are expected to assume clinical responsibilities, which are clearly outlined for them on the first day of their rotation. Drake University Pharm.D. candidates have been instrumental in the success of our clinical pharmacy services.
In a presentation to Drake’s Next Top Entrepreneur participants, Andy Drish provided tips for successful presentations and elevator pitches. Drish, a 2007 Drake marketing and psychology graduate and previous Drake’s Next Top Entrepreneur Competition finalist, is currently part of a ‘Leadership Development Rotation Program’ at a Fortune 250 financial service company.
Pharmacy students today are entering one of the most highly regulated professions in the United States. We are required to pass an exam demonstrating our knowledge of the federal and state laws governing our practice. We work in pharmacies that must constantly adjust their policies and procedures to be in compliance with new legislation. And year after year, there are legislative efforts that threaten the ability of pharmacies to keep their doors open, while others try—and often fail—to expand the role of the pharmacist as a key health care provider in exciting and meaningful ways.
Is there a future for independent community pharmacy practice?Are there opportunities for women to be involved in this segment of pharmacy practice?What are the resources available to assist student pharmacists who want to become involved in community pharmacy ownership? Ree Hamlin, sales manager for Cardinal Health, Inc., discussed these topics and others during her presentation to Drake University student pharmacists on April 21st, 2011
On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students and faculty were privileged to attend the Herb and Karen Baum lecture series discussing ethics, this one specifically directed over pharmacy. Entitled “Pharmacy Workplace Issues and Patient Safety,” this symposium was sponsored by Rho Chi in collaboration with the Baum Chair of Ethics and the Professions. As the Baum Endowed Chair, Dr. Garry Frank prefaced before the panel, pharmacy is consistently ranked among the top fields for honesty and ethics in Gallup polls. “According to that poll, approximately three-fourths of Americans rated pharmacists as being very trustworthy, honest, and ethical.” Dr. Frank continued to stress how pharmacists must continue to retain that belief in the future.
