Tripp Logan, PharmD, and Richard Logan, Jr., PharmD, join us in this episode of the “Independent Rx Forum” to discuss care coordination –– a vital but often overlooked role of community pharmacy that, at some level, every pharmacy is already doing. From ensuring patients receive their medications on time to closing care gaps, pharmacies are a trusted touchpoint in the health care system. Learn what funding opportunities are out there and how to raise awareness with payers. Guests: Tripp Logan, P...
Jun 11, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Virginia pharmacies scored a crucial last-minute win when Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed the bipartisan S ave Local Pharmacies Act. into law after uncertainty and the threat of a veto. The law increases transparency, saves the state millions, requires pass-through pricing, prohibits spread pricing, and helps keep pharmacies open, which is critical in rural areas where they're often the only access to health care. Guests Lura Thompson and Kim Wright also discuss the impact of advocacy and legisla...
Jun 03, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs PBM reform in their state. Trent McLemore and Josh Hardin from the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance share how they helped achieve a major PBM reform victory. Hear about their comprehensive solution, why grassroots advocacy was key, and how facetime with legislators made all the difference. What’s next for Alabama? Tune in to find out. Learn more about the Alabama law here. Guests: Trent McLemore, executive secretary, Alabama Independent Pha...
May 29, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 32
NCPA’s Jack Mozloom and Kaite Krell, director of congressional affairs, talk about the massive spending bill that passed the House last week, which includes a top priority for independent pharmacists. What happened? What does it mean for independent pharmacy, and what’s next? Kaite runs through it all on this episode of Independent Rx Forum.
May 27, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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/emp...
May 20, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 30
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...
May 13, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 29
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. Gue...
May 06, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 29
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 f...
May 02, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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...
Apr 29, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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/congressiona...
Apr 25, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 28
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 car...
Apr 24, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 27
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://bi...
Apr 18, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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. ...
Apr 17, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 s...
Apr 15, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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...
Apr 11, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 i...
Apr 08, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 ...
Apr 04, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 ( htt...
Mar 29, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 29
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 Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will leave independent pharmacies high and dry.
Mar 25, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 25
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 ( htt...
Mar 21, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
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/ ). 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 refo...
Mar 14, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 24
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 ....
Mar 04, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 24
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.
Feb 25, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 23
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...
Feb 11, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 22
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 ...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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 business...
Jan 28, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 20
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 Boa...
Jan 14, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 ...
Jan 07, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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...
Dec 23, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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.
Dec 18, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 17
