The Rundown
- The best retail pharmacy software starts with who’s behind it. Ownership shapes everything from pricing to how you’re treated when something breaks.
- Real insight comes from people already using the system, not the polished marketing or PE-funded review sites.
- Costs only make sense when you look at what’s actually being included. Many systems look “cheap” until the add-ons pile up.
- A long-standing, stable vendor with the same family running it usually delivers a smoother, more predictable experience than newer or corporate-owned platforms.
There are many options when it comes time to pick software for your independent pharmacy. So, how can you make sure you’re choosing the best one? The best pharmacy software system will provide you with a robust, technology-packed system at an affordable price backed by the best customer experience.
Datascan Pharmacy Software’s retail pharmacy software is the best choice for independent pharmacies for a number of reasons. With all of the different pharmacy management systems available, there are some very important questions pharmacy owners should be asking themselves.
Once they do, it’s easy to see why Datascan Pharmacy Software is the top pharmacy software provider in the United States today.
Who Owns the Pharmacy Software Vendor, and How Big Is the Company?
Who owns your retail pharmacy software vendor is important; only an independently owned pharmacy software vendor like Datascan Pharmacy Software can understand the needs and challenges facing an independent pharmacy.
Datascan Pharmacy Software understands that reimbursements are declining and PBMs have their hands in your pockets. We understand how frustrating it can be to build profits back into your business.
The best pharmacy software system will support your need to boost profits by maximizing workflow efficiency in your business.
Additionally, an independently owned pharmacy software vendor is going to focus on providing you with the best service, top-notch technology, and affordable prices that are not constantly going up. Many retail pharmacy software vendors have been sold off to gigantic private equity firms that operate several platforms underneath their corporate umbrella.
When this happens, their number one focus becomes profitability, not you. Many of these PE-owned pharmacy systems vendors have to build profits for their investors, and in many cases, this means increased costs for the pharmacies and decreased costs for the software vendor.
This typically results in longer wait times to speak with support, longer ticket resolution times, and difficulty when it comes time to escalate an issue within the organization.
What Do the Reviews Say?
If you’re in the market for a pharmacy software system, then reading independent reviews is a must. To get a true understanding of the retail pharmacy software vendor you’re considering, reading real honest reviews from software users will give you the best insight.
It’s important to be sure you’re reading unbiased reviews on sites like Capterra, G2, Software Advice, and Google. You should avoid sites like Pharmacysoftwarereviews.com, which is owned by Redsail, the private equity firm that owns Pioneer RX and QS1.
Speaking with current customers and asking for referrals will also help you choose the best retail pharmacy software.
Datascan Pharmacy Software customers are the most satisfied industry-wide. Don’t take our word for it. Ask around, and take the time to read our reviews across the internet. Our clients are always willing to speak with you about their experience.
Are You Simply Overpaying for Your Pharmacy Management Software?
You should never pay more for less. The best retail pharmacy software combines affordability with the best products and customer service.
Your pharmacy software system should include all of the latest and greatest features such as mobile applications, delivery systems, medication synchronization, automation, customizable workflow and system settings, compounding, and long-term care, to name a few.
Many pharmacy software vendors nickel and dime you for every option you want, but Datascan Pharmacy Software’s pharmacy software suite includes everything you need to run a successful and profitable community pharmacy.
When shopping for the absolute best retail pharmacy software, it’s important to do true side-by-side comparisons when looking at what is included, as well as transactional costs.
Did you know that some vendors are now charging an “Rx Success Fee” that can put your total transactional cost higher than all other software vendors?
They also include these charges on cash prescriptions, not just insurance 3rd-party claims.
Datascan Pharmacy Software offers our Mobile Scripts patient-facing app for free, while some of our competitors charge as much as $100 a month for their solution.
How Long Has the Pharmacy Software Vendor Been Around, and How Long Under the Same Ownership?
Datascan Pharmacy Software has been serving the needs of independent pharmacies for over 4 decades! As the oldest independently owned pharmacy system vendor in the US, Datascan Pharmacy Software understands the needs of independent pharmacies and sets you up for success.
Some newer retail pharmacy software systems may be popping up, but how sustainable are their businesses in today’s market? Datascan Pharmacy Software has had hands-on experience since 1981 and continues to be ranked #1 across the market.
We are now owned by a 2nd-generation family – like many of our independent community pharmacy clients. We understand what makes us all different, our ability to be flexible and work with our clients.
There’s simply no corporate ‘red tape’ at every corner, or other obstacles to frustrate the client. This is what you offer your pharmacy patients, and what we offer our independent pharmacy owners.
So when you are shopping for the right pharmacy management system for your business, take your time, do the research, and try not to buy into the flashy corporate marketing. In the end, it costs a lot less and saves headaches if you choose the right pharmacy software vendor the first time around!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can retail pharmacy software really help with front-end and clinical services, or only prescriptions?
Good retail pharmacy software should support the whole business, not just the dispensing side. Think mobile refills, delivery, med sync, LTC, compounding, and even simple tools that keep front-end sales and services visible in one place so you’re not juggling half a dozen separate systems.
What questions should I ask during a retail pharmacy software demo?
Don’t just ask about features. Ask who owns the company, how often prices have gone up in the last five years, and how long tickets usually take to resolve. Then ask them to walk you through a real refill, a new patient, and a problem claim from start to finish.
What’s the risk of choosing a newer or private-equity-owned pharmacy management system?
Newer or PE-owned systems can look exciting on paper, but they’re also more likely to change direction, raise fees, or get folded into another platform that might not be as favorable.
How can I check if I’m overpaying for my current retail pharmacy software?
List out every charge tied to your system, such as the base fee, added modules, per-transaction fees, “success” fees, mobile apps, delivery tools, and more. Then compare that full picture to vendors that bundle these pieces together. Many owners only realize how much they’re overpaying once they see all the add-ons in one place.
Kevin Minassian is the President of Datascan Software. Under his leadership, the company rapidly expanded to provide pharmacy management software on a national level. Over the last 15+ years, he has ensured that Datascan has continuously evolved to offer innovative solutions for independent pharmacies while still offering world-class customer support. He is passionate about helping independent pharmacies to remain competitive, achieve success, and offer the very best service to their communities.
