Independent Rx Forum

Welcome to Independent Rx Forum with RxConnexion and National Community Pharmacists Association. The leading advocate and business education resource for America's independent pharmacists.

Victory for Virginia Pharmacies 06/03/2025

Victory for Virginia Pharmacies Virginia pharmacies scored a crucial last-minute win when Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed the bipartisan Save Local Pharmacies Act. into law after uncertainty and the threat of a veto. The law increases transparency, saves the state millions, requires pass-through pricing, prohibits spread pricing, and helps keep pharmacies open, which is critical in rural areas where they're often the only access to health care. Guests Lura Thompson and Kim Wright also discuss the impact of advocacy and legislative relationships and how enhanced services through CPESN® are shaping the future of pharmacy care. Guests: Lura Thompson, managing network facilitator, CPESN Kim Wright, director of pharmacy, Family Pharmacies in Amelia, Cumberland, and Farmville, Va. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36795040

PBM Reform in Alabama 05/29/2025

PBM Reform in Alabama This episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs PBM reform in their state. Trent McLemore and Josh Hardin from the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance share how they helped achieve a major PBM reform victory. Hear about their comprehensive solution, why grassroots advocacy was key, and how facetime with legislators made all the difference. What’s next for Alabama? Tune in to find out. Learn more about the Guests: Trent McLemore, executive secretary, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, director of Pharmacy, Star Discount Pharmacy ownership group Josh Hardin, chairman of legislative affairs, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, owner, Mills pharmacy /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36680020

Big Beautiful Update: NCPA Priority Passes House 05/27/2025

Big Beautiful Update: NCPA Priority Passes House NCPA’s Jack Mozloom and Kaite Krell, director of congressional affairs, talk about the massive spending bill that passed the House last week, which includes a top priority for independent pharmacists. What happened? What does it mean for independent pharmacy, and what’s next? Kaite runs through it all on this episode of Independent Rx Forum. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36694105

Empower Pharmacists, Unlock Potential 05/20/2025

Empower Pharmacists, Unlock Potential Pharmacy is evolving. Are independent pharmacies and pharmacy schools keeping up? Ed Cohen and Traci Poole join us in this episode of the “Independent Rx Forum” to talk innovation, advocacy, and the push to redefine what it means to be a pharmacist today. From payment reform to public trust, let’s turn talk to action. To learn more about EmpowerRx, the program John Beckner mentioned that was created for pharmacy support staff by our Developing Opportunities committee, visit . Guests: Ed Cohen, PharmD, FAPhA, COO, PharmTeam Associates Traci Poole, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA, director of community practice advancement, Belmont College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, fellow, APhA /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36579425

Community Connected 05/13/2025

Community Connected Get plugged into Community Connected, a CPESN® initiative helping independent pharmacies strengthen community ties, build trust, and break down barriers to care. Our guests from CPESN, Angelina Tucker and Anginette Wyatt, share how this program can help you train your team, boost cultural competency, connect with local stakeholders, and access digital marketing tools. Plus, discover how CPESN can help you tap into accreditation, funding, and payer programs to expand your impact! Get details at Guests: Angelina Tucker, assistant director, Community Connected, CPESN USA, director of clinical services, Best Value Pharmacies, Inc. Anginette Wyatt, CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC, Clinical Care Pharmacy, immediate-past president, APhA foundation /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36361820

Vaccine Voices: Patient-Centered and Profitable 05/06/2025

Vaccine Voices: Patient-Centered and Profitable How do you turn vaccine hesitancy into a clinical and business success? Abe Funk, PharmD, shares how a CPESN®-provided grant enabled pharmacies in Missouri to expand vaccination efforts beyond the pharmacy — reaching patients at fairs, shelters, and more. Get strategies to effectively engage patients in conversations about vaccines, streamline your workflow, and use community health workers to close care gaps, and hear why NCPA and CPESN are essential to the future of independent pharmacy. Guest: Abe Funk, PharmD, owner, John’s Pharmacy and John’s Rx Long Term Care /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36361055

Capitol Hill this week: an inside look 05/02/2025

Capitol Hill this week: an inside look This week, NCPA brought hundreds of independent pharmacy advocates to Capitol Hill to push for NCPA priorities in-person with their members of Congress and their staff. In this episode, we interview NCPA President Jeff Harrell and highlight the experiences of a first-time attendee as well as student attendees. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at . Hosted by Sam Manas (). You can find a running list of our news stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (). Samuel Manas Associate Director of Communications National Community Pharmacists Association Phone: (443) 310-1761 Save the date for our . Registration opens on June 5. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36415290

ICYMI #NCPA2024: CPESN’s Value 04/29/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: CPESN’s Value Why is CPESN® such an asset to independent pharmacies? Christian Tadrus, PharmD — pharmacy owner, strategy consultant, and CPESN Luminary of the Year for 2024 — joins us to highlight the resources it provides access to. Learn about how CPESN can connect pharmacies to payer programs, local public health entities, and grants that support enhanced patient care. Guest: Christian Tadrus, PharmD, pharmacy owner, lead strategy consultant, Tadrus Advisory Group, LLC, CPESN Luminary of the Year /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36298660

Our message to DOGE 04/25/2025

Our message to DOGE qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at . Hosted by Sam Manas (). Today's stories: NCPA urges DOGE to focus on PBMs for waste, fraud, and abuse - PhRMA report: 25 percent tariff could hike prices by up to 12.9 percent - Ohio shows PBM and Medicaid reforms save money - For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (). /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36316925

ICYMI #NCPA2024: LTC at Home 04/24/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: LTC at Home What is long-term care pharmacy at home, and why is there a growing need for these services? Don’t miss this valuable conversation with guests Susan Rhodus and Leanne Haley-Brown as they look into all things LTC at home. They also address what makes this a game-changing opportunity, why community pharmacies are perfectly positioned to lead this shift, and what to consider before getting started. Guests: Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, CPESN® pharmacy care at home and closed-door facility care lead Susan Rhodus, BS Pharm, senior vice president, contracts and advocacy, GeriMed /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36262305

qAM highlights for the week of April 14 04/18/2025

qAM highlights for the week of April 14 qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. Subscribe at . Hosted by Sam Manas (). Here are the stories we covered today: Tariffs must be finely tuned to avoid higher costs to pharmacies - NCPA Statement on Drug Pricing Executive Order - Arkansas law bans state permits to PBM-owned pharmacies effective 2026 - Comeback state of the year: Alabama governor signs PBM reform bill into law - 39 state and territory attorneys general urge passage of federal PBM reform legislation - For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website here: Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (). /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36225865

Fighting the Measles Comeback 04/17/2025

Fighting the Measles Comeback Measles is making a comeback — and pharmacists play a key role in prevention. In this episode, David Ha, PharmD, BCIDP of Stanford and Rannon Ching, PharmD, owner of Tarrytown Pharmacy, discuss clinical considerations and how pharmacists can fight vaccine hesitancy by educating their communities and working with the local medical community to provide vaccine access. Learn how being a trusted resource can protect vulnerable populations, help boost immunization efforts, and benefit your business. Guests: Rannon Ching, PharmD, president, chief pharmacy officer, Tarrytown Pharmacy David Ha, PharmD, BCIDP, infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist and manager at the Stanford University School of Medicine /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36134980

Vaccine Voices: Mastering Billing 04/15/2025

Vaccine Voices: Mastering Billing Next up in our special series, “Vaccine Voices,” guest host Hannah Fish, NCPA’s senior director of strategic initiatives, sits down with Marc Ost, CPhT, co-owner of Eric’s RX Shoppe, to break down the complexities of medical billing for immunizations. Marc shares how he helped develop a successful vaccine program in his pharmacy. He takes us through the ins and outs of all the different billing types and offers practical tips on using pharmacy management systems to streamline billing, training staff to avoid errors, and tracking different reimbursement options. Whether you’re just getting started with immunizations or are looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with advice to help your pharmacy succeed. This series is sponsored by a CDC cooperative agreement. Guest: Marc Ost, CPhT, co-owner at Eric’s RX Shoppe Guest Host: Hannah Fish, senior director of strategic initiatives, NCPA /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36134845

qAM Highlights for the week of April 7 04/11/2025

qAM Highlights for the week of April 7 qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can subscribe here (). Here are the stories we covered today: For more information on our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, please visit our website () Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's Member Publications section (). If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (). Hosted by Sam Manas (). /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36103930

Vaccine Voices: Partnership Power 04/08/2025

Vaccine Voices: Partnership Power Growing a vaccine program with a substantial revenue stream starts with strong partnerships. In this episode, guest host Hannah Fish talks with Sanjay Patel, director of pharmacy at Haller's Pharmacy and Medical Supply, about how building relationships with hospitals, local governments, and health entities can increase program revenue. You’ll walk away with strategies for fruitful collaboration and learn how these connections can open doors to innovative new business opportunities. This series is sponsored by a CDC cooperative agreement. Guest: Sanjay Patel, director of pharmacy, Haller's Pharmacy and Medical Supply, managing network facilitator, CPESN® Central California Guest Host: Hannah Fish, senior director of strategic initiatives, NCPA /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36042600

qAM Highlights for the week of March 31 04/04/2025

qAM Highlights for the week of March 31 A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 31. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can . (). Here are the stories we covered today: Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's section (). If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (). Hosted by Sam Manas. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/36010360

qAM Highlights for the week of March 24 03/29/2025

qAM Highlights for the week of March 24 A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 24. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can . (). Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's section (). If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (). Hosted by Sam Manas. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35912845

Unpacking the Drug Price Negotiation Program 03/25/2025

Unpacking the Drug Price Negotiation Program NCPA’s Ronna Hauser, senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, talks with Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisors, about his firm’s newest research on how the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program will leave independent pharmacies high and dry. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35842030

qAM Highlights for the week of March 17 03/21/2025

qAM Highlights for the week of March 17 A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 10. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can . (). Want to catch up on what else we’ve shared in qAM? You can find a running list of our stories, and Executive Update columns from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey, on our website's section (). If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (). Hosted by Sam Manas. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35814945

qAM highlights for the week of March 10 03/14/2025

qAM highlights for the week of March 10 A roundup of news and notes from the week of March 10. qAM is NCPA's weekday email newsletter. You can . (). Here are the stories we reference in the episode: If you're having trouble accessing the links above, please check the episode page here (). Hosted by Sam Manas. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35702250

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Wellgistics Health 03/04/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Wellgistics Health Tune in to our next conversation recorded live above the NCPA Annual Convention Expo floor, with our friends from Wellgistics Health (the official sponsor of the Independent Rx Forum!), Tim Canning, CEO, and Shafaat Pirani, PharmD, BCGP. Hear what they’re doing to fulfill their mission: simplifying prescription fulfillment and opening new opportunities for independent community pharmacies to thrive. Listen and then learn more at . /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35527605

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Business Unusual 02/25/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Business Unusual There are lots of opportunities in community pharmacy to follow your passions for patient care, whether you’re an owner, a pharmacist, a technician or another member of the team. In this episode of the Independent Rx Forum, recorded live on day two of #NCPA2024, Dan Krinsky joins hosts John Beckner and Ed Cohen to highlight ways to make your practice your own. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35406205

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Building Bridges 02/11/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Building Bridges In this episode, we’ll hear the story of how one pharmacist discovered her passion for specialty care, leading her to CPESN USA, America’s first clinically integrated network of pharmacy providers. Now, guest Lura Thompson connects community pharmacies to CPESN’s innovative programs, such as payer networks and health equity partnerships. From grant-funded vaccine access to telehealth hubs, this episode explores the future of pharmacy-driven patient services. To learn more about CPESN and to find out if there’s a network in your state, visit . /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35237650

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Tech Talk with PTCB 02/04/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Tech Talk with PTCB What would pharmacists do without technicians? In this episode, recorded live from #NCPA2024, we’re discussing all things technician with Liza Chapman, chief professional officer of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This conversation hits on everything from why technicians are essential to a successful pharmacy and NCPA’s partnership with PTCB to how certifications have evolved and why expanding technician roles is more important than ever. Plus, we peek into the future of technician development — because superheroes deserve a solid career path, too! /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/35136360

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Fellowship with Us! 01/28/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Fellowship with Us! In this episode, NCPA’s Drew Register, director of student affairs and professional development, takes center stage! He shares how he ended up in the association world and his passion for helping pharmacists and pharmacy owners succeed, and delves deep into the NCPA Innovation Center/CPESN Community Pharmacy Fellowship. Discover how this program allows pharmacists and pharmacy owners to implement clinical services, connect with mentors, and engage with peers to advance their careers and businesses. To learn about all things Fellowship, including how it’s structured, the application process and success stories, visit . /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34994760

ICYMI #NCPA2024: ROI on Support Staff 01/14/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: ROI on Support Staff Tune in to our next conversation with Meredy Ayers and Jake Galdo, recorded live from #NCPA2024, for insights on maximizing your pharmacy’s profitability through effective support staff utilization. Learn how expanding technician roles and improving job satisfaction can boost staff retention, increase safety, and drive revenue in your business. For information and resources to help expand your technicians' roles, we encourage you to visit our partners at the at . /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34853600

ICYMI #NCPA2024: InStep Health 01/07/2025

ICYMI #NCPA2024: InStep Health In our next episode, recorded live from #NCPA2024, Jason Wilkinson joins us to talk about the benefits of partnering with InStep Health, an NCPA corporate member. Wilkinson highlights how InStep Health facilitates patient-pharmacist conversations to build trust, improve health outcomes, and position pharmacies as essential community partners. Tune in to discover how their tailored products drive revenue, enhance patient education, and create measurable ROI for independent pharmacy owners. Click to learn more about and for their free marketing solutions. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34744240

Vaccine Voices: Long-Term Care 12/23/2024

Vaccine Voices: Long-Term Care Join us for the first episode of the Vaccine Voices series, where we explore vaccination strategies across different demographics. In this episode, NCPA’s John Beckner sits down with Becky Snead, NCPA’s senior director of strategic initiatives and long-term care, and community pharmacist Chichi Ilonzo Momah to discuss the potential of administering vaccines in long-term care facilities. Learn how this rapidly growing business opportunity can enhance patient care and support pharmacy growth. This episode is sponsored by Pfizer. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34589245

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Leadership Spotlight 12/18/2024

ICYMI #NCPA2024: Leadership Spotlight Join us for a conversation with Lea Wolsoncroft, RPh, 2023-24 NCPA president and owner of Remedies Pharmacy. Lea tells the story of her journey into pharmacy, how her first NCPA Annual Convention shaped her path, and her passion for compounding and pediatric pharmacy. She also reflects on her year as NCPA president, reveals what she enjoyed the most, and discusses the evolving role of pharmacists in public health and preventative care. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34503396

ICYMI #NCPA2024: A Fresh Take 12/11/2024

ICYMI #NCPA2024: A Fresh Take In this episode, we get a fresh perspective on the annual convention from Brett Deese and Trey Kincaid, first-time attendees and P2 students at the VCU School of Pharmacy. They share their convention highlights and get some advice from our hosts and seasoned community pharmacists, John Beckner and Ed Cohen. Did their experience at #NCPA2024 influence which pharmacy path they will choose? Listen to find out. /episode/index/show/2fcd086f-723d-4c8e-9885-ebcd39e1d7da/id/34370035

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