Pharmacies have to tell the DEA fast when controlled substances go missing. The rule says you must notify the DEA within one business day of discovering a theft or a “significant loss,” and then submit DEA Form 106. The hard part is the word “significant.” The DEA doesn’t define it with numbers. That vagueness can … Read more
Destroying controlled substances is never just a housekeeping task. The law treats destruction as a high-risk moment for diversion, so the paperwork is strict and the consequences for sloppy records are real. DEA Form 41 is the document that proves you destroyed controlled substances lawfully. If your records are incomplete or inconsistent, an auditor will … Read more
Every pharmacist knows the DEA biennial inventory is required. Fewer know exactly how auditors judge it. The biggest risk isn’t missing the date—it’s doing the count wrong. One mistake, repeated often, leads to five-figure fines and painful remediation: not counting every controlled substance actually “on hand.” Here’s what that means, why it matters, and how … Read more
Walk‑in “test and treat” services are changing how Americans get care for sore throats and flu‑like illness. In many states, pharmacists can now swab you, run a rapid test, and—if positive—prescribe medication on the spot. This model is growing because it closes a timing gap. Antivirals work best early in the flu. Antibiotics only help … Read more
Pharmacists are on the front line of patient safety, but today’s medication lists are long and complex. New drugs enter the market every month. Patients see multiple clinicians. Lab values change day to day. Traditional interaction checkers cast a wide net and often fire too many generic alerts. That causes alert fatigue and missed risks. … Read more
Can a prescription be software? Digital therapeutics (DTx) say yes. These are evidence-based treatments delivered through software—often on your phone or tablet—that aim to prevent, manage, or treat a diagnosed condition. A growing number have been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), giving clinicians a new tool to prescribe. For patients, that … Read more
Robots are not taking your pharmacist job. They are changing it. Central fill—where a regional facility prepares routine prescriptions for many stores—uses automation to do the repetitive work at scale. That shifts retail pharmacists toward clinical judgment, counseling, and solving problems. The point is not fewer pharmacists. It’s different work, new metrics, and new risks. … Read more
Retail pharmacy in the United States runs on a few massive, proprietary systems. If you work for CVS, you’ll use RxConnect. If you work for Walgreens, you’ll use Intercom Plus. These platforms do much more than print labels; they control workflow, billing, safety checks, inventory, immunizations, and reporting. Mastering them is part software skill and … Read more
If your pharmacy boss won’t stop talking about “adherence,” there’s a reason. Medicare’s Star Ratings are built to reward plans that keep members taking certain chronic meds on time. Plans push pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs push pharmacies. The result: your day-to-day refill work can push real dollars—up or down—through your store’s reimbursement. Here’s how … Read more
Owning an independent pharmacy can feel like the perfect blend of clinical care and small-business pride. You know your patients. You shape your team. You call the shots. But the financial reality is tougher than most owners expect, especially when competing with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and chains that control pricing, networks, and your ability … Read more
