Pharmacy Perspectives

This panel discussion brought together experts to dissect the core issues, focusing on how pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices—such as DIR fees and spread pricing—significantly undermine pharmacy financial stability and complicate the delivery of essential services like MTM and chronic disease management. The panelists analyzed effective strategies for legislative advocacy, exploring how pharmacists can strengthen their negotiation power and foster collaboration within the health care ecosystem. Ultimately, the discussion provided insight on how community pharmacies must pivot their business models to prioritize value-based care and integrate new, reimbursable clinical service lines to ensure long-term sustainability and the expansion of the pharmacist's vital role in patient care.

Panelists discuss how community pharmacists play a central role as frontline providers beyond traditional roles such as dispensing medication. Pharmacists are now expanding into more clinical roles to optimize and personalize patient care. Across the United States, the scope of practice for pharmacists varies dramatically from state to state, creating a fragmented approach to health care delivery that ultimately impacts patient access and quality of care.