Pharmacy Accreditation Requires Ongoing Diligence for Network Access

Treating accreditation as a one-time milestone rather than a constant operational pulse isn’t just a management oversight; it’s a catastrophic risk to your bottom line and your pharmacy’s access to limited-distribution networks.

In the latest episode of the Over the Counter podcast, we sit down with Mitch Lamb, PharmD, senior director of regulatory operations at D2 Solutions, to demystify the complex world of pharmacy accreditation.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Lamb challenges the common misconception that accreditation is a “one-and-done” administrative hurdle, arguing instead that it is a critical, ongoing operational necessity. For pharmacies eyeing the specialty space, accreditation isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s the first barrier of entry. Manufacturers of high-dollar, limited-distribution drugs require accreditation to ensure only the best of the best handle their products.

Many pharmacies fall into the trap of ignoring standards until their reaccreditation date looms. Lamb warns that this is “catastrophic to the bottom line,” noting that missed documentation—like date-stamped license verifications—cannot be retroactively fixed.

Beyond the dollars and cents, accreditation bodies like URAC and ACHC establish clinical best practices. Staying compliant ensures a higher quality of service and better outcomes for the patients at the heart of the business. As industry standards shift—such as the transition from URAC 5.0 to 6.0—pharmacies must remain proactive in adapting to new requirements in areas like shipping and temperature monitoring.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to leverage technology like Accredit-Comply to maintain your network access and protect your pharmacy business’ bottom line.

Stay tuned for weekly podcast episodes of Over the Counter powered by Drug Topics. Check out our most recent episode with Matt Sample and Neal Cooper. They joined to discuss the FDA’s current push to 12-digit national drug codes and the ways in which pharmacies can prepare for implementation.

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