Top Takeaways from NCPA Multi-Locations Conference

The NCPA Multi Locations Show has wrapped up, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. If you get the chance to attend in the future we highly recommend it.  We had the opportunity to network with some of the most successful independent pharmacy professionals in the business. Despite the challenges facing community pharmacies, we left inspired by the possibilities ahead. A huge thank you to NCPA for putting together such a well-curated event focused on helping pharmacy professionals thrive! 

Athen'a Top Takeaways from the Event:

Pharmacy Payment Challenges & Reform

• Brand Medications & Reimbursement: Brands make up less than 10% of prescriptions but account for 86% of revenue. Yet, payment from insurers below acquisition costs is crushing community pharmacies, turning even small reimbursement cuts into major financial losses.
• Getting Paid for Clinical Services: Expanding pharmacy services beyond dispensing is critical. The industry is pushing for payment reform for clinical services, with NCPA and CPESN playing a key role in training pharmacists to monetize care services effectively.

 Legal Battles & PBM Reform Remain a Priority

• Ongoing Legal Cases (Learn More):
  • NCPA TRUST arbitration for thousands of pharmacies.
  • Osterhaus vs. ESI – Allegations of price conspiracy with Prime, Benecard, and Magellan.
  • Class action lawsuits against GoodRx, CVS, ESI, MedImpact, and Navitus.
  • Cyberattack damages – Lawsuit against United Health.
  • Federal and state action support, including FTC investigations and state attorneys general efforts.

Policy Changes & Economic Shifts

• Tariffs & Generic Pricing: Potential price increases and drug shortages due to global trade policies.
• Medicare Part D Negotiations: The Inflation Reduction Act could impact pharmacy revenue streams, delaying payments and disrupting cash flow.
  • Payment delays could extend prescription settlements by seven additional days beyond current Part D requirements.
  • Cash flow shortfalls could cost pharmacies nearly $11,000 weekly.
  • Annual revenue losses could reach $43,000 per pharmacy, equivalent to a technician’s salary.

Data Analytics & Technology: A Game Changer

• Smarter Decision-Making: Data analytics is playing a larger role in helping pharmacies make informed business decisions, from inventory management to patient adherence tracking.
• Streamlining Workflow & Automation: Technology is being leveraged to reduce administrative burdens, improve medication synchronization, and optimize staffing efficiency.
• Operational Efficiency: Pharmacists can use AI-driven insights to predict demand, track payer trends, and proactively address reimbursement challenges before they become financial burdens.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: As digital tools become more integrated into pharmacy operations, HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity measures are critical to protecting patient data and maintaining trust.

 New Growth Opportunities for Pharmacies

• Long-Term Care at Home is emerging as a major win for all stakeholders, allowing pharmacies to expand services beyond traditional dispensing (Learn More).
• Convenience & Preventative Care are becoming key cash-based revenue streams, presenting new front-end business opportunities.
• Medicare Low-Income Subsidy and OTC benefit programs offer additional ways for pharmacies to maximize reimbursements (NCPA Explainer).

The independent pharmacy landscape is changing rapidly, but with the right strategies, advocacy, technology, and innovation, community pharmacies can continue to grow and thrive.