Independent pharmacies are on the health care front lines

Independent pharmacies play an important role in supporting community health, as well as economic health. Especially in towns like Manchester, pharmacies, like Brehme Drug, are small businesses that help our community grow and thrive. With rising costs and increased pressure on our health care system, pharmacies like mine are facing new challenges and the growing threat of closing their doors.

No day looks the same for an independent pharmacist. We are constantly filling prescriptions, answering questions about health concerns, administering vaccines, stocking shelves, ordering inventory, and so much more. One way pharmacists can lighten their workload and focus on patient care is by working with pharmacy services administrative associations, or PSAOs. PSAOs can be a valuable resource for independent pharmacists because they are able handle many of the business and administrative tasks that are required to keep our business running.

PSAOs offer a number of different services. In addition to providing administrative support, they also help with various compliance related issues, negotiating contracts on behalf of pharmacies, and providing support to optimize pharmacy operations. Over 80% of independent pharmacies have PSAOs support some element of their administrative work.

In the health care ecosystem, PSAOs represent pharmacists and work on their behalf. This is especially true when it comes to interacting with pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. PBMs are responsible for setting drug prices and developing formularies, which has a direct impact on the cost of medications. It is important to understand the distinctive roles that PSAOs and PBMs play in the health care system.

In communities like mine, independent pharmacies are often the first and only option for health care. In fact, 80% of independent pharmacies serve communities with populations of 50,000 or less. That means, finding ways for our businesses to thrive is not only important for our bottom line, but it’s important for the well-being of our neighbors and community members. PSAOs can provide the support that independent pharmacists need to keep their doors open for years to come.

Brehme Drug is not just a pharmacy. It is a small business that is deeply integrated into the community. Working with a PSAO has given us the ability to focus on being the epicenter of health care in Manchester. Since 1980, we have provided our neighbors with the best possible health care, and we hope to do so for many years to come. As our motto states, we are committed to Caring Beyond Prescriptions!

Ashley Brehme is an independent pharmacist from Manchester and owner of Brehme Drug.