UV Safety Month Educate and Inform - Smith Drug Company · the cutting edge of this ever-evolving...

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The DrugSmith is The Monthly Newsletter of The Smith Drug Company A Division of J M Smith Corporation Spartanburg, SC • Paragould, AR • Valdosta, GA UV Safety Month "Educate and Inform" Your Customer Base The Expanding Specialty Drug Market Specialty Pharmacy 101

Transcript of UV Safety Month Educate and Inform - Smith Drug Company · the cutting edge of this ever-evolving...

Page 1: UV Safety Month Educate and Inform - Smith Drug Company · the cutting edge of this ever-evolving profession! I’m sure you will find that Smith Drug Company is “moving pharmacy

The DrugSmith is The Monthly Newsletter of The Smith Drug Company A Division of J M Smith Corporation

Spartanburg, SC • Paragould, AR • Valdosta, GA

UV Safety Month "Educate and Inform"Your Customer Base

The Expanding Specialty Drug MarketSpecialty Pharmacy 101

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Specialty Pharmacy 101Presented by Diplomat’s Retail Specialty NetworkYou may have heard about the growth of specialty pharmacy and the services available from pharmacies that dispense specialty drugs. But what exactly is a specialty drug? What does a specialty pharmacy do that makes it different from a traditional pharmacy? Diplomat’s Retail Specialty Network walks you through the complex medications and high-touch patient services that distinguish specialty from traditional pharmacy.

What Is a Specialty Medication?There is no firm definition of a specialty medication, but in general, specialty medications are used to treat complex or chronic health conditions, are more costly than traditional pharmaceuticals and require special handling such as refrigeration or reconstitution. Treatment regimens are usually complex, and side effects are common, making it hard for patients to stay adherent. The one feature that all specialty medications have in common is that patients taking them need an enhanced level of support to make their therapy successful.

Some major specialty disease states include conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV and hepatitis C. You may already dispense some specialty medications for these conditions, as many are openly available. However, some specialty medications are only available from a limited panel of pharmacies, while others can be obtained only from a single pharmacy.

What Is a Specialty Pharmacy?Specialty pharmacy is defined by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores as “the service created to manage the handling and service requirements of specialty pharmaceuticals, including dispensing, distribution, reimbursement, case management and other services specific to patients with rare and/or chronic diseases.”1 Essentially, specialty pharmacies perform high-touch services such as adherence management, benefits investigation and funding support in order to remove some of the obstacles facing patients with complex conditions.

As treatment regimens are often complex, education is an essential component of the specialty pharmacy’s ability to support patients. Specialty pharmacists counsel patients on the symptoms of their condition, medication side effects and when they should contact their prescriber or pharmacist for help. In addition, specialty pharmacies often employ nurses to perform in-person or over-the-phone training on how to administer specialty medications. The confidence that comes from understanding what to expect from specialty therapy and knowing who to contact for support is key to promoting adherence and successful therapy.

How Do I Get Involved?Although specialty medications carry unique challenges, specialty pharmacies can help to clear up the confusion for their patients with personalized support. Interested in learning how your pharmacy can offer specialty solutions for your customers? Find out if Diplomat’s Retail Specialty Network is right for you. Visit diplomat.is/rsn.

Copyright © 2015 by Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. Diplomat is a registered trademark of Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. All rights reserved.

1. National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Specialty Pharmacy in Community Pharmacy: The Time Is Now—and How! Available at: http://www.nacds.org/pdfs/membership/white_paper_speciality_pharmacy.pdf.

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New PQA Quality Improvement Indicators Approved

Springfield, VA (May 19, 2016) – During its Annual Meeting on May 19th, the membership of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) approved four new quality improvement indicators (QIIs) to improve medication synchronization programs. QIIs differ from performance measures in that they are not used for public reporting. They are intended only for internal use within an organization or pharmacy to better understand and improve the efficiency and outcomes of internal processes. As such, these QIIs are designed to help pharmacists align refill dates of patients with chronic medications and regularly connect with patients.

“Research related to medication synchronization has shown these programs are becoming one of community pharmacies’ best practices,” said PQA Executive Director Laura Cranston. “Medication synchronization programs are intended to improve patient adherence to chronic medications. These quality improvement indicators will help pharmacies to assess improvement points inside of their med sync operations to make their programs even better.”

PQA has four newly approved QIIs that aim to help pharmacies analyze program acceptance and initial synchronization rates, patient contact rates, medication synchronization completeness and medication synchronization continuation.The four medication synchronization QIIs were each tested by two PQA member organizations. Results from the testing showed the metrics were feasible for implementation and useful. Prior to voting in May, PQA member organizations had the opportunity to submit written comments regarding the metrics and to participate in a phone conference hosted by PQA staff to address questions.

Dr. Woody Eisenberg, Senior Vice President of Performance Measurement and Strategic Alliances stated, “PQA is pleased to have approved this core set of Quality Improvement Indicators intended to assist pharmacies implementing the processes necessary for a successful medication synchronization program. We believe medication synchronization could establish a foundation for outcome-based measures of pharmacy services and improved patient care. These four metrics can be implemented as a set, or individually, and PQA stands ready to assist those pharmacies ready to implement these indicators.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information on the newly approved quality improvement indicators, visit the PQA website at http://pqaalliance.org/measures/quality_improvement.asp.

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ON THE INSIDE

The Expanding Specialty Drug MarketFrom 2010 to 2014, specialty drug spending increased in the United States from $76 billion to $124 billion. It is predicted by 2018 specialty drugs will account for 50% of drug expenditures. Although specialty drugs account for a large portion of drug expenditures, they account for a small volume of the prescriptions dispensed.

In 2014, forty two innovative molecules were launched and in 2015 there were forty five new drug approvals and nine biologics approved. Of the 2015 approvals, 36% were first in class approvals, and 47% were designated as orphan drugs. 60% of the 2015 approvals earned at least one FDA special designation such as; fast track, breakthrough, priority review, or accelerated approval. Many of these drugs will reside in the specialty space.

According to the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the targeted conditions for specialty drug treatment encompasses millions of patients.

• Hepatitis C/3.2 million patients

• Alzheimer’s disease/5.4 million patients

• Oncology/14 million patients

• Inflammatory disorders/24-50 million patients

In preparation to assist our pharmacies in caring for these patients, Smith Drug Company has partnered with Diplomat Pharmacy to create the HealthWise Pharmacy Specialty Network. Please contact your Smith Drug

Company Pharmacy Business Consultant for more information about this exciting opportunity.

Healthwise™ Clinical SolutionsHealthwise™ Circular Program

DollarWise™ ProgramGood Sense® Controlled Label Program

Greeting Cards ProgramContinuing EducationGift and Trade Show

Rx QuickShip™

Third Party StationPharmacy First

DrugSmith™ Monthly NewsletterSmith Weekly e-BlastDiabeticare Program

Hamacher Retail Zone PricingHome Health Care Catalog

HealthWise Signage ProgramSmith Gift Box Gift Category

Vials and Vitamin ProgramDirect Mail Advertising

Well Staffed Customer ServiceExcellent Service LevelsStore Fixture Program

Merchandising ServicesSpotlight Program

Repeat Rewards Loyalty Cards

Specialty Pharmacy 101 2Quality Improvement Indicators Approved 3Letter From Our President - CE/Trade Show 6July Is: UV Safety Month 7Pharmacy Solutions: Mobilized Ordering 11Marketing: Changing Floorplans 12

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INTRODUCING DUAL-ACTION, ROLL-ON FORMULA

FOR INSTANT PAIN RELIEF ANDITCH PROTECTION

FIRE ANT STINGS?5 MILLION AMERICANS NEEDFIRE ANT STING RELIEF!

NEW!

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July is here! We are hoping to have a record turnout for this year’s Smith Drug Company CE & Trade Show in Savannah Georgia July 15-17th! We are hoping you are planning on attending as this may be the most pivotal show yet as we are revealing several new programs, as well as enhancements to existing programs that we are launching in order to make business better for pharmacy. As a pharmacist-led organization, we know the industry’s paradigms and we know our profession well! Thus, we have been busy putting together meaningful solutions to help you practice at the top of your license and on the cutting edge of this ever-evolving profession! I’m sure you will find that Smith Drug Company is “moving pharmacy forward” now more than ever!

Recently, we issued a joint press release with our new specialty partner Diplomat Pharmacy Inc.. Diplomat is renowned for their exceptional service in the specialty space and their Retail Specialty Network is one that will help Smith Drug independent pharmacy customers get into the rapidly growing segment of pharmacy called “specialty at retail”. For years, specialty was predominantly done through central fill specialty pharmacy providers, often PBM/mail service providers. Diplomat, the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy provider, helped pave the way to demonstrate that specialty pharmacy done at the local level, with certain wrap-around services from a third party such as them, can achieve the same level of performance with regards to patient counseling, benefits investigation, prior authorization, appeal support and most importantly strong patient adherence to specialty medication as central fill specialty pharmacies had demonstrated. Smith Drug will launch the HealthWise Pharmacy Specialty Network as its banner program for Smith Drug customers, powered by Diplomat’s Retail Specialty Network platform. More details to follow at the CE & Trade Show in Savannah! Don’t miss out on being a part of this important launch!

The profession of pharmacy is changing rapidly. No longer is the product the pill. The products now are both adherence to medications and healthy outcomes. Payment will be based on performance more and more in the future. In fact, much of today’s reimbursement is predicated on quality performance measures from the past. The time is now to get focused on driving

performance within your own pharmacy practice to help you achieve the access to insurance plans and reimbursement levels you need to thrive. Smith Drug Company is here to help! HealthWise Clinical Solutions was launched not too long ago, however, we are already adding several new capability partners so you can choose from various vendors’ programs that make sense for how you want to practice, providing only what you need and want. For example, your pharmacy prescription filling software may already offer various solutions to help you drive improvement in quality performance measures (ie. 5-star) but may not offer everything you need, but you don’t want to pay for solutions that overlap what you already have. Our newly enhanced HealthWise Clinical Solutions program now has various solutions from several vendors such as Ateb, PrescribeWellness, PQA/Equipp and Creative Pharmacist. Learn also about our new immunization program we are launching, and programs to assist you in medication synchronization, outbound refill reminder calls, and more! Please plan to come to the CE & Trade Show to see what programs make sense for you and your pharmacy!

“HealthWise Pharmacy” is an iconic brand that we plan on putting a lot more energy and marketing power into. We are in the process of updating our logo as well as launching several services and offerings tied to this terrific brand. Branding is important in the retail space. HealthWise branding will help you stand out in the marketplace. Consumers love brands they trust. Smith Drug Company will enhance the HealthWise brand further bolstering an identity that will help resonate with your patients and creating an emotional relationship. Come to the CE & Trade Show to see how HealthWise branding, marketing programs and signage can help you drive your store’s brand in your marketplace! Lastly, please take advantage of the several timely and topical CE programs that we offer at the CE & Trade Show. Enjoy the great events, trade show floor and entertainment! Don’t miss out on the savings and promotional offerings as well! Please visit with your Smith Drug Company Pharmacy Business Consultant today about attending this years’ Smith Drug Company CE & Trade Show!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Foreman, RPhPresidentSmith Drug Company

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As A Pharmacy With A Product Line of Sun Protection, July Is A Perfect Opportunity To Share Your Knowledge and Concern with Your Customer Base About Proper UV Protection.How do I protect myself from UV rays?

People who get a lot of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays are at greater risk for skin cancer. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays, but you don’t have to avoid the sun completely. And it would be unwise to stay inside if it would keep you from being active, because physical activity is important for good health. But getting too much sun can be harmful. There are some steps you can take to limit your exposure to UV rays. Some people think about sun protection only when they spend a day at the lake, beach, or pool. But sun exposure adds up day after day, and it happens every time you are in the sun. Simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. If you are going to be in the sun, “Slip! Slop! Slap!® and Wrap” is a catchphrase that can help you remember some of the key steps you can take to protect yourself from UV rays:

• Slip on a shirt.

• Slop on sunscreen.

• Slap on a hat.

• Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them.

Seek shade

An obvious but very important way to limit your exposure to UV light is to avoid being outdoors in direct sunlight too long. This is particularly important between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when UV light is strongest. If you are unsure how strong the sun’s rays are, use the shadow test: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest, and it’s important to protect yourself.

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UV rays reach the ground all year, even on cloudy or hazy days, but the strength of UV rays can change based on the time of year and other factors. UV rays become more intense in the spring, even before temperatures get warmer. People in some areas may get sunburned when the weather is still cool because they may not think about protecting themselves if it’s not hot out. Be especially careful on the beach or in areas with snow because sand, water, and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation you get. UV rays can also reach below the water’s surface, so you can still get a burn even if you’re in the water and feeling cool. Some UV rays can also pass through windows. Typical car, home, and office windows block most UVB rays but a smaller portion of UVA rays, so even if you don’t feel you’re getting burned your skin may still get some damage. Tinted windows help block more UVA rays, but this depends on the type of tinting. (If you do have your car windows tinted, check local laws, as some states regulate this.) UV radiation that comes through windows probably doesn’t pose a great risk to most people unless they spend long periods of time close to a window that gets direct sunlight. If you plan to be outdoors, you may want to check the UV Index for your area. The UV Index usually can be found in local newspaper, TV, radio, and online forecasts. It’s also on the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html and in many smartphone apps.

Protect your skin with clothing

When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to cover as much skin as possible. Clothes provide different levels of UV protection. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts cover the most skin and are the most protective. Dark colors generally provide more protection than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. Dry fabric is generally more protective than wet fabric. Be aware that covering up doesn’t block out all UV rays. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through, too.Some companies now make clothing that’s lightweight, comfortable, and protects against UV exposure even when wet. It tends to be more tightly woven, and some have special coatings to help absorb UV rays. These sun-protective clothes may have a label listing the UV protection factor (UPF) value (the level of protection the garment provides from the sun’s UV rays, on a scale from 15 to 50+). The higher the UPF, the higher the protection from UV rays.

Newer products, which are used like laundry detergents in a washing machine, can increase the UPF value of clothes you already own. They add a layer of UV protection to your clothes without changing the color or texture. This can be useful, but it’s not exactly clear how much it adds to protecting you from UV rays, so it’s still important to follow the other steps listed here.

Use sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product that you put on your skin to protect it from the sun’s UV rays. But it’s important to know that sunscreen is just a filter – it does not block all UV rays. Sunscreen should not be used as a way to prolong your time in the sun. Even with proper sunscreen use, some UV rays get through, which is why using other forms of sun protection is also important.Sunscreens are available in many forms – lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sprays, wipes, and lip balms, to name a few. Some cosmetics, such as moisturizers, lipsticks, and foundations, are considered sunscreen products if they have sunscreen. Some makeup contains sunscreen, but you have to check the label – makeup, including lipstick, without sunscreen does not provide sun protection.

Read the labels

When choosing a sunscreen product, be sure to read the label. Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or higher are recommended.

Sun protection factor (SPF): The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. A higher SPF number means more UVB protection (although it says nothing about UVA protection). For example, when applying an SPF 30 sunscreen correctly, you get the equivalent of 1 minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So, 1 hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending 2 minutes totally unprotected. People often do not apply enough sunscreen, so they get less actual protection.

Sunscreens labeled with SPFs as high as 100+ are available.

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Higher numbers do mean more protection, but many people don’t understand the SPF scale. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%. The higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. No sunscreen protects you completely.Sunscreens with an SPF lower than 15 must now include a warning on the label stating that the product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.

Broad spectrum sunscreen: Sunscreen products can only be labeled “broad spectrum” if they have been tested and shown to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Some of the chemicals in sunscreens that help protect against UVA rays include avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Only broad spectrum sunscreen products with an SPF of 15 or higher can state that they help protect against skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun protection measures.

Water resistant sunscreen.

Sunscreens are no longer allowed to be labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof” because these terms can be misleading. Sunscreens can claim to be “water resistant,” but they have to state whether they protect the skin for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, based on testing. Expiration dates: Check the expiration date on the sunscreen to be sure it’s still effective. Most sunscreen products are good for at least 2 to 3 years, but you may need to shake the bottle to remix the sunscreen ingredients. Sunscreens

that have been exposed to heat for long periods, such as if they were kept in a glove box or car trunk through the summer, may be less effective.

Be sure to apply the sunscreen properly

Always follow the label directions. Most recommend applying sunscreen generously. When putting it on, pay close attention to your face, ears, neck, arms, and any other areas not covered by clothing. If you’re going to wear insect repellent or makeup, put the sunscreen on first.

Ideally, about 1 ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass or palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours to maintain protection. Sunscreens can wash off when you sweat or swim and then wipe off with a towel, so they might need to be reapplied more often. Be sure to read the label. And don’t forget your lips; lip balm with sunscreen is also available. Some sunscreen products can irritate your skin. Many products claim to be hypoallergenic or dermatologist tested, but the only way to know for sure if a product will irritate your skin is to try it. One common recommendation is to apply a small amount to the soft skin on the inside of your elbow every day for 3 days. If your skin does not turn red or become itchy, the product is probably OK for you.

Sunless tanning products, such as bronzers and extenders give skin a tan or golden color. But unlike sunscreens, these products provide very little protection from UV damage.

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Wear a hat

A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas that are often exposed to intense sun, such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A dark, non-reflective underside to the brim can also help lower the amount of UV rays reaching the face from reflective surfaces such as water. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about 7 inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) also is good, and will provide more protection for the neck. These are often sold in sports and outdoor supply stores. If you don’t have a shade cap (or another good hat) available, you can make one by wearing a large handkerchief or bandana under a baseball cap. A baseball cap protects the front and top of the head but not the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not as protective as hats made of tightly woven fabric.

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing certain eye diseases.

The ideal sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Before you buy, check the label to make sure they do. Labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled “cosmetic” block about 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don’t assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection. Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical in or applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label.

Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles. Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses – not toy sunglasses. Ideally, all types of eyewear, including prescription glasses and contact lenses, should protect against UV rays. Some contact lenses are now made to block most UV rays. But because they don’t cover the whole eye and surrounding areas, they are not sufficient eye protection when used alone.

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

Many people believe the UV rays of tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning lamps give out UVA and usually UVB rays as well. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause long-term skin damage, and can contribute to skin cancer.

Tanning bed use has been linked with an increased risk of melanoma, especially if it’s started before a person is 30. Most skin doctors and health organizations recommend not using tanning beds and sun lamps. If you want a tan, one option is to use a sunless tanning lotion, which can provide a darker look without the danger. Small UV lamps are also used in nail salons (or at home) to dry some types of nail polish. These lamps give off UVA rays. The amount given off is much lower than from tanning beds, and the risk of skin cancer from these lamps is thought to be low. Still, to be safe, some expert groups recommend applying sunscreen to the hands before using one of these lamps.

Protect children from the sun

Children need special attention. They tend to spend more time outdoors, can burn more easily, and may not be aware of the dangers. Parents and other caregivers should protect children from excess sun exposure by using the steps above. It’s important, particularly in sunnier parts of the world, to cover your children as fully as is reasonable. You should develop the habit of using sunscreen on exposed skin for yourself and your children whenever you go outdoors and may be exposed to large amounts of sunlight. Children need to be taught about the dangers of too much sun exposure as they become more independent. If you or your child burns easily, be extra careful to cover up, limit exposure, and apply sunscreen.Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing. Sunscreen may be used on small areas of exposed skin only if adequate clothing and shade are not available.

A word about sun exposure and vitamin D

Doctors are learning that vitamin D has many health benefits. It might even help lower the risk for some cancers. Your skin makes vitamin D naturally when you are in the sun. How much vitamin D you make depends on many things, including how old you are, how dark your skin is, and how strong the sunlight is where you live.

At this time, doctors aren’t sure what the optimal level of vitamin D is. A lot of research is being done in this area. Whenever possible, it’s better to get vitamin D from your diet or vitamin supplements rather than from sun exposure because dietary sources and vitamin supplements do not increase skin cancer risk, and are typically more reliable ways to get the amount you need.

Source: http://www.cancer.org

A Downloadable/Printable PDF is available for handing out to your customers at Cancer.org/UV Protection

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Smith Drug Company Partners with Legisym LLC to Mobilize Ordering System for Controlled Substances

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Smith Drug Company has partnered with Legisym to release its newest ordering system for controlled substances. Pharmacies purchasing products from Smith Drug Company will be able to simply fill out and electronically sign their order, Legisym will validate the order, and Smith Drug Company will ship the product, all in a real-time environment. The cloud-based system means pharmacists can even complete orders via mobile devices.

"This latest release of our CSOS solution offers many improvements," said David Kessler, President and Partner of Legisym, LLC. "Smith Drug Company customers will be able to place their orders using any browser enabled device, whereas before they were tied to a single computer in the pharmacy. This flexibility will not only make life easier for pharmacists, it will allow the correct person to have access review and authorize the order."

Other features of the new system are improved ease of use and seamless integration with the existing Smith Drug Company ordering system on a highly secure platform.

"Providing our customers with solutions that work best for them is important to us," explained Jeff Foreman, RPh, President, Smith Drug Company. "The fact that they can now complete their order, including controlled substances, on their schedule from a location that works for them, is a significant improvement. As a former,

independent retail pharmacist myself, I know that sometimes, placing and approving orders from the store just doesn't work."

"Of course, security and DEA validation are the real keys to the success of CSOS," said Kessler. "And we appreciate working with a wholesale drug distribution company like Smith Drug Company, who understands that security and customer service go hand in hand."

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Pharmacy layout design is an incredibly important factor in overall store efficiency, both in the front-end retail merchandising area as well as in the back-end prescription filling section. Anything that can be done to streamline prescription filling processes should be seriously considered if efficiency is a primary goal in the improvement of your dispensing operations. Pharmacy staff should ask themselves exactly what they hope to accomplish through a pharmacy layout refit, such as improving current workflow, and what can be done to save time and improve customer satisfaction regarding the services being received.

Back-End Operations

An ideal setup behind the pharmacy counter will allow for prescriptions to come in and go out as quickly and as safely as possible without employees having to reach around or step over each other or to waste time taking more steps than absolutely needed when completing a task. While wasted steps or excess bending and reaching may not seem like such a big problem during a single isolated task, multiplying these efforts many times during a single work day will quickly add up. Over a week or a month's time, these inefficiencies can have a marked effect in a number of areas affecting service quality. Changing the back-end pharmacy layout should help.

7 Tips on Increasing Efficiency by Changing Your Pharmacy LayoutPosted by Robert Walthall on Thu, Jun, 09, 2016

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Consider these tips:• Study space allocation requirements for each workspace and

fit each area with appropriate desks, counters, and storage areas, trying to keep everything needed within easy reach.

• Consider modular shelf systems, automated dispensing systems (robots), and functional carousel systems.

• Plan out an area directly behind the pharmacy counter for the pharmacist to sit or stand. This way, they can interact with patients personally upon arrival. With a proper computer setup at this location, the pharmacist can complete a clinical check when the patient arrives for a prescription fill and dispense advice when the order goes out. This also allows the pharmacist to be available to do blood pressure checks and immunizations and provide other needed patient services.

Front-End Layout DesignSmaller independent pharmacy owners are learning that taking steps to make their stores warmer, homier, and more customer-friendly can go a long way toward improving the shopper experience. This, in turn, causes customers to want to come in more often, to stay longer (and shop more) when they do come in, and to spread the word to others about the great shopping experience a pharmacy offers.

Here are some of the changes in your store's layout that can have an immediate, positive effect:

• Set up modern, flexible shelving so as to guide visitors through the store along a pre-planned route in a counter-clockwise direction (most natural for the 90% of us that are right-handed) that takes them into view of each department.

• Banish the use of fluorescent tube lighting that's ugly, noisy, and glaring to many people. Better options include CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) or LEDs (light emitting diodes), which provide softer, more comfortable lighting and conserve energy, saving utility dollars.

• Give customers a place to sit in several areas throughout the store. Choose locations that allow them easy viewing of some of your better-selling items. Large, bold signage should be visible from these seating areas. It wouldn't hurt to have some tables and a convenient coffee/tea bar as well.

Improvements in your store's efficiency are geared toward increasing customer satisfaction, boosting employee morale, and improving the all-important bottom line. Use these tips and others to help make your pharmacy the best it can be.

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762054 PETARMOR FLEA DOG 45-88LB 1X3 DS

762047 PETARMOR FLEA DOG 5-22LB 1X3 DS

762039 PETARMOR FLEA DOG 89-132LB 1X3 DS

764027 PETARMOR FLEA TICK CAT 1.5LB+ 1X3 DS

735407 PETARMOR HAIRBALL REMDY CAT 1X3.2 OZ

735415 PETARMOR HOTSPOT ITCH SPRAY 1X4 OZ

735431 PETARMOR HYDROCORT SPRAY 1X4 OZ

735373 PETARMOR JOINT-EZE DOG CHEW 1X60 CT

735423 PETARMOR WOUND CREAM DOG 1X4 OZ

Smith Drug Company associates recently took part and enjoyed a ball game with the participants at the Miracle League!

Page 15: UV Safety Month Educate and Inform - Smith Drug Company · the cutting edge of this ever-evolving profession! I’m sure you will find that Smith Drug Company is “moving pharmacy

15

The westin Savannah harbor • Savannah,GA

UPGRADE TODAY!to the NEW TRUE METRIX® AIR orTRUE METRIX® Systems!

The TRUE METRIX® portfolio* achieves a level of performance driven by science, research and technological advancements.

Advanced Features:• No coding• Tiny 0.5 microliter sample size• As fast as 4 seconds• Test Strip release button• Data management• Download capabilities• Uses TRUE METRIX® Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Test Strips

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TRUEresult® and TRUE2go® Metersand TRUEtest™ Strips are being discontinued!

with

BEFORE MEAL OTHERMEDICATIONSSICKEXERCISEAFTER MEALBEFORE MEALBEFORE MEALBEFORE MEAL MEDICATIONSMEDICATIONSMEDICATIONSEXERCISEEXERCISEAFTER MEALAFTER MEAL OTHEROTHERSICKSICK

Includes Advanced Event Tagging

AIR

Featuring:

portfolio* achieves a level of performance driven by science, research

All test strips aremade in the USA.

NICO-3698 © 05/16 Trividia Health, Inc. TRUEresult, TRUE2go, TRUEtest, TRUE METRIX and TRIPLE SENSE TECHNOLOGY are trademarks of Trividia Health, Inc. * TRUE METRIX and TRUE METRIX AIR are intended for self-monitoring blood glucose only and not for multiple patient use. Only TRUE METRIX PRO is intended for multiple patient use.

Call Smith Drug to order today!

Page 16: UV Safety Month Educate and Inform - Smith Drug Company · the cutting edge of this ever-evolving profession! I’m sure you will find that Smith Drug Company is “moving pharmacy

• ScarAway® is a line of ‘100% silicone’ scar treatment products, and only 100% silicone treatment available OTC.

• ScarAway® products are the only 100% silicone scar treatment on the market clinically proven to shrink, flatten and fade new and old scars

• Silicone is the #1 OTC scar treatment recommended by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

• ScarAway® is an effective treatment option for sufferers of both old and new scars

an event rich in tradition

THE SMI TH DRUG COMPANY12th ANNUAL

CONT INUING EDUCAT ION &GIF T AND TRADE SHOW

JULY 15-17, 2016

The WESTIN savannah harborSavannah,GA

Item # Description Pkg

754150 SCARAWAY C-SECT 7X1.5(2 MONTH) 1X4 CT

754333 SCARAWAY LONG SHEETS 1.5”X7” 1X12 CT

754143 SCARAWAY SH 1.5X3(3 MO SUPPLY) 1X12 CT

562470 SCARAWAY SILIC REUSE SHEET 8CT 1X8 CT

608190 SCARAWAY SILICONE SERUM 1X.2 OZ