This Week in Pharmacy

Jaksot

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  Specialty Pharmacy Access, Innovation & Independent Pharmacy Growth | TWIRx 11.09.2026 58min

  Specialty Pharmacy Access, Innovation & Independent Pharmacy Growth   This Week in Pharmacy, we explore specialty pharmacy, pharmacy innovation, emerging career opportunities, and new business models for independent community pharmacy.   Today’s episode is sponsored by Clearway Health, Value Drug Company, and FDB (First Databank, Inc.)   First, Allison Arant of Clearway Health joins us to discuss the next phase of specialty pharmacy within hospitals and health systems.   As rare disease and specialty therapies become more complex, health systems are looking for better ways to improve medication access, strengthen continuity of care, and keep patients connected to trusted clinical teams.   Todd and Allison discuss how health-system specialty pharmacy can expand community access and improve management of complex and rare disease treatments.   Learn more: https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) #inSPire2026   Next, we preview inSPire 2026, taking place September 22–25, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.   The specialty pharmacy community will come together to discuss medication access, emerging therapies, technology, patient services, clinical care, and the continued evolution of specialty pharmacy.   The Next Dose Summit   Then we welcome Jordan Smith, PharmD, AAHIVP, CPGx, and Melinda Fowler, RPh, ABAAHP, FAAFM to preview The Next Dose Summit, happening October 14–15, 2026.   RxPR and the Pharmacy Podcast Network are proud press and media partners.   The event focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, emerging career pathways, and new opportunities for pharmacists looking beyond traditional roles.   It is designed for pharmacists, students, entrepreneurs, and healthcare leaders asking one important question:   What’s next for pharmacy — and what’s next for me?   Register here: https://www.jscommunitycare.org/store/p/2026-the-next-dose-summit-registration   Expanding Independent Pharmacy   Finally, Rick Seipp, PharmD, President and CEO of Value Drug Company, returns to discuss creative strategies for expanding independent community pharmacy.   Todd and Rick explore cash-based pharmacy, transparent pricing, clinical services, new revenue streams, and other non-PBM-dependent models that can help independent pharmacies diversify and grow.   The conversation focuses on how community pharmacies can strengthen their businesses while continuing to serve as trusted healthcare destinations.   Learn more: https://www.valuedrugco.com/   Sponsored By   Clearway Health https://www.clearwayhealth.com/   Value Drug Company https://www.valuedrugco.com/   First Databank — FDB https://www.fdbhealth.com/   TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy is hosted by Todd S. Eury and produced by the Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacists & Our Profession.
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  The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Access, Affordability & the Pharmacist’s Role | TWIRx 04.09.2026 38min

  TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs   A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.   The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.   Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.   Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.   Read the Fierce Healthcare reportRead the HHS-OIG audit 2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure   The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.   While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.   Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.   Read the Reuters reportRead the FDA update 3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released   The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.   Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.   Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.   Read the Pharmacy Times report SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES   A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes.   Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team.   The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care.   Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley LesterSeptember 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET   Register here FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access   Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.   HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.   Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information.   That makes today’s discussion particularly timely. THE MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE   CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management.   The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027.   Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment.   Eligible therapies currently include:   Foundayo®Wegovy®Zepbound®   The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage.   It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access.   The central question for today’s discussion:   Can we create a medication-access system where patients know whether they can obtain and afford their therapy before they reach the pharmacy counter? CLOSING THOUGHT   The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program.   It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharm
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  Community Pharmacy Freedom, Cash-Based Models & AI-Powered Medication Optimization | TWIRx 28.08.2026 39min

  Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy — #TWIRx is sponsored by Value Drug Company and explores two major forces reshaping pharmacy: the evolution of the community pharmacy business model and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medication optimization and value-based care. PART ONE: The Impact of the Cash-based Community Pharmacy Special Guest: Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug CompanyCommunity pharmacy is entering a new era. In Part One, Todd Eury sits down with Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the continued evolution and expansion of independent community pharmacy and the many different business models emerging across the profession. Independent pharmacy owners are increasingly evaluating new ways to build sustainable businesses while creating greater professional freedom for pharmacists. One of the most interesting developments is the growth of cash-based and cost-plus pharmacy models that reduce or eliminate dependence on traditional insurance reimbursement and PBM-controlled prescription economics. These models can give pharmacy owners greater control over pricing, patient relationships, clinical services and the overall direction of their businesses — while allowing pharmacists to practice with significantly less interference from insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers. Two pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region are demonstrating how powerful this model can become:Blueberry Pharmacy — Kyle McCormick, PharmD has built Blueberry Pharmacy around a transparent, cash-based model designed to simplify prescription pricing and create a more direct relationship between the pharmacist and patient.Forward Rx Pharmacy — Brandon Antinopoulos, PharmD is another emerging example of how pharmacists can create innovative pharmacy businesses built around transparency, accessibility and freedom from many of the traditional constraints of third-party reimbursement. Todd and Rick discuss what these models mean for the broader independent pharmacy marketplace and why community pharmacy may be moving toward a much more diversified future. Sponsored by Value Drug Company, a pharmacist-led wholesale distribution partner committed to supporting the continued growth and independence of community pharmacy.https://lnkd.in/ehf76qUsPART TWO: AI-Powered Medication Optimization Special Guests:Yoona Kim, PharmD, PhDCo-Founder & CEO, ArineJenny Behan, PharmDLead Clinical Pharmacist, ArineIn Part Two, #TWIRx shifts from pharmacy business innovation to one of the most important developments occurring in clinical pharmacy: the use of artificial intelligence to optimize medication therapy at scale.Arine is an AI-powered medication optimization platform designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by helping ensure patients receive the most effective and appropriate medications. Listen to This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy. Y8mIl2V5tNxFiC3PBxmn  
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  Pharmacists and Advocacy for Patients in Pain | TWIRx 21.08.2026 1t 9min

  Pharmacists and Advocacy for Patients in Pain  Friday, August 21, 2026 What happens when patients living with chronic pain, their advocates, and the pharmacists responsible for dispensing opioid medications view the same healthcare system from very different perspectives? This special episode of This Week in Pharmacy brings together the Doctor Patient Forum’s founders, Claudia A. Merandi and Bev C. Schechtman, with pharmacist and nationally recognized pharmacy advocate Dr. Shane Jerominski, PharmD—better known as “The Accidental Pharmacist.” The discussion follows a wave of social-media debate surrounding Claudia’s use of the term “Harmacists,” which prompted responses from hundreds of pharmacists who felt the label misrepresented their professional responsibilities and the legal restrictions under which they practice. Rather than allow that controversy to deepen the divide, TWIRx created an opportunity for direct, respectful conversation. The purpose of this episode is to help pain-patient advocates better understand the limits pharmacists face when dispensing opioids—and to identify opportunities for pharmacists and patient organizations to advocate together for safe, compassionate and uninterrupted pain care. Five Legal and Supply-Chain Realities Affecting Opioid Dispensing Pharmacists have a federal “corresponding responsibility.”Under 21 CFR §1306.04, a controlled-substance prescription must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose. Pharmacists share legal responsibility with prescribers for determining whether a prescription is valid. Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription may expose the pharmacist to federal penalties and professional discipline. Review the federal regulation. Schedule II prescriptions must satisfy strict requirements.Federal law generally requires a valid written or compliant electronic prescription before a Schedule II opioid may be dispensed. Emergency oral prescriptions are permitted only under limited conditions and require prescriber follow-up documentation. Schedule II opioid prescriptions cannot be refilled.Under federal law, every additional dispensing generally requires a new prescription. Partial fills are allowed only under specific circumstances, documentation requirements and time limits. Pharmacists cannot simply extend or refill opioid therapy when a patient or prescriber requests it. State laws add another layer of requirements.Depending on the state, pharmacists may have to verify prescriber authority, review prescription-monitoring information, validate electronic or security-form requirements, confirm identification, document partial fills, or comply with state-specific dispensing limitations. For example, California requires controlled-substance prescriptions to meet defined security and validity standards. California Board of Pharmacy guidance. Wholesaler monitoring can restrict a pharmacy’s opioid supply.DEA-registered distributors must identify and report suspicious controlled-substance orders under 21 CFR §1301.74. National wholesalers therefore operate monitoring programs that may delay, limit or suspend shipments based on ordering patterns, geography, drug mix and internal thresholds. These controls are imposed upstream and can leave a pharmacy unable to obtain medication—even when the pharmacist believes a prescription is clinically and legally appropriate. Review the federal distributor requirements. These examples are not exhaustive. Pharmacists must navigate overlapping federal law, DEA requirements, state pharmacy and controlled-substance laws, prescription-monitoring systems, employer policies, payer rules, wholesaler restrictions and professional standards. Requirements also vary by state and by the circumstances surrounding an individual prescription. The Central Question How can pain-patient advocates and pharmacists move beyond blame and work together to address the policies, supply restrictions, staffing conditions and regulatory pressures th
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  The Value of a Trusted Wholesaler & Cole’s Act Update | TWIRx 14.08.2026 34min

  Independent pharmacies need partners they can trust—and patients need a prescription-drug system that puts access ahead of profits. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury welcomes Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the importance of choosing a dependable wholesale distribution partner. Following Smith Drug Company’s announced operational transition, Value Drug Company is prepared to help affected independent pharmacy owners evaluate their purchasing, distribution and operational needs while developing an orderly transition that protects continuity of service. For more than 90 years, pharmacist-led Value Drug Company has supported community pharmacies through transparent pricing, dependable distribution, collective purchasing power and programs designed to improve efficiency, growth and profitability. Rick explains how the company will provide transition assistance and regional gatherings where pharmacy owners can speak directly with Value Drug Company leadership. The episode also features a follow-up conversation with patient advocate Bil Schmidtknecht about the continuing fight for Cole’s Act. Named in memory of Bil’s son, Cole, the proposed reforms seek to protect patients from unexpected formulary and coverage changes that can suddenly make essential medications unaffordable. “Patients can’t afford more delays, and lives should never be collateral damage in a profit-driven system,” Bil says. The discussion examines PBM accountability, medication affordability and why families must receive meaningful notice before coverage changes place lifesaving treatments beyond their reach. TWIRx News: Week Ending August 14, 2026 Employers Are Moving Away from the “Big Three” PBMs A new employer survey points to growing disruption in the PBM marketplace. Forty-six percent of surveyed employers reported using a PBM outside CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx—up from 37% the previous year. Employers are increasingly seeking transparent pricing, access to claims data and greater control over prescription-drug spending. Read the Axios report FDA Delays Major iPLEDGE Changes Until November The FDA has postponed implementation of updated iPLEDGE REMS requirements from August 8 to November 15, 2026, to allow additional system testing. The forthcoming changes are intended to reduce burdens on patients, pharmacists and prescribers while maintaining safeguards surrounding isotretinoin. Read the FDA iPLEDGE update   Episode Resources Value Drug Company transition-support announcement Value Drug Company transition assistance: 1-866-226-1772 Patient Protector Modern Medical Mafia: PBM Reform Pharmacy Podcast Network About the Guests Rick Seipp, PharmDPresident, Value Drug Company Bil SchmidtknechtPatient advocate and father of Cole Schmidtknecht The Value of a Trusted Wholesaler & Cole’s Act Update | TWIRx
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  Part One: Introducing the CurifyLabs Platform | TWIRx Special Series 12.08.2026 33min

  In the first episode of this three-part CurifyLabs Podcast Series, we provide a broad overview of the CurifyLabs platform and its role in modernizing personalized medicine and pharmaceutical compounding. The discussion explores how the platform combines digital workflows, automated production technology, and standardized processes to help pharmacies and healthcare organizations improve efficiency, consistency, quality, and scalability.   Listeners will learn how CurifyLabs supports the preparation of customized medications while helping pharmacy teams reduce manual complexity, strengthen documentation, and expand access to patient-specific therapies. This opening episode establishes the foundation for the series and examines how technology can help transform the future of pharmaceutical compounding.
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  The Hidden Cost of Managing Pain Without a Pain Pharmacist | TWIRx 07.08.2026 58min

  This Week in Pharmacy — August 7, 2026 The Hidden Cost of Managing Pain Without a Pain Pharmacist What happens when patients living with chronic pain do not have a pain pharmacist on their healthcare team? In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we explore the hidden clinical, emotional, and financial costs of managing pain without a pharmacist trained in pain management. These pharmacists do far more than review medications—they serve as accessible patient advocates, medication experts, care coordinators, and trusted partners for people navigating the complexities of chronic pain. Segment One: Pharmacists Are the Secret Weapon in Pain Management Special guest host Dr. Sing Ping Chow, PharmD, BCPMP, is joined by Dr. Matthew Hermenau, PharmD, BCPMP, CPh, NBC-HWC, CPT, for an important discussion about pharmacist-led pain management. Together, they examine how pain pharmacists can: Identify medication-related risks and opportunities to improve therapy Help patients balance pain relief, function, safety, and quality of life Collaborate with prescribers and other members of the healthcare team Support individualized, evidence-informed treatment plans Educate and empower patients living with chronic pain Advocate for patients whose concerns may otherwise go unheard Address the whole person—not simply a diagnosis or pain score   The conversation reinforces a powerful message: pharmacists are one of healthcare’s most underused resources in chronic pain care. When a pain pharmacist is part of the team, patients gain a knowledgeable advocate who understands medications, listens to their lived experiences, and helps them pursue safer and more effective care.   Remembering Dr. Jeffrey Fudin   This episode includes a special tribute to the late Dr. Jeffrey Fudin, PharmD, widely regarded as pharmacy’s godfather of pharmacist-led pain management.   Dr. Fudin was a pioneering clinician, educator, author, mentor, and tireless advocate for the meaningful inclusion of pharmacists in pain care. His work challenged conventional thinking, elevated the role of the pharmacist, and helped build a path for future generations of pain-management specialists.   His influence continues through the pharmacists he mentored, the patients he championed, and the profession he inspired. We honor Dr. Fudin’s legacy and his unwavering belief that people living with pain deserve informed, compassionate, and individualized care.   Segment Two: The Nation’s Best Hospital Systems In the second segment, we welcome Chelsey Wen, Senior Health Data Analyst with U.S. News & World Report, to discuss the newly released 2026–2027 Best Hospitals rankings. Chelsey explains how U.S. News evaluates hospital performance and how patients and families can use the findings when making healthcare decisions. The latest assessment evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. It places increased emphasis on patient outcomes and introduces regional specialty rankings designed to help patients locate complex care closer to home. Explore the 2026–2027 Best Hospitals announcement.   link: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals Topics include: What it means for a hospital to be nationally ranked or rated “High Performing” The clinical data and patient outcomes considered in the evaluation Changes to the 2026–2027 rankings and methodology The importance of regional rankings and access to specialized care How patients should interpret hospital rankings when choosing where to receive care Sponsored By Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by First Databank and Outcomes, pharmacy-technology organizations supporting safer, smarter, and more connected healthcare.
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  IPC Podcast Feature: Expanding Wellness Revenue with Fullscript | TWIRx Special Series 29.07.2026 28min

  The Independent Pharmacy Cooperative is partnering with Fullscript to help independent pharmacies expand their wellness offerings without adding inventory, storage costs, or fulfillment responsibilities.   Through the partnership, IPC members receive free access to Fullscript’s digital platform, featuring more than 375 trusted supplement brands. Pharmacies can recommend personalized wellness protocols, earn approximately 35% margins on online sales, and benefit from direct-to-patient shipping, automated refill reminders, and optional auto-ship services.   Fullscript manages product inventory, payment processing, and delivery, giving independent pharmacies a practical way to generate recurring revenue while supporting patient adherence and long-term wellness goals.   Guests:   Kelli - IPC Christopher - FullScript Shannon - IPC Andrea - Pharmacy Owner Emlah Tubuo - Pharmacy Owner
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  Community Link by GoodRx | TWIRx 24.07.2026 30min

  Independent pharmacies are facing growing reimbursement uncertainty, especially when dispensing high-cost brand medications such as GLP-1 therapies. In this exclusive Pharmacy Podcast Network special feature, we examine how GoodRx Community Link provides independent pharmacies with predictable pricing and favorable economics across both brand and generic medications, ultimately helping pharmacies remain solvent while providing consumers affordable prescription prices.   Todd Eury is joined by David Graziano, Head of Retail Network at GoodRx, and Tom DePietro, independent pharmacy owner at DePietro’s Pharmacy, for a practical discussion about the pressures affecting independent pharmacy and the need for reimbursement models that support  pharmacy viability.   The conversation explores how Community Link supports brand medications through manufacturer-funded savings that flow back to the pharmacy through GoodRx, while the manufacturer covers the administrative fee. For generic medications, the program uses a NADAC-based cost-plus model intended to provide clearer visibility into reimbursement.   Listeners will also hear how independent pharmacies are impacted by rising deductibles, prior authorizations, narrow formularies, cash-pay growth, and increased competition. David and Tom discuss the importance of transparent pricing, digital engagement, streamlined fulfillment, personalized patient care, and sustainable economics for local pharmacies.   Key discussion points include: The financial risk of dispensing high-cost brand medications like GLP-1s Predictable reimbursement for brands and generics The role of manufacturer-funded savings for brand medications NADAC-based cost-plus pricing for generics Pharmacy access to GLP-1 cash-pay programs Competing through service, technology, and patient relationships Protecting local healthcare access through independent pharmacy   Explore how GoodRx Community Link can bring greater transparency and predictability to brand and generic dispensing, helping independent pharmacies serve patients sustainably and with confidence.   Featured Guests: David Graziano — Head of Retail Network, GoodRx Tom DePietro — Independent Pharmacy Owner, DePietro’s Pharmacy   Host: Todd Eury — Founder, Pharmacy Podcast Network   Visit goodrx.com/CommunityLink to learn more GoodRx is NOT insurance.
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  Introducing Specialty Care Close to Home | TWIRx 20.07.2026 37min

  Specialty pharmacy is becoming one of the most important access points in modern healthcare, particularly for patients managing complex, chronic, rare, and high-cost conditions. As therapies advance and patient needs become more sophisticated, health systems are rethinking how specialty pharmacy can improve medication access, continuity of care, clinical outcomes, affordability, and the overall patient experience.   In this special episode of This Week in Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Podcast Network introduces Specialty Care Close to Home, a new series examining how hospitals and health systems are designing, building, supporting, and scaling specialty pharmacy services across health-system and community-based care models.   Featured Guests   Dr. Laura Mark, PharmDVice President of Pharmacy, Allegheny Health Network   Allison ArantSenior Vice President, Clearway Health   Chris CorsiChief Executive Officer, CassianRx   Together, the guests discuss why health-system specialty pharmacy expansion matters, what successful programs require, and where the greatest strategic and operational challenges exist. The conversation explores how strong partnerships, integrated clinical workflows, patient-centered technology, and coordinated care teams can reduce fragmentation and improve specialty medication access.   Discussion Highlights The growing strategic role of health-system specialty pharmacy Keeping patients connected to trusted local care teams Improving access, adherence, affordability, and therapy management Building scalable specialty pharmacy infrastructure Integrating clinical, operational, and technology capabilities Overcoming payer, workflow, workforce, and reimbursement challenges Creating collaborative models that support long-term sustainability   Future episodes of Specialty Care Close to Home will explore accreditation, payer access, manufacturer relationships, clinical workflow, patient engagement, technology infrastructure, data reporting, community access, workforce development, and financial sustainability.   The series will also feature pharmacy directors, vice presidents, executives, operators, and innovators from health systems across the country who are leading the next generation of specialty care delivery.   Host: Todd Eury, Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network   Coming Soon: Specialty Care Close to Home—a national conversation about bringing advanced specialty pharmacy services closer to where patients live, work, and receive care.
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  AI in Pharmacy Standards and Drug Supply Chain Upgrades | TWIRx 17.07.2026 31min

  AI in Pharmacy Standards and Drug Supply Chain UpgradesThis Week in Pharmacy — July 17, 2026   Artificial intelligence and supply chain modernization are reshaping pharmacy practice, patient access, and healthcare operations.   In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, host Todd Eury speaks with leaders from URAC and Cencora about responsible AI adoption and the growing gap between drug availability and real-world access.   Guests   Shawn Griffin, MDPresident and CEO, URAC   Brent WilhelmSenior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence, Cencora   Tim WeberPharmacy Operations and Regulatory Executive   AI is already supporting clinical documentation, patient communication, risk prediction, and workflow automation. URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, MD, explains why healthcare organizations need clear governance, defined accountability, human oversight, and continuous monitoring before deploying AI at scale.   The discussion addresses transparency, performance evaluation, bias, data integrity, cybersecurity, and the role accreditation standards may play in promoting safe and responsible AI adoption.   Governance and accountability for AI outputs Human review of AI-supported decisions Monitoring safety, accuracy, and bias The role of accreditation in AI oversight Balancing innovation with patient protection   Drug Availability Versus Patient Access   Brent Wilhelm of Cencora discusses why a medication may exist somewhere in the supply chain but still remain difficult for providers to obtain.   Dosage limitations, delivery timing, ordering complexity, reimbursement barriers, cold-chain requirements, and site-of-care restrictions can all delay patient access.   Wilhelm explains why the industry must look beyond inventory levels and focus on whether providers can obtain the correct therapy, at the right location, when the patient needs it.   Inventory visibility versus actual access Differences across pharmacies and sites of care Specialty and temperature-sensitive therapies Provider demand forecasting Reducing delays, shortages, and waste   Tim Weber adds the pharmacy operations and regulatory viewpoint, discussing inventory planning, compliance, product tracing, reimbursement, and patient fulfillment.   The conversation highlights the need for better coordination among manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, health systems, payers, and regulators.
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  Integrative Care Impact and the Expanding Role of the Pharmacist | TWIRx 10.07.2026 1t 6min

  Integrative Care Impact and the Expanding Role of the Pharmacist | TWIRx Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy explores two major opportunities shaping the future of the profession: the growth of holistic and integrative pharmacy services inside community pharmacies, and the expanding demand for pharmacists across the business, insurance, and PBM sectors. In our first segment, Todd Eury welcomes special guests Robert Kress, RPh, and Dr. Bianca Bradshaw, PharmD, owner of Elmore Pharmacy in Red Bluff, California. Together, they discuss the tremendous opportunity for independent pharmacies to build holistic and integrative health departments that respond to growing consumer demand for natural products, supplements, wellness solutions, and personalized care. Dr. Bianca Bradshaw, PharmD https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-bradshaw-141092205/ Patients are increasingly seeking more natural approaches to health, but they still need trusted clinical guidance. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help patients evaluate products, avoid harmful interactions, understand evidence, and develop safer, more effective wellness plans. This conversation explores how pharmacies can create new service lines, improve patient relationships, and establish sustainable revenue opportunities through integrative care. In our second segment, Dr. Bonnie Hui-Callahan, PharmD, returns to the show to discuss career opportunities for pharmacists within Judi Health and Capital Rx, as well as the broader business and insurance side of pharmacy. Dr. Bonnie Hui-Callahan, PharmD https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-hui-callahan/ As PBMs continue to evolve, new-generation models are creating demand for pharmacists who understand clinical care, benefits, formulary strategy, patient access, data, and healthcare economics. Bonnie shares why pharmacists will remain essential as PBMs transform and why the profession should look beyond traditional dispensing and clinical practice roles when considering future career paths. Today’s episode is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative and SuiteRx. Listen to This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
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  250 Years of Freedom - 4th of July Special | TWIRx 03.07.2026 59min

  Today e celebrate 250 Years of Freedom during this 4th of July special with Scotty Sykes with Sykes & Company Pharmacy Accounting Experts. Next, a special interview with Virginia Halsey SVP of Strategy and Product Management and Brad Engels Product Manager at First Databank (FDB).  Today's TWIRx is sponsored by Sykes & Company  250 Years of Freedom - 4th of July Special | TWIRx 
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  PBM Truth, Cash-Based Pharmacy, and Psychedelics in Medicine | TWIRx 26.06.2026 1t 19min

  THIS WEEK IN PHARMACYPBM Truth, Cash-Based Pharmacy, and Psychedelics in Medicine Presented by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software TechnologiesLearn more at SuiteRx.com Episode Overview On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury brings together two timely conversations focused on pharmacy transformation, advocacy, clinical education, and the future role of pharmacists in healthcare. First, Todd welcomes Brad Hart, owner of Forest Park Pharmacy, a cash-based independent pharmacy model challenging the traditional reimbursement structure many pharmacies operate under. Brad has become a powerful advocate for pharmacy transparency, using TikTok and social media to expose current PBM practices, share data, and speak directly to patients, pharmacy owners, and policymakers about the realities facing independent pharmacies. Brad’s message is clear: patients deserve transparency, pharmacy owners deserve fair treatment, and the profession needs more voices willing to educate the public with facts and truth. In the second half of the episode, Todd is joined by Dr. Colby Burns and Dr. Andy Krut from the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association. This discussion helps set the groundwork for understanding psychedelics in medicine, the evolving role of pharmacists in psychedelic education, and the clinical potential of psychotropic therapies historically limited by regulation, stigma, and lack of provider education. As interest in psychedelic-assisted care grows, pharmacists must be part of the conversation. Dr. Burns and Dr. Krut explain why pharmacist education, medication safety, and clinical understanding are essential as healthcare explores emerging approaches to mental health, trauma, pain, and complex patient care. Featured Guests Brad HartOwner, Forest Park Pharmacy Dr. Colby BurnsPsychedelic Pharmacists Association Dr. Andy KrutPsychedelic Pharmacists Association Sponsored By This episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software Technologies. SuiteRx provides pharmacy software solutions designed to support independent pharmacies, improve workflow, enhance patient care, and help pharmacy teams operate more efficiently in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Learn more at SuiteRx.com.
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  Modern Pharmacy Media and the Rise of Functional Medicine | TWIRx 12.06.2026 1t 5min

  On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we bring together three powerful voices shaping the future of pharmacy, independent practice, functional medicine, and healthcare transformation.   First, we welcome Kris Rhea, MBA, Contributing Editor with Dispense Times, a digital publication dedicated to supporting independent community pharmacy owners across the United States. Kris brings a business-focused perspective on pharmacy operations, growth strategy, workflow efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and market positioning. His work with Dispense Times helps independent pharmacists navigate today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, including PBM pressures, evolving patient expectations, regulatory challenges, and the need for sustainable business models that keep local pharmacies strong.   We also speak with James Maskell, founder of Evolution of Medicine, an organization built to inspire, equip, and unite functional and integrative medicine practitioners. Evolution of Medicine provides education, practice-building resources, and community for clinicians who are working to build thriving practices rooted in whole-person care. James brings a national perspective on the movement toward functional medicine, community-based care, prevention, and new models that empower practitioners to better serve patients beyond the limitations of conventional healthcare.   Our third guest is Marina Buksov, PharmD, a pharmacist, herbalist, educator, podcast host, and holistic health consultant. After earning her PharmD from St. John’s University and graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2013, Marina entered pharmacy eager to serve patients, but quickly recognized that traditional allopathic pharmacy did not fully align with her deeper calling to help people thrive through prevention, root-cause care, plant medicine, and sustainable wellness strategies. Her experience behind the pharmacy counter and as a patient herself inspired her to pursue health coaching, nutrition, functional medicine, and clinical herbalism. Today, Marina helps pharmacists and healthcare professionals explore natural-minded career paths and build meaningful work that bridges pharmacology, herbal therapeutics, and holistic care.   Together, this episode explores where pharmacy is headed: independent pharmacy survival, business model innovation, functional medicine, patient-centered care, pharmacist reinvention, and the growing demand for healthcare professionals who can connect science, prevention, and real-world practice.   Listen to This Week in Pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.Pharmacy’s future is being built by those willing to challenge the current model, support independent practice, and expand the role of pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers.
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  Health Security, Specialty Care & the OTC Products Patients Trust | TWIRx 29.05.2026 1t 11min

  On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we examine three major forces shaping healthcare today: the global impact of conflict on health security, the continued evolution of personalized specialty pharmacy care, and the over-the-counter products patients rely on most.   We open the show with Aman Gupta, Managing Partner, Asia-Pacific at SPAG FINN Partners, and contributor author at MedikaLife. Aman joins TWIRx to discuss his latest MedikaLife article, which argues that global conflict is quietly undermining health security by redirecting funding, attention, and infrastructure away from healthcare and toward defense priorities.   As military spending rises, health systems—especially in low- and middle-income countries—face growing pressure from shrinking access, rising costs, workforce shortages, disrupted supply chains, weakened disease surveillance, and reduced emergency preparedness. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan demonstrate how attacks on healthcare systems, displacement, malnutrition, and shortages of essential medicines can rapidly turn health access into a survival issue. Aman urges policymakers to treat health as strategic security infrastructure, not as a secondary social expense.   TWIRx also gives a special shout out to the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, recognizing its continued leadership and advocacy for the pharmacy profession.   Next, we welcome Dr. Chris Antypas, PharmD, with Perigon Pharmacy 360, for a discussion on how specialty pharmacy is becoming increasingly personalized. As complex therapies continue to advance, pharmacists are playing a critical role in ensuring medications and treatment plans are customized to optimize patient care. We explore how technology, workflow processes, clinical expertise, and pharmacists who deeply understand specific disease states are essential to successful specialty pharmacy outcomes.   To wrap up the episode, returning guest Shanley Chien Pierce, Senior Editor, Health at U.S. News & World Report, joins us to review the latest OTC medicine and health product evaluations. Top-rated products include Children’s Delsym for coughs, Unisom for sleep, and Pedialyte for electrolytes, along with skincare favorites such as La Roche-Posay for retinol and Aquaphor for lip balm.   For the full list covering more than 128 categories, visit the U.S. News Best OTC Medicine & Health Products rankings.   Sponsored by Perigon Pharmacy 360 Listen & Subscribe Stay connected with This Week in Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Podcast Network for conversations with pharmacy leaders, healthcare innovators, policy experts, and industry voices shaping the future of care.
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  Does Pharmacy Have an Identity Crisis? | TWIRx 22.05.2026 1t 36min

  On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we examine two major forces reshaping the profession: the unfinished business of pharmacist provider status and the legal landscape around direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical distribution. In part one, Erik Abel, PharmD, MBA, discusses his May 2026 analysis, “So Pharmacists Want to Be a Provider: Where the Profession Lost Its Way and Perhaps a Path to Get Back.” Abel argues that pharmacy’s provider-status challenge is not a lack of clinical evidence, but a lack of operational infrastructure: credentialing, payer contracting, revenue cycle management, interoperability, and scalable business models. In part two, Darshan Kulkarni, PharmD, Esq., joins the show to discuss direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical distribution, legal risk, regulatory scrutiny, telehealth-linked prescribing, manufacturer strategy, and what pharmacists need to understand as drug distribution moves closer to the patient. This week in pharmacy news, Pittsburgh-area pharmacies continue to face uneven access to Adderall and other ADHD medications, years after the FDA first identified shortages in 2022. Patients are still calling multiple pharmacies, switching medications, rationing doses, or going without treatment as availability varies by dosage, formulation, manufacturer, and wholesaler. Pharmacists are also using medication therapy management to protect older adults from preventable medication-related harm. MTM reviews can identify risky prescriptions and OTC products, including diphenhydramine, duplicate therapies, drug interactions, and long-term proton pump inhibitor use that may need reassessment. In 340B news, CVS Health is facing federal lawsuits from major health systems alleging CVS Specialty and WellPartner improperly retained approximately $250 million in savings that should have gone back to covered entities. The litigation adds pressure to debates over PBM integration, contract pharmacy arrangements, and 340B transparency. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are pressing the Department of Defense to commit to annual audits of the TRICARE pharmacy contract as concerns continue around PBM conflicts of interest, reimbursement practices, network adequacy, and access for independent and community pharmacies.
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  U.S. Supreme Court and Generic Drugs | TWIRx 15.05.2026 21min

  This week, This Week in Pharmacy examines several stories shaping the business, clinical, and legal future of pharmacy practice. In TWIRx News from Pharmacy Times from Megan Maroney, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP, focused on antidepressant use, withdrawal concerns, deprescribing, and shared decision-making. The key takeaway: patients should never stop antidepressants abruptly. Pharmacists can play a vital role in reducing stigma, educating patients, and supporting safe conversations about tapering, side effects, and long-term treatment. In health technology news, FDB research presented at the 2026 AMIA Amplify Informatics Conference found that patient-specific, risk-based medication guidance reduced pharmacy alert volume by 70% in a high-volume community pharmacy setting. The model consolidates alerts into one actionable message tied to the patient’s most relevant risk, helping reduce alert fatigue and improve workflow. Finally, we review a federal court ruling in Eli Lilly’s lawsuit against Houston-based Empower Pharmacy over compounded tirzepatide versions of Mounjaro and Zepbound. The judge dismissed key federal trademark and Texas unfair competition claims, while allowing other state claims to continue.Andy Crawford, with Keysource is back on TWIRx talking about the U.S. Supreme Court taking up Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. v. Amarin Pharma Inc., a case that could significantly affect generic drug competition. At issue is whether Hikma’s marketing materials and public communications around its generic version of Amarin’s fish oil-based cardiovascular drug improperly promoted a still-patented use. Hikma and the broader generic industry argue the case is about protecting “skinny label” rules, which allow generics to carve out patented indications while still bringing lower-cost medications to market. For pharmacists, the decision could influence generic availability, substitution confidence, pricing pressure, and how manufacturers communicate with providers and pharmacies. Thanks to our sponsors, CassianRx and IPC, for supporting independent pharmacy, innovation, and the future of patient-centered care.
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  Expanding Long-Term Care Pharmacy at Home, Delivery Logistics, AI, and Healthcare Misinformation | TWIRx 08.05.2026 54min

  Sponsored by Rx4RouteThis Week in Pharmacy returns with a timely two-part episode focused on pharmacy operations, medication access, and the growing responsibility of healthcare communicators in the age of AI.In our first segment, we welcome Joseph Dymowski, PharmD, CEO of Centennial Pharmacy Services, and Doniyor Sattarov, Vice President of Operations at Rx4Route, for a conversation about expanding long-term care pharmacy at home. As more patients age in place, pharmacies must rethink delivery, logistics, documentation, and patient communication as essential parts of care.Delivery is no longer just a convenience. It is a critical extension of pharmacy services. Reliable routing, real-time tracking, and proof of delivery help pharmacies improve adherence, reduce operational friction, and build stronger trust with patients, caregivers, and providers.Expanding LTC pharmacy-at-home services, building scalable delivery workflows, improving route efficiency, using delivery technology to support compliance, and why logistics may become a major competitive advantage for pharmacies.This episode is sponsored by Rx4Route, pharmacy delivery software designed to help pharmacies streamline delivery operations, optimize routes, track orders, and improve proof-of-delivery workflows.In our second segment, we speak with **Vincent Grippi, CEO of Grippi Media, about the dangers of AI-generated misinformation and the higher standard required in healthcare communications. As AI becomes more common in content creation, communications professionals must protect accuracy, credibility, and patient trust.In healthcare, misinformation can influence clinical understanding, damage reputations, and create confusion across the industry. That is why content for healthcare professionals must be reviewed, verified, and guided by human judgment.AI misinformation in healthcare, responsible content development, source verification, editorial review, subject-matter expertise, and how communicators can use AI without sacrificing trust.This episode connects two critical forms of trust in pharmacy: operational trust at the patient’s door and informational trust across every communication channel.Featured Guests:Joseph Dymowski, PharmD— CEO, Centennial Pharmacy ServicesDoniyor Sattarov— Vice President of Operations, Rx4RouteVincent Grippi— CEO, Grippi Media
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  TJM Labs and Pharmacists in Politics | TWIRx 01.05.2026 48min

  Congratulations to Logan Eury and his new wife Emily, got married today, May 1, 2026! This C.O. Bigelow Collab Introduces the 188-Year-Old Pharmacy to a New Generation Abbode is taking over the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-approved shop for a month-long pop-up.https://fashionista.com/2026/05/co-bigelow-abbode-pop-up-carolyn-bessette-impact The article highlights how a pop-up and renewed interest in C.O. Bigelow has been fueled by the cultural resurgence of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist style, amplified by media and social buzz. This renewed attention has driven significant foot traffic and sales, showing how storytelling, nostalgia, and “quiet luxury” aesthetics can translate into real retail impact.   Q&A: Mayo Clinic leaders share strategies for managing high-cost drugs without breaking the bank | Asembia AXS26 Summit https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/q-a-mayo-clinic-leaders-share-strategies-for-managing-high-cost-drugs-without-breaking-the-bank-asembia-axs26-summitMayo Clinic leaders emphasize that managing high-cost drugs requires clear definitions, structured formulary review processes, and multidisciplinary collaboration to balance cost, access, and clinical value. They highlight the importance of evaluating safety, efficacy, financial impact, and site-of-care decisions together, while noting that non-340B systems face increasing pressure from rising costs and reimbursement constraints. Ultimately, success depends on stronger alignment between health systems, manufacturers, and payers to sustain access without compromising quality of care. Where Gross-to-net Pressure Actually Lives After LaunchToday’s guest post comes from Cindy Baksh, Chief Product Officer at ConnectiveRx.https://www.drugchannels.net/2026/05/where-gross-to-net-pressure-actually.htmlThe article explains that “gross-to-net pressure” isn’t driven by a single factor, but by a combination of rebates, discounts, fees, and policy changes that continue to reshape how drug pricing actually works behind the scenes. As the industry shifts toward a “net pricing” model, traditional rebate-driven strategies are weakening, forcing manufacturers, PBMs, and pharmacies to rethink how value and profits are generated.Today's featured guest is Dr. Ndidiamaka Okpareke PharmD for CongressDr. Ndidiamaka “Didi” Okpareke, PharmD, is a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and political candidate running for Congress in New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District. A first-generation Nigerian-American, she built her career in healthcare after graduating from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and went on to found and lead a successful compounding pharmacy serving her community.  Motivated by nearly two decades of patient care experience, Okpareke entered the political arena to address challenges such as healthcare access, rising costs, and the shortage of providers in New Mexico. Running as a Republican, she emphasizes strengthening healthcare systems, supporting economic growth, and preserving opportunity for future generations, positioning herself as a community-focused leader bringing frontline healthcare insight into public policy.  This special episode highlights how TJM Labs is redefining pharmacy operations through AI-driven automation, bringing together insights from industry leaders Bhavesh Patel, PharmD—CEO of Carepoint Pharmacy—and Jonathan Adly, PharmD, MBA—CEO of TJM Labs. At the center of the conversation is how modern pharmacies are facing rising prescription volumes, staffing constraints, and increasing operational complexity, and why traditional manual workflows can no longer keep pace. TJM Labs addresses this challenge by deploying AI-powered “digital workers” that automate tasks like prescription intake, data entry, and patient communication—allowing pharmacy teams to shift their focus back to patient care and clinical decision-making.  Through the lens of both operator and innovator, the discussion explores how AI is not replacin