The Overarching Implications of PBM Reform on the State Level
With federal reform continuing to stall, Drug Topics caught up with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, to discuss how his state is regulating pharmacy benefit managers.
PBM Legislation Can Mitigate Negative Impacts on Rural Patients, Pharmacies
Researchers conducted a content analysis to identify pharmacy benefit manager legislation supported by the NCPA and assessed whether or not it would benefit rural pharmacies and patients.
Digital Connections Help Attract, Retain Patients in Competitive Pharmacy Landscape | McKesson ideaShare
The key theme, regardless of strategy, is being an engaging member of the community and stepping outside of the counter.
Pharmacy Schools Should Prepare Students for Workforce Challenges
Researchers conducted a survey assessing pharmacy students’ perceptions of pharmacist burnout and how that may impact their future career paths.
How State-Level PBM Reform Can Lead to Federal Legislation
In part 3 of our interview with Iowa State Representative Brett Barker, PharmD, he discusses how legislation at the state level is gradually informing decisions on the federal side.
Q&A: How Iowa PBM Bill is Set to Preserve Pharmacy Access
Brett Barker, PharmD, State Representative in Iowa’s 51st District, joined Drug Topics to discuss significant implications and common misconceptions regarding Iowa’s new PBM bill.
Meeting Preview: McKesson ideaShare 2025
This year’s conference is taking place from July 10 to 13 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Iowa Bill Adding Transparency, Accountability to PBM Practices
Brett Barker, PharmD, State Representative in Iowa’s 51st District, discussed Senate File 383 and how it’s intended to impact Iowa pharmacies.
The Ongoing Challenges Causing Need for Reform in Retail Pharmacy
As state-level PBM reform heats up amid dire situations for many retail pharmacies, Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates joins Drug Topics to discuss ongoing industry challenges.
Dispensing Leadership: Navigating Your Pharmacy Career with Purpose
This episode explores how pharmacists can navigate their careers with clarity and purpose by grounding themselves in their professional oath, organizational mission, and core values.
Q&A: Pharmacy Modernization Through Use of AI, Micro-Fulfillment
In part 3 of our interview with Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates, he explores the future of pharmacy practices and how modern use of technologies like AI are becoming commonplace.
Q&A: The Evolving Role Pharmacists Play in Team-Based Diabetes Care | ADA 2025
In a recap of his presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions, Jon Easter, RPh, discussed the role of pharmacists in team-based diabetes care.
Q&A: How Technician Fatigue Threatens Patient Safety, Care
Taylor Watterson, PharmD, PhD, discusses how pharmacy technician burnout can impact pharmacy operations.
Q&A: Pharmacies Grapple With Patient Influx Amid Rite Aid Closures
Rob Frankil, RPh, discusses how independent pharmacies in Pennsylvania are dealing with the impact of Rite Aid stores closing.
State-Level PBM Reform Vital for Community Pharmacies, Patient Access
Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates discusses ongoing movement at the state level regarding pharmacy benefit manager reform.
Q&A: Retail, Independent Pharmacies Continue to Call for Improved Reimbursement Practices
Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens and chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, discussed the current status of retail pharmacies and the way they are reimbursed.
How the Complexities, Trends in Drug Benefit Design Are Evolving in Real Time
With the emergence of increased GLP-1 use and alternative PBM models, Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, and Scott Halperin, PharmD, joined Drug Topics to discuss current trends in drug benefit design.
Q&A: Creating a Pharmacy Where Technicians Can Thrive
Pharmacy technicians must be recognized and empowered as essential, long-term professionals to improve workplace well-being, patient care, and pharmacy success.
GLP-1s Serving as the Intersection of Cost, Utilization
Pharmaceutical Strategies Group experts joined Drug Topics to discuss the role GLP-1s play in drug benefit design.
Q&A: PBM Unbundling, New Pricing Models Create More Transparency
Morgan Lee, PhD, MPH, CPH, and Scott Halperin, PharmD, from the Pharmaceutical Strategies Group, discuss how the role of PBMs in plan design is evolving.
Flexible Dosing Medications to Help Your Pharmacy Thrive
At the Total Pharmacy Solutions Summit Summer 2025 event, Stephanie Zimmerman, Tom Napolitano, and Luke Gunderson discussed the benefits of Real Value RX.
Expanding Revenue Streams in Independent Pharmacy: Strategies for Today and the Future
Tara Pfund, PharmD, chief strategy officer with the Cascadia Pharmacy Group, discusses a variety of ways community pharmacists can expand services and support clinical reimbursement.
Turning Reconciliation into a Revenue Growth Engine
Heidi Polek, RPh, EMBA, discusses how pharmacies must adopt strategic approaches to maintain financial health and continue providing patient care.
Unlocking Pharmacy Value: A Guide to Payer Program Engagement
Emily Endres, BSPS, and Todd Sega, PharmD, MBA, discuss pressures that pharmacies are currently facing, including reimbursements, competition, and patient needs.