Independent pharmacies are increasingly turning to automation as they face ongoing pressure from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and shrinking reimbursement rates. On July 15, Urvika Pandey highlighted the operational challenges that approximately 20,000 independent pharmacies are experiencing as they work to remain viable in a changing healthcare landscape.
Pandey said, "Your coverage of Representative Harshbarger's call for PBM transparency, and her line about shining a light on their shady practices, captured the pressure squeezing independent pharmacies as sharply as anything I have read this year. American Pharmacy News has stayed on the PBM and 340B story when plenty of outlets have moved on. There is an operational half to that story that fits your Innovation coverage. While the policy fight plays out in Washington, the roughly 20,000 independents caught in the middle have to survive the squeeze now, and most are doing it by automating the work that used to take staff they can no longer afford. Kevin Minassian, president and CEO of Datascan Pharmacy Software, makes the case that on shrinking reimbursement, the only way to stay viable is to drive down the cost of filling each prescription, even as pharmacists absorb more vaccinations, clinical services, prior authorizations, and fulfillment. Datascan has built for independents since 1981 and is one of the few vendors still family owned rather than owned by private equity, so Kevin can connect the PBM pressure you report on to what owners are actually doing to hold on. If a piece on how independents are surviving the reimbursement squeeze operationally fits your Innovation or Industry coverage, I would be glad to set up an interview with Kevin or send background to build from."
The operational shift toward automation is a response to financial constraints that have forced many independent pharmacies to reduce staff. Automation allows these businesses to manage prescription fulfillment and additional services such as vaccinations and clinical care with fewer resources.
Datascan Pharmacy Software, led by Kevin Minassian, has been providing technology solutions for independent pharmacies since 1981. The company remains family owned, distinguishing it from many competitors that are owned by private equity firms. Minassian has said that reducing the cost per prescription is essential for independent pharmacies to survive in the current environment.
The broader context includes ongoing policy debates in Washington over PBM practices and reimbursement structures. While legislative solutions are discussed, independent pharmacies continue to adapt operationally to immediate financial pressures.
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