Indie pharmacies fill void

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Nearby independent community pharmacies largely anticipate being able to help patients of major chain pharmacies who are left scrambling by closed stores or reduced hours, according to a new survey by the National Community Pharmacists Association. Forty-three percent of survey respondents say they are located near a major pharmacy chain store that’s implementing cost-cutting measures. Of those, nearly 90% say they are able to absorb and provide care for patients who were going to that store; and more than 60% say they are actively working to attract these patients by increasing advertising budgets and targeting their marketing efforts. “Chain pharmacies in the United States are closing left and right, leaving Americans on both sides of the aisle looking for new pharmacies and independent pharmacies often scrambling to rescue them,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist. “It’s unclear if this is an opportunity or threat for independent pharmacies. But one thing is certain: patient access to community pharmacies is in peril without reforms to PBMs and the pharmacy payment model.” Respondents also say word of mouth and the positive reputation of independent pharmacies are helping to attract customers. They say low reimbursement from PBMs is the top concern that would make it harder to compete for or accept patients from chain pharmacy, followed by a need for more staff and resources. Additional concerns include patient steering and pharmacy network contracting issues with insurers and programs like Tricare.