McKesson showcases leadership and innovation at ideaShare 2016
CHICAGO -- McKesson's ideaShare 2016, an interactive forum for independent pharmacists from across the U.S., kicked off Monday in Chicago.
The annual conference and exhibition provides attendees with access to industry thought leaders, pharmacy programs and solutions, continuing education courses, and networking events all focused on providing pharmacy owners with insights on how to thrive in today’s market and ensure they are set up for future success.
“McKesson ideaShare is designed to help independent pharmacies invigorate their business, improve results for their patients and build the foundation for future success. McKesson and Health Mart are pleased to drive innovation in this environment through continued investment in the new business-building tools, clinical solutions, and technology being highlighted here,” said Mark Walchirk, president, McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical. “We encourage every independent pharmacist and owner to take advantage of all the tools and programs available to help their business thrive.”
As the industry continues to go through rapid change, Health Mart helps pharmacies to stay ahead of the curve with the Health Mart Pathway to Better Pharmacy Performance and Profit. The Health Mart Pathway offers a strategic road map to help independent pharmacies shift the way they approach their clinical and financial performance and pharmacy operations. The Health Mart Pathway details a pharmacist approved, realistic process for members to make practical changes to their business to enhance their profitability. The Pathway also recommends the resources, tools and expert advice pharmacies need to build a successful future. Building on the established success of its peer-to-peer Town Hall format, Health Mart will host a unique peer-coaching session during ideaShare where attendees will share best practices to help them create an action plan to accelerate their movement along the Pathway.
Throughout McKesson ideaShare, Health Mart will showcase its unparalleled educational resources and support designed to help pharmacies learn how to implement and maximize Med Sync. From Town Hall Meetings and Health Mart University’s Learning Experience, to a “Get In Sync Playbook” and discussions with experienced pharmacists via “Med Sync Masters,” Health Mart provides the resources and hands-on tools to improve patient outcomes and free-up time to offer additional profitable clinical services.
“Med Sync is not the end goal but rather the vehicle to enable our pharmacies to transition their business model from prescription-based to patient-based profits by extending their patient-centric approach to the entire pharmacy with vaccinations, health screenings, performing more adherence interventions or adding specialty pharmaceutical capabilities. Ultimately, the foundation of Health Mart’s strategy is to help our members perform their best clinically and implement innovative business practices that support efforts to increase adherence and deliver quality patient care,” added Courtman.
As more adults get their vaccinations in the pharmacy setting, McKesson and Health Mart are making sure independent pharmacies can take advantage of this service to retain and gain new patients and generate revenue by creating the Vaccination Nation pavilion at this year’s McKesson ideaShare. This one-stop-shop of immunization resources makes it easy for attendees to speak with manufacturers, get questions answered, and pre-book flu vaccine. To complement McKesson’s vaccine and immunization portfolio, Health Mart also offers a comprehensive set of resources to help pharmacies start and grow their immunization services.
Health Mart’s Guide to Pharmacy Immunizations, available to all McKesson customers, guides stores through the key aspects to establish a pharmacy-based immunization program, including reimbursement, standing orders, emergency planning and adverse events, storage and handling. With the Health Mart Vaccine Starter Kit, pharmacies get the next-level of support that includes 12 months of step-by-step personal coaching to get their pharmacy’s vaccine program up and running, marketing their services, and generating revenue.
At 2016 McKesson ideaShare, Health Mart is announcing the broad expansion of its physician-signed Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) program to cover nearly every state that requires a CPA to prescribe and administer eligible immunizations to patients in their community. By extending the CPA program nationwide, Health Mart helps more of its pharmacies save time and stay competitive.
McKesson continues to make significant investments to help Health Mart and independent pharmacies gain access to preferred networks, improve their bottom line and plan for their future:
• AccessHealth: As a market leader in managed care solutions and support for independent pharmacies, McKesson AccessHealth provides the education, expertise and tools pharmacies need to gain access to, and compete in the right preferred networks. At McKesson ideaShare, AccessHealth is sponsoring a special Sunrise Session where attendees will hear first-hand from a national PBM about the activities and outcomes critical to maintaining access to lives. In the exhibit hall, attendees will explore AccessHealth’s contracting and performance programs that help independent pharmacies understand and navigate the managed care landscape, deliver best-in-class medication-related performance outcomes, and optimize their reimbursement.
• RxOwnership: McKesson’s RxOwnership will host the annual Ownership Transfer Luncheon, featuring a panel discussion with industry experts experienced in buying, selling, and starting pharmacies. In the past year, McKesson has assisted over 440 owners start new pharmacies and has helped more than 3,000 pharmacies through the ownership-transfer process since 2008.