PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National
Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) today announced the
availability of the 2010 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal
Health, which found that independent community pharmacy owners
were able to generally stabilize their business in 2009 despite a
stagnant economy, the growing influence of government health care
programs, declining prescription drug reimbursements and the
questionable business practices of pharmacy benefit managers
(PBMs).
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“The NCPA Digest findings demonstrate that an independent
community pharmacy business model that is adaptable, yet rooted in
sterling customer service and competitive pricing, has a viable
place in today’s marketplace,” said Douglas Hoey, RPh, NCPA Acting
Executive Vice President and CEO. “Independents helped their
patients and their businesses by diversifying their revenue streams
through providing convenient patient services, such as
immunizations, and helping patients manage their prescription costs
and medication regimen in a down economy.”
Hoey added, “As a result, after a sharp drop in the number of
pharmacies in 2006 when Medicare Part D went into effect, the
number of independents has generally stabilized and grew
modestly.”
Now in its 78th year, the NCPA Digest provides a
comprehensive analysis of independent community pharmacies’
financial state. Noteworthy findings include:
- The number of total independent community pharmacies rose from
22,728 in the previous year to 23,117. - 51% of independent community pharmacies are in areas of 20,000
people or less, 21% in areas with 20,000 to 50,000 pe‘/>”/>
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