Pharmacists are facing a critical challenge as pharmacies close at an alarming rate due to unfair reimbursement practices by large, vertically integrated conglomerates. This issue threatens the accessibility of essential health care services, as community pharmacies serve as the first point of contact for many patients. Pharmacists provide vital services like medication management, vaccinations, and health screenings, and they rank higher in trust than medical doctors according to Gallup’s recent report. However, they are the only health care providers not reimbursed for all clinical services beyond dispensing drugs. The closure of pharmacies not only affects patient care but also exacerbates the shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as pharmacy school enrollment declines. The industry must acknowledge these flaws and work with policymakers to reform pharmacy reimbursement to ensure pharmacies can continue serving their communities effectively.
Source: www.statnews.com















