PBA Health covers all sides

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —PBA Health has grown phenomenally over the past few years, and its members have access to more than 5,500 drugs through its wholesalers.

On the buy side, PBA Health operates a distribution center and is a voting member of the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, the trade organization owned by the nation’s full-line wholesalers. PBA Health also contracts with three wholesalers, allowing its members to choose the wholesaler they prefer.

On the operations side, PBA Health works closely with two pharmacy management system companies, two IVR companies, a credit card processing firm and a robotics vendor. While members can use any technology vendor they choose, the group can negotiate better pricing and work closely with vendors on software features that drive proprietary management and marketing programs by working with a small number of companies.

Among the key programs PBA Health offers are TriNet, a third-party network; Ensure Pay, an electronic claims central pay and reconciliation service; an in-house PBM; and ScriptCard, a cash card program that helps members market themselves to the uninsured or underinsured. ScriptCard+ supports a flatfee generic program.

PBA Health expends considerable effort to keep abreast of issues at the state and federal level, and shares this information in a compelling and organized manner with its members, CEO Nick Smock said. It also calls upon members to contact elected and appointed government officials in an effort to effect change.

PBA Health also has an advertising and marketing staff that does market research for stores, designs logos and develops customized ad materials. The organization supports DBA True Care Pharmacies, a program that provides overall support for members and provides interior and exterior signage, POP materials and even has an impressive private-label program.