Comments on: The death of the corner pharmacy http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/ FSB Features Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Dennis, DeKalb,Illinois http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14368 Dennis, DeKalb,Illinois Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:56:17 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14368 Starting the new year the company I work for is again changing the insurance they carry, and now forcing us to order our "Maintenance" drugs through the mail order program. not only have they raised the copay but I will almost have to pay triple the cost of a 90 day supply. And this is supposed to help us how? Starting the new year the company I work for is again changing the insurance they carry, and now forcing us to order our "Maintenance" drugs through the mail order program. not only have they raised the copay but I will almost have to pay triple the cost of a 90 day supply. And this is supposed to help us how?

]]> By: Dr. Paul Willis, Los Angeles, CA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14238 Dr. Paul Willis, Los Angeles, CA Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:38:12 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14238 As a primary care physician, the amount of time required to complete forms, check formulary status and cross verify prescriptions from the PBM's only adds to my staff's chores. When an insurance company "requires" a patient utilize their PBM, I routinely suggest (strongly) that they fill their prescriptions at Walmart, where they aren't tracked. The result - insurances routinely send me "reminders" that their patients aren't filling their BP or COPD meds - because they pay cash for them & insurance can't track them. In addition, the patient doesn't have to wait for the mail to get their meds - FIGHT BACK! As a primary care physician, the amount of time required to complete forms, check formulary status and cross verify prescriptions from the PBM's only adds to my staff's chores. When an insurance company "requires" a patient utilize their PBM, I routinely suggest (strongly) that they fill their prescriptions at Walmart, where they aren't tracked. The result – insurances routinely send me "reminders" that their patients aren't filling their BP or COPD meds – because they pay cash for them & insurance can't track them. In addition, the patient doesn't have to wait for the mail to get their meds – FIGHT BACK!

]]> By: Tim K Canton,OH http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14189 Tim K Canton,OH Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:47:56 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14189 I own a pharmacy in NE Ohio. We are starting a battle with our school system who is sending tax dollars out of county and out of state to use a mail order service. How does it look in this poor economy to send business out of state? How could someone feel good voting for a tax levy when the money is going out of state? If we are asked to invest in our schools shouldn't our schools invest in the community? I own a pharmacy in NE Ohio. We are starting a battle with our school system who is sending tax dollars out of county and out of state to use a mail order service. How does it look in this poor economy to send business out of state? How could someone feel good voting for a tax levy when the money is going out of state? If we are asked to invest in our schools shouldn't our schools invest in the community?

]]> By: Steve K David http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14180 Steve K David Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:04:19 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14180 I am surprised to read all these articles I am surprised to read all these articles

]]> By: kula, Hawaii http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14132 kula, Hawaii Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:52:45 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14132 You are illustrating exactly the concerns. I had the same experience but the non-clinical person tried to pass himself off as a licensed pharmacist. He had a degree in business economics. No surprise there. I think these companies are being run by the same scumbags that were working on Wall Street and the Big banks. I see mail order pharmacies as increasing fragmentation of care. I don't see my physician faxing over anything to the mail order pharmacy that we in the State of Hawaii are being forced to use. There is not even a number to consult with a pharmacist with informedRx. You are illustrating exactly the concerns. I had the same experience but the non-clinical person tried to pass himself off as a licensed pharmacist. He had a degree in business economics. No surprise there. I think these companies are being run by the same scumbags that were working on Wall Street and the Big banks. I see mail order pharmacies as increasing fragmentation of care. I don't see my physician faxing over anything to the mail order pharmacy that we in the State of Hawaii are being forced to use. There is not even a number to consult with a pharmacist with informedRx.

]]> By: Kula, Hawaii http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14131 Kula, Hawaii Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:47:54 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14131 I as well as all the state employees of Hawaii are being forced to buy their maintenance meds for informedRx. The issues with using mail order for maintenance meds is the lack of the pharmacist being part of the team. I called the customer care line and asked what their background in pharmacy was. I was informed that this person had a degree in pharmacy. He finally admitted he had a degree in business economics but had trained for a few weeks for this job an felt he was qualified to discuss any concerns I had. I don't think many people understand that pharmacists have at least 8 years of education before then can practice. There is no number for pharmacy consult. Even the big boxes have a pharmacist to consult. I honestly think that this approach fragments care leading to increased drug interactions, side effects etc. I will not buy my meds from InformedRX the fact that their customer care staff lie to the patients I just can't trust them with my medications. I as well as all the state employees of Hawaii are being forced to buy their maintenance meds for informedRx. The issues with using mail order for maintenance meds is the lack of the pharmacist being part of the team. I called the customer care line and asked what their background in pharmacy was. I was informed that this person had a degree in pharmacy. He finally admitted he had a degree in business economics but had trained for a few weeks for this job an felt he was qualified to discuss any concerns I had. I don't think many people understand that pharmacists have at least 8 years of education before then can practice. There is no number for pharmacy consult. Even the big boxes have a pharmacist to consult. I honestly think that this approach fragments care leading to increased drug interactions, side effects etc. I will not buy my meds from InformedRX the fact that their customer care staff lie to the patients I just can't trust them with my medications.

]]> By: Linda, FL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14029 Linda, FL Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:44:30 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14029 I think most people would rather go to their neighborhood pharmacy, but it is the insurance companies who insist that we get prescriptions by mail. Insurance companies, be it car, home or medical are running this country into the ground. I think most people would rather go to their neighborhood pharmacy, but it is the insurance companies who insist that we get prescriptions by mail. Insurance companies, be it car, home or medical are running this country into the ground.

]]> By: Brian St, Louis MO http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14027 Brian St, Louis MO Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:37:51 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14027 I am surprised to read all of these incidents. I have used Medco for years, I, along with my elderly mother use mail order which ends up with, on the average, orders of up to twenty-five mail orders combined being sent,every three months. I have had nothing but excellent results. The cost is lower, the fast delivery and the hassle of having to make numerous trips to Target makes it so convenient. I'm conscience of and sorry about the local pharmacy loss of business, but I would blame the Wall*Marts of the world for loss of not only all mom and pop pharmacies, but of all local established neighborhood businesses. I find it hard to believe that people are "forced" to use mail-order, especially for one-time prescriptions.How many people on this thread use cheap Wall*Mart for their non-prescription health related needs instead of making the trip to the local pharmacy? I am surprised to read all of these incidents. I have used Medco for years, I, along with my elderly mother use mail order which ends up with, on the average, orders of up to twenty-five mail orders combined being sent,every three months. I have had nothing but excellent results. The cost is lower, the fast delivery and the hassle of having to make numerous trips to Target makes it so convenient. I'm conscience of and sorry about the local pharmacy loss of business, but I would blame the Wall*Marts of the world for loss of not only all mom and pop pharmacies, but of all local established neighborhood businesses. I find it hard to believe that people are "forced" to use mail-order, especially for one-time prescriptions.How many people on this thread use cheap Wall*Mart for their non-prescription health related needs instead of making the trip to the local pharmacy?

]]> By: Jackie RN, Chattanooga, TN http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14026 Jackie RN, Chattanooga, TN Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:26:25 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14026 My family had to switch to Express-Scripts last summer. I am and insulin dependant diabetic and dealing with them has brought me to tears on several occaisions. My situation is compounded by a physician who refuses to communicate with them by fax. Hopefully something will be done to reign in these pharmacy's. Customer service is a joke with non-clinical personal discussing medications w/consumers. My family had to switch to Express-Scripts last summer. I am and insulin dependant diabetic and dealing with them has brought me to tears on several occaisions. My situation is compounded by a physician who refuses to communicate with them by fax. Hopefully something will be done to reign in these pharmacy's. Customer service is a joke with non-clinical personal discussing medications w/consumers.

]]> By: Jen, Chicago, IL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14025 Jen, Chicago, IL Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:39:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14025 I agree, it's sad. I am so glad I didn't end up going to pharmacy school a few years ago. I thought at the time that people will always need to have prescriptions filled so it was a good career move. Who ever know what the right job to take is anymore? I agree, it's sad. I am so glad I didn't end up going to pharmacy school a few years ago. I thought at the time that people will always need to have prescriptions filled so it was a good career move. Who ever know what the right job to take is anymore?

]]> By: Thomas Raleigh NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14024 Thomas Raleigh NC Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:17:28 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14024 Because the medicine sold by drug manufacturers is sold based on end user (nursing home, hospital, mailorder, AARP, planned parenthood, retail pharmacy) the mailorder pharmacies are given a huge discount in what they pay for medicine. This discount the retail pharmacies have a hard time competing against. AARP is just as much a problem as the other mailorder pharmacies. If the retail pharmacies could get the break on medicine that the other classes of purchasers get not only would retail pharmacies be more competitive, but they would win on price. Why do the PBM's get a rebate and who pays for it? The retail pharmacy pays so others can get a break. Level the playing field by charging based upon quantities of medicine sold. Buying groups would make the independants survive. Because the medicine sold by drug manufacturers is sold based on end user (nursing home, hospital, mailorder, AARP, planned parenthood, retail pharmacy) the mailorder pharmacies are given a huge discount in what they pay for medicine. This discount the retail pharmacies have a hard time competing against. AARP is just as much a problem as the other mailorder pharmacies. If the retail pharmacies could get the break on medicine that the other classes of purchasers get not only would retail pharmacies be more competitive, but they would win on price. Why do the PBM's get a rebate and who pays for it? The retail pharmacy pays so others can get a break.

Level the playing field by charging based upon quantities of medicine sold. Buying groups would make the independants survive.

]]> By: John Russell http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14019 John Russell Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:35:55 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14019 The whole "Mail-order drug" thing is just one more giant scam. The whole "Mail-order drug" thing is just one more giant scam.

]]> By: hogger, Willowbrook, Illinois http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14018 hogger, Willowbrook, Illinois Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:20:54 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14018 Mail order has increased the price this year; they know you no longer can go to a local drug store.The service is not good but insurance force you to buy from them! What choice do you have? Mail order has increased the price this year; they know you no longer can go to a local drug store.The service is not good but insurance force you to buy from them! What choice do you have?

]]> By: James, Harrisburg, PA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14010 James, Harrisburg, PA Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:26:20 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14010 Yeah, and pharmacists, like my father, are DAILY cleaning up your mistakes. Yeah, and pharmacists, like my father, are DAILY cleaning up your mistakes.

]]> By: Malachi Yoder http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14008 Malachi Yoder Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:31:55 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14008 I just had an unfortunate interaction with a mail order pharmacy. After 2 separate incidents that had me on the phone for a total of 7 hours, and 22 phone transfers, I finally got the situation resolved. They of course ask you over and over and over for the same information. Why don't they have folks that can read what I could only hope, is being recorded as I speak. Why do they take your phone number with never having any intent on following up with whatever the heck they do?The real problem is that you have a bunch of bean counters and phone clerks making decisions that should be done by a licensed pharmacist. These folks have no medical training, and aren't liable for 'life and death' screwups. What do you think your chances are of pinning the tail on one of these donkeys?How can it be cost effective to distribute 90 days of medication, when the patient may have a prescription change, or die? How many of the prescriptions are flushed down the drain? I know in many cases, the patient has 3 refills at the local RX and then must do the mail order deal. If you think this is a poor way to treat people, wait until you see how your treated if the congress votes for the socialized medical healthcare plan. Ask any Canadian why their doctors, researchers, and medical professionals no longer reside in Canada. If you've ever worked in a union shop on Monday morning or Friday afternoon, talk to your legislator about the healthcare bill. I just had an unfortunate interaction with a mail order pharmacy. After 2 separate incidents that had me on the phone for a total of 7 hours, and 22 phone transfers, I finally got the situation resolved. They of course ask you over and over and over for the same information. Why don't they have folks that can read what I could only hope, is being recorded as I speak. Why do they take your phone number with never having any intent on following up with whatever the heck they do?The real problem is that you have a bunch of bean counters and phone clerks making decisions that should be done by a licensed pharmacist. These folks have no medical training, and aren't liable for 'life and death' screwups. What do you think your chances are of pinning the tail on one of these donkeys?How can it be cost effective to distribute 90 days of medication, when the patient may have a prescription change, or die? How many of the prescriptions are flushed down the drain? I know in many cases, the patient has 3 refills at the local RX and then must do the mail order deal. If you think this is a poor way to treat people, wait until you see how your treated if the congress votes for the socialized medical healthcare plan. Ask any Canadian why their doctors, researchers, and medical professionals no longer reside in Canada. If you've ever worked in a union shop on Monday morning or Friday afternoon, talk to your legislator about the healthcare bill.

]]> By: GC, Marlborough, MA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14004 GC, Marlborough, MA Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:17 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14004 Online pharmacies are just one more thing leading to job destruction in America. Online pharmacies are just one more thing leading to job destruction in America.

]]> By: Dr. Phil Hopkins, Jr., RPh http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14003 Dr. Phil Hopkins, Jr., RPh Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:15:32 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14003 Mail order is a pricing scam on the part of the PBM's. Yes, a patient may receive a lower co-pay and obtain a 90 day supply, but the reality is that the price would be no differnt were they also allowed to obtain a bulk quantity of 90 days at an actual store; patients are limited to 30 days supply and one PBM actually makes the patient pay a co-pay every 21 days if they do not use mail order. And if the mail order copany makes a mistake, loses a the patient's prescriptions, fails to ship the medicaitons in a timely fashion, or sends the wrong ones, I, the actual store-based pharamcist have to then tackle the time comsuming tasks of obtaining an emergency supply prescription from the patient's physician office as quickly as possible and then calling the insuance company who screwed it all up to start with and obtain an emergency drug override so we can be paid for the medication we are dispensing to the patient who is often already out of it at this point. If any company, including my own told me I had to do mail order for my medications (thankfully, I take none at this point in my life) I would not hesitate to terminiate them and obtain my health insurance drug coverage elsewhere. Mail order is a pricing scam on the part of the PBM's. Yes, a patient may receive a lower co-pay and obtain a 90 day supply, but the reality is that the price would be no differnt were they also allowed to obtain a bulk quantity of 90 days at an actual store; patients are limited to 30 days supply and one PBM actually makes the patient pay a co-pay every 21 days if they do not use mail order. And if the mail order copany makes a mistake, loses a the patient's prescriptions, fails to ship the medicaitons in a timely fashion, or sends the wrong ones, I, the actual store-based pharamcist have to then tackle the time comsuming tasks of obtaining an emergency supply prescription from the patient's physician office as quickly as possible and then calling the insuance company who screwed it all up to start with and obtain an emergency drug override so we can be paid for the medication we are dispensing to the patient who is often already out of it at this point. If any company, including my own told me I had to do mail order for my medications (thankfully, I take none at this point in my life) I would not hesitate to terminiate them and obtain my health insurance drug coverage elsewhere.

]]> By: John S. http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14002 John S. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:08:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14002 One criticism of PBMs that absolutely does NOT stand to reason is how much they charge for copays. That is determined completely by the benefit provider (company, union, group, etc.). One criticism of PBMs that absolutely does NOT stand to reason is how much they charge for copays. That is determined completely by the benefit provider (company, union, group, etc.).

]]> By: Mary Ann Woodbury, Midland, MI http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14000 Mary Ann Woodbury, Midland, MI Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:08:46 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-14000 Error in my prior submittal $990 should have read $990K or $990,000 Error in my prior submittal $990 should have read $990K or $990,000

]]> By: Mary Ann Woodbury, Midland, MI http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-13999 Mary Ann Woodbury, Midland, MI Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:52:06 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2009/06/15/the-death-of-the-corner-pharmacy/#comment-13999 I absolutely would not use a PBM, if I had a choice. I far and away prefer a local unaffiliated small pharmacy. Unfortunately, I do not have sufficient income to purchase medications outright. I have switched my Mother out of Medco to a local independent pharmacy because I saw to it that she purchased insurance with that option. For several years I have had the misfortune of being forced to use Medco Health Solutions for my maintenance medications. Forced because I have to pay triple at retail stores by my insurer's policies and make 3 separate trips. Typically the retail store has lower prices (full price) than what Medco has as full price. If the full price is higher at Medco, then Medco HAS NOT saved the insurance sponsor any money. Medco has no customer service. I.e. service is so poor that it is equivalent to no service. You can never get problems resolved (I have been working for more than 3 months with more than 16 contacts on one problem which Medco caused.) They have lied to me and lied to my doctor. They are constantly in violation of state pharmaceutical practice laws. Their online system is dangerous as it allows customers to request expired drugs when they have a current script. Medco will take and fill as many scripts as are supplied for the same medication without questioning you or your physician. From what I see on the net, they are unethical, greedy and worthless. I must also mention their 2006 fine for $155 million for federal fraud and illegal kickbacks. Maine and other states have passed laws to require transparency because of the practices of these companies. Has the consumer any chance? Not when these companies are spending as much as Medco spends: $990 a quarter (1st Q) in lobbying the U.S. government. (AP May 21, 2009) [Aside: just look at the mess that we ended up with on Medicare Part D as a result of the lobbying efforts of pharmaceutical companies and PBM’s] I am really sorry for local pharmacies that have been so hurt by these companies. I absolutely would not use a PBM, if I had a choice. I far and away prefer a local unaffiliated small pharmacy. Unfortunately, I do not have sufficient income to purchase medications outright. I have switched my Mother out of Medco to a local independent pharmacy because I saw to it that she purchased insurance with that option.

For several years I have had the misfortune of being forced to use Medco Health Solutions for my maintenance medications. Forced because I have to pay triple at retail stores by my insurer's policies and make 3 separate trips. Typically the retail store has lower prices (full price) than what Medco has as full price. If the full price is higher at Medco, then Medco HAS NOT saved the insurance sponsor any money.

Medco has no customer service. I.e. service is so poor that it is equivalent to no service. You can never get problems resolved (I have been working for more than 3 months with more than 16 contacts on one problem which Medco caused.) They have lied to me and lied to my doctor. They are constantly in violation of state pharmaceutical practice laws. Their online system is dangerous as it allows customers to request expired drugs when they have a current script. Medco will take and fill as many scripts as are supplied for the same medication without questioning you or your physician. From what I see on the net, they are unethical, greedy and worthless. I must also mention their 2006 fine for $155 million for federal fraud and illegal kickbacks.

Maine and other states have passed laws to require transparency because of the practices of these companies. Has the consumer any chance? Not when these companies are spending as much as Medco spends: $990 a quarter (1st Q) in lobbying the U.S. government. (AP May 21, 2009) [Aside: just look at the mess that we ended up with on Medicare Part D as a result of the lobbying efforts of pharmaceutical companies and PBM’s]

I am really sorry for local pharmacies that have been so hurt by these companies.

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