Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is making headlines—and it could change the game for independent pharmacy forever. In this episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, Mark and Josh break down what’s inside the sweeping budget bill passed by the U.S. House, including a national ban on spread pricing and a push for fair, transparent Medicaid managed care reimbursements. They dig into how these changes could impact independent pharmacies in states like Texas, Arkansas, and Iowa, and how advocacy is paying off in a big way. 00:00 – Big Beautiful Bill Act Overview

00:43 – Medicaid Cuts & Work Requirements

03:38 – Pharmacy Business Impact

04:25 – PBM Reform & Spread Pricing Ban

06:41 – NASDAQ Reporting Challenges

11:08 – State-Level Wins: Arkansas & Iowa

18:57 – Medicare Negotiation Uncertainty

24:05 – Previewing the Connect Conference

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies | Josh Howland, President of Pharmacy Systems, RedSail Technologies  

In this edition of the Pharmacy Survival Guide series, guests Joey Chamberlain, Parker Baro, Rannon Ching, and Mayank Amin share the hard-earned (and well-won) strategies that keep their pharmacies strong. They talk everything from cash pricing to maximizing margins to turning storage closets into profitable clinics backed by medical billing. Packed with practical tips and real-world wins, this episode is a masterclass in doing more with less.  

00:31 – Joey Chamberlain on balancing care and business survival 

03:14 – Should you pay for a pricing solution? Why time is money 

04:08 – Parker Baro on delegation, priorities, and business focus 

07:30 – Rannon Ching on the learning curve of medical billing 

09:54 – Real-time insurance tools and fixing billing blind spots 

12:15 – Why pharmacy-level care deserves provider-level billing 

14:13 – Reframing counseling as consultation for reimbursement 

17:00 – Mayank Amin on profit margins, strategic ordering, and innovation 

20:11 – Competing with Amazon by offering personalized experiences 

22:19 – Diversifying income through clinical services 

23:13 – Buying smart: comparing suppliers and boosting script margins 

24:00 – Understanding retroactive fees and unpredictable clawbacks 

25:19 – Final thoughts: simplify reporting, work smarter, not harder 

Hosted By:  

- Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies  

- Will Tuft | Director of Pharmacy Education & Engagement    

Guests:  

- Joey Chamberlain | President, CEO of Cheek and Scott Drugs 

- Mayank Amin | Owner & Chief Patient Advocate, Skippack Pharmacy 

- Rannon Ching | Pharmacist-in-Charge, Tarrytown Pharmacy 

- Parker Baro | Medication Transitions Specialist at Denver Health 

Four pharmacy leaders. Four different journeys. In this episode, we revisit the real paths people take into pharmacy — and the impact they’re making in their communities. Matt Binder shares how he grew from single-store owner to multi-store operator with support from Cascadia Pharmacy Group. Marcus Howard talks about leaving teaching to open a pharmacy focused on inclusion in St. Louis. Lacy Epperson explains how she’s expanding clinical services in rural Missouri. And Bill Osborn offers insight into multigenerational ownership, mentorship, and what it means to serve a community. Together, these leaders show the passion and purpose behind independent pharmacy. 

00:00 - Matt Binder - Introduction   

00:36 - Matt Binder - Cascadia Pharmacy Group 

02:17 - Matt Binder - Learning the business side without an MBA   

05:10 - Marcus Howard - Introduction   

08:35 - Marcus Howard - Realizing health impacts on student success   

17:53 - Marcus Howard - Receiving $1 million to launch GreaterHealth   

18:23 - Lacy Epperson - Introduction   

19:23 - Lacy Epperson - Joining Mitchell’s through a school connection   

23:06 - Lacy Epperson - Importance of independent pharmacy in rural areas   

24:39 - Bill Osborn - Introduction   

25:01 - Bill Osborn - Pharmacy legacy and founding Osborn Drugs   

28:50 - Bill Osborn - Balancing independence and scale   

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies | Josh Howland, SVP/GM Pharmacy  

Management Systems, RedSail Technologies 

Guests Include:  

Matt Binder, Owner, Madison Park Pharmacy & Wellness Center 

Marcus Howard, Founder, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness   

Lacy Epperson, Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Mitchell's Drug Stores 

Bill Osborn, President, Osborn Drugs 

Joe Williams didn’t take the traditional route to pharmacy ownership, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, Joe breaks down how he hustled his way into the industry and turned late nights, second jobs, and a foreclosure flip into the foundation of his multi-location pharmacy business. He walks us through the strategies and systems that helped him grow his first store 12x — without sacrificing patient care or company culture. Along the way, Joe shares the lessons he's learned about leadership and how relentless grit can turn obstacles into opportunities.  

At just 25 years old, Josuah Tilus didn’t wait to make his mark on the industry. He bought his own pharmacy fresh out of school and has been redefining what it means to be an owner since. In this episode of Beyond the Scripts, Josuah shares his journey from pharmacy student to pharmacy owner at Chinook Pharmacy in Forks, WA. He opens up about his fast track to ownership: attending over 30 conferences in school, building a strategic network, and getting involved in professional organizations. 

Now, as a young owner in a tight-knit community, Josuah is updating operations, rolling out new software, and launching clinical services to tackle healthcare gaps in his rural community. If you’re curious about how to make big moves early in your career — or what it takes to own and innovate —, this episode is for you.  

00:00:00 - Introduction to Josuah Tilus 

00:01:25 - Josuah's timeline (graduation to pharmacy ownership) 

00:03:23 - The whirlwind process of buying the pharmacy 

00:07:34 - Educational journey and involvement 

00:15:57 - Advice for pharmacy students on balancing priorities 

00:30:50 - Moving from Florida to rural Forks, Washington 

00:46:21 - Implementing changes at the pharmacy 

00:53:11 - Future plans for clinical services  

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Director of Pharmacy Education & Engagement  

Guest: Josuah Tilus | Pharmacy Owner & Manager, Chinook Pharmacy & Variety 

What if the future of healthcare was shaped by those who know it best – pharmacists? In this episode, we sit down with Theresa Tolle, Owner of Bay Street Pharmacy, to discuss how independent pharmacists are working to change the industry from the inside out. Theresa draws on her experiences as an independent owner and former APhA President to reflect on the past, present, and future of pharmacy. We dive into the latest updates in PBM legislation, opportunities for accreditations, and best strategies for administering (and billing) clinical services. We also discuss the importance of advocacy and how you can make a difference in changing the profession for the better. As Theresa explains it, change is coming; you just have to be ready. 

What burning questions do RedSail customers have about the future of pharmacy?  In this special episode of Beyond the Scripts, we put Josh Howland in the hot seat to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues. Josh talks about the evolution of PioneerRx, RedSail’s multi-PMS strategy, and the benefits of the PowerLine switch. He also explains how RedSail plans to help pharmacies stay profitable, even amid the rise of expensive medications like GLP-1s, and his cautious approach to integrating AI into pharmacy technology. Outside of the software, Josh dives into industry-specific challenges, like transparent pricing, manufacturer voucher programs, and the cybersecurity challenges following the Change Healthcare attack. With this conversation, Josh cuts through the industry noise and offers answers to all the questions you’ve been asking. 

00:00 - Introduction and Josh's journey at PioneerRx 

06:48 - Impact of RedSail’s acquisition on PioneerRx 

17:01 - RedSail Technologies portfolio expansion  

21:34 - Integrating independent pharmacies under one technology network  

30:36 - Communication and company growth challenges  

33:36 - The PowerLine switch benefits and security  

43:27 - Fee structure changes and pricing model  

49:26 - Manufacturer voucher programs and claim issues 

01:00:02 - Development priorities and AI's future role 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Director of Pharmacy Education & Engagement, PioneerRx 

Guest: Josh Howland | President of Pharmacy Management Solutions, RedSail Technologies 

“Hayat” is the Arabic translation of “life,” and Hayat Pharmacy Founder and CEO Hashim Zaibak has made it his mission to breathe new life into independent pharmacy. In this episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, we sit down with Hashim to discuss his journey from chain supervisor to independent owner. What started as a single location in Milwaukee has grown into an empire of over 20 pharmacies — all while keeping patient care at the heart of the business. We talk all things team building, revenue opportunities, and how Hashim is empowering the next generation of pharmacy entrepreneurs. New and experienced owners: you won’t want to miss this one.  

Learn more about Hashim’s pharmacies:  

In this exciting new segment of our Rewind series, we're crafting a Pharmacy Survival Guide that only Catalyst can deliver. These thoughtfully designed multi-part podcasts look back at previous episodes of Catalyst and Beyond the Scripts to explore fundamental areas in pharmacy that will enhance your professional growth. Part 1 of the survival guide focuses on financial foundations & compliance, featuring valuable advice and fresh insights from our previous guests Brad Gallagher, Shahida Choudhry, and Greco De Valencia as they break down critical topics ranging from the importance of working capital in pharmacy transactions to identifying legal blind spots in regulatory compliance. 

Links to Previous Episodes 

In this episode of Beyond the Scripts, Kris Rhea introduces Pharmacy Marketplace, an AI-driven platform helping independent pharmacies optimize purchasing and maintain wholesaler compliance. Independent pharmacy owner Saad Aqqad shares how implementing the system at Oak Ridge Pharmacy eliminated manual processes and protected valuable rebates, while freeing up time for patient care. Host Will Tuft explores how this technology solution is helping pharmacies work smarter and stay competitive in today's challenging healthcare landscape. 

0:00 - Introduction and guest introductions 

3:37 - Saad's journey: Opening Oak Ridge Pharmacy 

11:59 - Navigating COVID as a new pharmacy 

18:35 - Chris explains Pharmacy Marketplace 

27:07 - Benefits of technology in pharmacy operations 

38:42 - Discussing DSCSA compliance and supplier relationships 

46:38 - Future plans for Oak Ridge Pharmacy 

51:56 - Final thoughts on community pharmacy and relationships 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Director of Pharmacy Education & Engagement  

Guest:  Kris Rhea | Director of Business Development, Pharmacy Marketplace 

Saad Aqqad | Owner and Founder, Oak Ridge Pharmacy 

Meet Matt Binder, the 2024 WSPA Distinguished Young Pharmacist. Making his home in Seattle, he has built a three-store pharmacy network while maintaining the personal touch that makes independent pharmacies special.  

On this episode of the Beyond the Scripts Podcast, join him and host Will Tuft as they share modern insights on team building, profit-sharing strategies, and the power of student engagement. Learn how his partnership with the Cascadia Pharmacy Group enables innovation while preserving the essential role of community pharmacy. From natural products to healthcare advocacy, Matt's story showcases the evolving face of independent pharmacy. 

0:00 - Introduction & Background 

5:18 - Building a Three-Store Operation 

15:12 - Student Engagement & Team Building 

25:03 - Natural Products & Business Model 

38:42 - Managing Multiple Locations 

45:16 - Advocacy & Industry Changes 

52:35 - Future of Independent Pharmacy 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Director of Pharmacy Education & Engagement  

Guest: Matt Binder | Owner, Madison Park Pharmacy & Wellness Center 

Book Your Hotel for Connect 2025: https://redsail.us/3Q2y4Lt

Amina Abubakar returns to the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, as she shares how restructuring her organization led to new growth and introduces GUIDE, a Medicare initiative transforming community pharmacies into brain health hubs. As the only community pharmacy-focused model among 390 selected sites, GUIDE reimagines how pharmacies support memory care patients and their families. Tune in to learn more about the evolving pharmacy practice, innovative healthcare delivery, and making a meaningful global impact. 

0:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome 

3:22 - Team Growth & Organizational Transformation in 2024 

10:13 - The GUIDE Program: A New Approach to Memory Care  

20:23 - Program Launch Details & Pharmacy Network Partnership 

26:16 - Building a Patient Care Navigator System 

31:19 - RohoVoyage: African Travel & Healthcare Impact 

38:39 – Prescribables 

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies 

Guest: Amina Abubakar | CEO of Avant Pharmacy and Wellness 

In this edition of Catalyst Catch-Up, hosts Mark Bivins and Josh Howland explore what’s in store for pharmacy technology in 2025. Tune in as they discuss the latest on PBM reform legislation, the rollout of new copay smoothing requirements, and their vision for pharmacy management systems in the new year. All this and more in this edition of Catalyst Catch-Up. 

0:00 - PBM Reform Discussion 

05:30 - M3P Copay Smoothing Implementation 

10:29 - 2025 Vision for Pharmacy Management Systems 

19:03 - AI and Automation in Pharmacy 

23:52 - Prescribables 

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies | Josh Howland, SVP/GM Pharmacy  

Management Systems, RedSail Technologies 

Register for Connect here: 

In this eye-opening episode, pharmacist Michael Muñiz shares how he's transforming healthcare through functional medicine at his Texas pharmacy. Drawing from years of experience, Michael breaks down how he works with physicians, analyzes advanced biomarkers, and helps patients find root causes of their health issues rather than just treating symptoms. From reversing chronic conditions to optimizing hormones, he reveals the practical ways pharmacists can expand their practice beyond traditional pharmacy care, offering valuable insights on how looking at the body's foundation - from genetics to nutrition - can lead to better patient outcomes.

0:00 Intro & Welcome Back

15:05 What is Functional Medicine & Patient Types

27:31 Working with Physicians: Building Trust

40:39 Success Stories & Patient Transformations

54:12 Resources for Pharmacists Starting Out

1:03:31 Recommendations & Key Learning Resources

1:14:41 Final Thoughts

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies

Guest: Michael Muñiz | Owner and Pharmacist at NuRx Pharmacy

Register for Connect here:

Step inside Lewis Drug's innovative pharmacy model where retail meets long-term care. Director Kara Benson reveals how they're combining local presence with centralized operations to transform patient care, streamline facility relationships, and build stronger communities. Learn practical insights on workflow management, facility partnerships, and adapting to healthcare's evolving landscape.

0:40 - Intro & Lewis Drug's Background

5:37 - The Power of Local Community Presence

7:52 - Building Strong Facility Relationships

14:10 - Managing the Hub & Spoke Model

19:19 - EMR Integration & Technology Focus

26:25 - Future Strategy: Transitions of Care

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies

Join us for a look back at independent pharmacy's transformative year in 2024. Our guests discuss how the industry evolved beyond traditional dispensing, embraced new revenue streams, and established itself as a premium healthcare service. From innovative clinical services to creative business solutions, discover how independent pharmacies adapted and thrived in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Guests Include:

In this episode of Beyond the Scripts, host Will Tuft sits down with Brad Gallagher and Shahida Choudhry to explore critical legal considerations often overlooked by pharmacy owners. From contract negotiations to employee management and digital presence guidelines, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Tune in to hear about hard-learned lessons about common legal pitfall to ensure your pharmacy’s legal health.

0:00 - Introduction and NCPA event discussion

4:03 - Legal blind spots in regulatory compliance 

13:32 - Employee hiring and background check considerations

29:43 - Contract negotiations with PBMs and vendors 

9:16 - Documentation and standard operating procedures

44:42 - Digital presence and marketing guidelines

52:01 - Looking ahead to 2025 and closing advice

Register for Connect 2025 today! https://redsail.us/4ffLZrD

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Brad Gallagher | Partner and Co-Leader of Health Care Controversies, Barclay Damon LLP

Shahida Choudhry | Owner of Palms Pharmacy 

Step inside Lincoln Pharmacy, where historic charm meets modern innovation. Since 1935, this Albany cornerstone has evolved from typewriters to automation while keeping its heart in community care. Pharmacy Manager Zarina Jalal shares how her family's pharmacy secures grants, launches prevention programs, and maintains exceptional service despite industry challenges. Discover how this independent pharmacy stays relevant and vital after 88 years, proving that success comes from caring deeply about community health rather than just filling prescriptions.

0:00 Introduction to Lincoln Pharmacy & Zarina Jalal

3:01 Technology Evolution: From Dial-up to Modern Systems

7:33 Family Business & Community Legacy

15:15 Grant Writing & Local Health Department Partnerships

30:33 National Diabetes Prevention Program

45:23 Final Advice: "Do Things Because You Care"

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Zarina Jalal | Pharmacy Manager, Lincoln Pharmacy

Learn proven marketing strategies to help your independent pharmacy thrive! From building patient relationships to digital presence, discover how to stand out in your community and grow your pharmacy business. In this episode, learn how to implement customer engagement strategies, enhance your pharmacy’s digital presence, build lasting patient relationships, and more! 

Guests Include:

00:10 - Creating Your Pharmacy Puzzle - Beyond the Scripts Episode 61

07:27 - Feeding Your Beast - Catalyst Episode 118

13:32 - Different Levels of Digital Presence for Pharmacies - Catalyst Episode 113

20:08 - Approach to Doctor/Prescriber Engagement -  Catalyst Episode 81

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies | Will Tuft, Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Dr. Jennifer Adams from Idaho State University's College of Pharmacy challenges conventional pharmacy practice limitations. She explores Idaho's groundbreaking standard of care model, where pharmacists' scope is defined by their clinical ability rather than restrictive regulations. From addressing imposter syndrome to reimagining technician roles, Dr. Adams shares practical insights on implementing advanced pharmacy services.

0:50 - Introduction

2:17 - Idaho's Regulatory Model

9:28 - Standard of Care Explained

17:16 - Practical Implementation

28:47 - Team Roles & Development

39:08 - Burnout & Patient Care

48:15 - National Impact & Closing

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Jennifer Adams | Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy

Live from NCPA's Annual Convention, Doug Hoey discusses Walgreens announcing major store closures, validating years of warnings about unsustainable economics. Join Doug and host Josh Howland as they go over promising developments in pharmacy services, PBM reform progress, and practical implementation strategies. Tune into this live recording of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast as they both offer critical analysis and a forecast for the industry’s future. 

0:29 - NCPA Convention Overview & Updates

01:21 - Walgreens Closures & Industry Impact

07:22 - Future of Pharmacy Payment Models

11:48 - Three Keys to Success (Scale, Payment, Workflow)

15:09 - Team Implementation & Culture Change

20:39 - Looking Ahead: Legislative Priorities & 2024 Convention

Hosted By: Josh Howland  | President of Pharmacy Management Systems, RedSail Technologies

Guest: Doug Hoey | CEO at National Community Pharmacists Association

Pharmacy technology always evolves, and so do ways to provide the most innovative patient care. It’s a business — and a living — to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode of the Beyond the Scripts Podcast, join Will Tuft as he welcomes the top brass of Medcare Infusion Services and RxMile to get into the nitty gritty of pharmacy technology. Learn about the financial challenges in the pharmacy industry, the value of subscription models, and the importance of strategic tech adoption. Packed with modern insights on pharmacy operations, logistics, and growth, this episode is a must-listen for pharmacy professionals navigating today's fast-paced healthcare landscape.

0:00 - Intro, integration between Medcare Infusion Services and RxMile 

09:49 - Collaboration is an essential tool for independent pharmacies

18:28 - The power of automation and streamlined systems 

29:33 - Goals for the future

35:59 - Streamline operations for scalable, cost-effective growth

45:00 - Education is vital, not enough time

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: John Braceras | CTO of Medcare Infusion Services 

Daniel Valencia | VP of Strategic and Business Development of Medcare Infusion Services 

Kunal Vyas | Co-Founder and CEO of RxMile 

For nearly four decades, BestRx has been the pharmacy software of choice for many generations of independent pharmacies. It's easy-to-use and intuitive features make it simple for pharmacies to operate their business, their way. Earlier this year, RedSail Technologies announced its acquisition of BestRx, paving a new way for industry excellence and innovation. On this edition of Catalyst Catch Up, join host Mark Bivins and President of BestRx Hemal Desai as they discuss the software’s beginnings, RedSail Technologies’ acquisition, and a healthy dose of Prescribables. 

0:00 - Intro, the BestRx Origin Story 

16:20 - Inside RedSail Technologies Acquisition of BestRx 

23:45 - Prescribables 

On this week’s episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, we are talking to Greco de Valencia from Live Oak Bank. Dive into the world of pharmacy financing, discover strategies for evaluating potential purchases, and learn how recent industry shakeups are reshaping pharmacy values. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned owner, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you navigate the dynamic pharmacy market and seize lucrative opportunities. You won’t want to miss these tips in powering your pharmacy's growth!

00:00 - Intro, Live Oak Bank's role in pharmacy lending

05:16 - Types of financing Live Oak Bank offers to pharmacies

10:20 - Key factors to consider when evaluating a pharmacy for acquisition

17:51 - The importance of working capital in pharmacy transactions

25:35 - How recent industry changes are impacting pharmacy valuations

33:00 - Prescribables

On this episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast,  Benjamin Jolly examines the current state of community pharmacies, highlighting recent closure trends and their impact. Discover how consulting services are helping independent pharmacies navigate challenges, and learn about innovative solutions like HingePoint that are reshaping patient engagement. Tune into the second part of our discussion with Benjamin for a comprehensive overview of the forces transforming the pharmacy industry today.

01:10 - Benjamin’s Project Analyzing Pharmacy Closures

06:56 - Overview of Pharmacy Closure Statistics from the Project

15:39 - Misaligned Incentives in the Pharmacy Industry

24:21 - How Federal Government Programs Impact the Industry

32:36 - Medicare Open Enrollment

36:35 - Prescribables

Benjamin Jolley delves into the economics of pharmacy, dissecting profit structures and the unavoidable influence of PBMs. He and host Mark Bivins explore the critical role of federal programs in shaping pharmacy revenues and the need for reimbursement reform. Get insights on upcoming Medicare changes and potential legislative shifts that could reshape the industry soon. Tune in to gain a crucial understanding of pharmacy's economic challenges and future prospects.

00:00 - Introduction

03:00 - AELP and industry monopolization

07:00 - Providing input to Congress 

14:10 - Hinge Point software overview 

17:34 - Insurance agency services 

26:05 - Inhaler costs and insurance

31:15 - Pharmacist's multifaceted role

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

Guest: Benjamin Jolley | Pharmacist at Jolley’s Compounding Pharmacy 

In this episode, Rannon Ching of Tarrytown Pharmacy discusses innovative approaches to patient care, focusing on Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and medical billing. Learn how Rannon and his pharmacy are leveraging technology to enhance services, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the evolving pharmacy industry. This episode is a can’t-miss for anyone interested in the future of pharmacy practice and expanding clinical services.

00:00 - Introduction of Tarrytown Pharmacy

05:47 - Vaccine season preparations and patient engagement

17:31 - Deep dive into Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

37:46 - Patient success stories with RPM

45:37 - Exploring medical billing opportunities for pharmacies

56:26 - Connecting with Rannon

01:01:33 - Prescribables

Embark on a journey through Tim Mitchell's pharmacy evolution, from his early days as a chain pharmacist to becoming a multi-store owner and industry rockstar. Discover how Mitchell's approach to community pharmacy — incorporating vaccine gap closures, social determinants of health screenings, and a cost-plus model — is charting new territories in patient care and business sustainability.

0:00 - Intro, Tim’s pharmacy journey

5:45 - Overview of Mitchell's pharmacy locations and services

13:00 - Medication sync and community health workers

20:00 - Launching the cost-plus pharmacy model

27:30 - Navigating industry challenges and PBM relationships

34:30 - The future of independent pharmacy

56:15 - Prescribables

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

Guest: Tim Mitchell | Owner of Mitchell’s Drug Stores

School’s back in session, the weather is finally cooling down, and the tradeshow season is coming to an end. But there’s no rest for the weary for us in the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast. Over this summer, we have welcomed some of the industry’s best and brightest to talk about what they do best: to make the industry — and their patients — a little healthier. Take a trip down memory lane as we look back on some of our favorite conversations over the summer. 

Something you might wish you’d learn in pharmacy school was the business side of the industry. Running a pharmacy means you’re running a business, and businesses need to profit to stay afloat. On this week’s episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, join host Mark Bivins as he welcomes Cencora’s Antoun Salib as they discuss the ins and outs of pharmacy coaching, how to leverage your pharmacy technology, and how some non-pharmacy items (puzzles in this case) can drive your pharmacy’s profits. 

0:00 - Intro, Antoun’s Story

7:24 - Keep Tradition, Embrace the Future 

17:40 - Finding Your Niche in the Community 

22:10 - All About Puzzles 

25:25 - Leverage Your Technology (POS Loyalty Program with PioneerRx) 

29:55 - Inside Antoun’s New Role 

34:40 - The Best Time to Open Your Pharmacy 

44:12 - Business Coaching 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Antoun Salib | Regional Pharmacy Business Coach, Cencora 

The key to exceptional patient care isn’t forcing patients to take on new services — they’ve got to want it for themselves. Pharmacists can take their patients on a brighter and more vibrant health journey, and Klein’s Pharmacies are ready at the wheel. In this episode, join host Mark Bivins and Klein’s Pharmacies Barry Klein as they discuss the power of independent pharmacy, some industry current events, and how to connect with your community resources. 

0:00 - Intro, Get to Know Barry 

11:59 - Connect with Community Resources 

20:49 - 340b Update 

28:54 - Guide Your Patients to the Right Plan

34:49 - Prescribeables 

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

Guest: Barry Klein | President, Klein’s Pharmacies

Pharmacy ownership takes different shapes, forms, and sizes. For Kyle McHugh, it’s all about the quality of pharmacy work — the quantity takes care of itself. This week, join host Mark Bivins as he discusses with Kyle his footprint in the South Carolina pharmacy scene, what to look out for the rest of 2024, and how to naturally implement new services in your pharmacy (or pharmacies).  

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

Guest: Kyle McHugh | Owner, McHugh Pharmacy Group

Prescribeables:

Times are moving fast in the industry. And for this edition of Catalyst Catch-Up, there is no shortage of topics to discuss. In this episode, join hosts Mark Bivins and Josh Howland as they discuss the FTC’s current battle against PBMs, the ongoing DSCSA updates and deadlines, and a recap of our two flagship user conferences, Catalyst Connect and AmplifyLTC.

If you guess the secret to Nicolette Mathey’s success in the pharmacy industry, a good answer would be to “always look ahead.” The industry thrives on the here and now, where new innovations are there for the taking and embracing. As owner of Atrium 24, Nicolette knows better than to let the parade pass you by. In this episode, join Mark Bivins as he discusses with Nicolette what Atrium 24 can do for your pharmacy, ways to boost your business, and how to leverage your pharmacy’s localness in the modern age.

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales

Guest: Nicolette Mathey | Owner, Atrium 24  

Pharmacy work in the modern age goes beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar. It’s also more than just putting pills in a vial. Ewa and Gus Tzaferos of Kennedy Pharmacy make a business out of modernizing pharmacy work, from leveraging their online presence to keeping their work fresh (and maybe taking a selfie or two). In this episode, join host Will Tuft as he, Ewa, and Gus discuss all things independent pharmacy. Learn some new and exciting ways to leverage your online presence, connect with your community, and how to run your independent pharmacy, your way.

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Gus Tzaferos | Owner, Kennedy Pharmacy 

Eva Tzaferos | Owner/Chief Excellence Officer, Kennedy Pharmacy

Running a successful business is one thing — running a successful pharmacy is a whole other ball game. It also takes an Olympian level of perseverance, something that Marcus Howard has in abundance. His St. Louis-based GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness showcases the true power of independent pharmacy, ensuring that anyone can get the care they need, regardless of their background. In this episode, join Marcus and host Mark Bivins as they go into the business of pharmacy, from assembling the right staff to providing the right services for the community.

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

Guest: Marcus Howard | Founder, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness 

It’s not every day that we welcome two guests on the Beyond the Scripts Podcast. But when we’re talking about Ajay Mehra of UGO Rx and Jeff Rowan of Chancy Drugs, we couldn’t let the opportunity slip away. In this episode, join Will Tuft as they explore the innovative journey behind UgoRx — from its initial naming inspiration to its role in revolutionizing independent pharmacies. Ajay and Jeff share how leveraging pharmacy analytics, can transform your pharmacy’s quality of patient care and profitability. From tracking gains and losses to managing unprofitable products, they reveal actionable insights that have led to expanding their pharmacy locations and enhancing pharmacy-clinic relations. 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guests: Ajay Mehra | Co-Founder, UGO Rx

Another year, another successful Catalyst Connect is in the books. Earlier this month, hundreds of pharmacy professionals and vendors came together for four days of networking, collaborating, and good old-fashioned good times. The learning doesn’t stop after the last class, however. If you want to hear more from some of this year’s speakers, you’ve come to the right place: many of them were guests on the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, and we’ve compiled some of our favorite moments with them.

Guests include:

Pharmacy provider status continues to be a hot topic, and we may be seeing the turn of the tide. Who better to talk about it than returning guest Bruno Tching? Tune in as Bruno dives deep into legislative impacts through AB 317, which paves the way for pharmacists to bill for a wide range of services, achieving payment parity with other healthcare professionals. Bruno also sheds light on the complexities of medical billing, the operational challenges, and the necessary infrastructure to manage these changes effectively.

0:00 - Inside AB 317

5:26 - Infrastructure Expansion 

11:00 - Right Services, Right Services, Right Training 

20:20 - Payment Processes Complexities 

26:53 - Lowering regulatory Barriers 

36:03 - Cutting Non-Essential Programs 

48:15 - Prescribeables 

Hosted By: Mark Bivins | SVP of Sales 

In the words of Bob Lomenick, “You can’t just come in and fill prescriptions all day every day.” Pharmacy work is always changing, evolving to meet the unique needs of your community. Your pharmacy’s data can give you the roadmap to new innovations and solutions. In this episode, we welcome back the Godfather of Med Sync himself as we discuss the current ins and outs of Med Sync, how to become a vaccination destination center, and the rise of new payment models. 

Innovation is a requirement to thrive in the pharmacy industry. Luckily, independent pharmacies can perform their unique, tailored brand of patient care to better serve their community. For Bri Morris, innovation is literally the name of the game. On this episode, join host Will Tuft and Bri as they discuss her role as Executive Director of Arkansas CPESN and Vice President of Innovation for the Arkansas Pharmacist Association. Tune in to learn more about pharmacy innovation, improving your metrics, and tailoring your services to your community.

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx

Guest: Bri Morris | Executive Director, Arkansas CPESN

Pharmacists can impact their patients’ lives in so many ways, ways that go beyond putting pills in a vial. They play a vital role in correcting the course of their health journey. For Kathy Campbell (you can call her Dr. Kathy), a different kind of health obstacle is rocking the general public. On this episode, join Kathy and host Mark Bivins as they talk about her new book, “Obesity: The Modern Famine” and go deep in what a pharmacy needs to do to stop the current obesity crisis. 

Making a pharmacy website has just become easier than ever. RedSail Technologies is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Storbie a prominent New Zealand-based website platform, to introduce RedSail Websites – a website solution tailored specifically for community pharmacies. In this week’s episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, join host Mark Bivins and special co-host Holly Schuetz as they welcome New Zealand’s very own Sam Howarth and Shane Bartle of Storbie in. Tune in to learn about the power of pharmacy

Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales  | Holly Schuetz, Director of Product Management 

Pharmacy is an industry all about adaptation. From fluctuating reimbursements to evolving clinical services, the road to modern patient care is always evolving. For Tana Kaefer, change simply offers new ways to innovate. In this episode, join host Will Tuft and Tana as they discuss the ins and outs of clinical services, med sync, eCare plans, and what an appointment-based pharmacy looks like. All this and more as we go Beyond the Scripts. 

0:00 - The Everchanging Roles of Pharmacists 

9:46 - Building a Robust Sync Program 

14:22 - Pharmacy Leadership 

30:30 - Retaining Your Staff

42:12 - All About Pharmacy Efficiency 

49:44 - Microhabits 

Hosted By: Will Tuft | Manager of Event Education at PioneerRx