Good Neighbor Pharmacy Equips Independent Pharmacists to be Vital Source of Care in Today’s Healthcare Environment

“Independent pharmacists are a vital source of care – a reliable, critical provider in communities across the country,” said president of Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Brian Nightengale, RPh, Ph.D. “But we recognize that independent pharmacists aren’t immune to today’s mounting industry pressures. That’s why, at AmerisourceBergen, we leverage our scale to advocate on behalf of independent pharmacists and provide them with necessary resources to ensure they can continue to deliver their hallmark, high-quality and cost-effective patient care.”

 

During ThoughtSpot’s opening session, AmerisourceBergen leaders highlighted solutions designed to help independent pharmacists not only navigate industry challenges, but also optimize front-end sales and create efficiencies in store operations. Resources include:

Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) Fee Estimator tool: Provides pharmacists with insight into DIR fees by using real-time, claim-level data to estimate the fees and ensure the most accurate information, so pharmacists can anticipate their monthly rates.

 

Enhanced ABC Order platform: Designed for pharmacists, by pharmacists, the revamped platform features a new user interface that enables pharmacists to order more efficiently, control inventory and access data and information quickly, freeing up time for more clinical interactions with patients.

 

Following the general session, AmerisourceBergen hosted “Advocacy in Action,” an event that included a five-member panel discussion featuring U.S. Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) and National Community Pharmacists Association CEO Doug Hoey, RPh, MBA. The panelists discussed the current state of affairs across the industry and advised community pharmacists on how they can amplify their own voices and advocate on policy change for issues such as provider status and DIR fees.

 

As part of AmerisourceBergen and Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s ongoing support of independent pharmacy, the company also offers an online resource, OurIndependentVoice.com. The website provides pharmacists a centralized place to join advocacy movements that affect care in the community setting, research policies impacting independent pharmacy, access letter templates and write to legislators, and connect with other pharmacists and pharmacy organizations.

“We continue to pursue ways to support and advocate on behalf of independent pharmacists because we know their patients and the overall health of our communities depend on them now more than ever,” said Bob Mauch, Group President, Pharmaceutical Distribution and Strategic Global Sourcing at AmerisourceBergen. “At AmerisourceBergen we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and our work to amplify the voice of community pharmacists and ensure they are able to meet the needs of patients in a fair marketplace is a key demonstration of how we live our purpose.”

 

AmerisourceBergen also recognized St. George Pharmacy, Staten Island, N.Y., and owner Al Gentile as the recipient of Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s 2017 Pharmacy of the Year Award. The pharmacy, which emerged from a field of nearly 50 nominees, received the esteemed award for exemplifying what it means to be a Good Neighbor Pharmacy in their commitment to enhancing patient care and lives in local communities. St. George Pharmacy has been a staple in its community for more than 30 years. In the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Gentile kept the pharmacy’s doors open, providing first-aid supplies to triage locations and supplying community members with batteries, flashlights and appropriate medication.

 

For more information on the ThoughtSpot conference, please visit: www.thoughtspot2017.com.

AmerisourceBergen provides pharmaceutical products, value-driving services and business solutions that improve access to care. Tens of thousands of healthcare providers, veterinary practices and livestock producers trust us as their partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Global pharmaceutical manufacturers depend on us for services that drive commercial success for their products. Powered by our 19,000 associates, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. AmerisourceBergen is ranked #11 on the Fortune 500, with more than $146 billion in annual revenue. The company is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa. and has a presence in 50+ countries. Learn more at amerisourcebergen.com