scanadmin, Author at Datascan

Pharmacy Inventory Management Systems: A Prescription for Success

Computer mouse next to prescription pills

Neighborhood pharmacies play a vital role in the well-being of communities across the country. Customers look to and depend on their pharmacies as a trusted source of healthcare information. They also rely on them for assistance with complex medication. Due to chronic diseases being on the rise and the expansion of health insurance, the frequency of customer interaction with their pharmacies has expanded exponentially.

Pharmacy inventories have evolved to include more than just prescription drugs, and a pharmacy inventory management system is critical to capitalizing on these growth opportunities.

How Does Pharmacy Inventory Software Work?

Datascan’s pharmacy inventory management system was developed and designed to track inventory levels, sales, orders, and deliveries.

This area of the software streamlines your pharmacy’s workflow and inventory control, reducing instances of overstocking and product outages. Identifying stock and monitoring expiration dates also helps to alleviate losses.

The Multiple Advantages of a Pharmacy Inventory Management System

Pharmacist on an iPad

Our pharmacy software for independent pharmacies has features for built-in inventory management and ordering. It will help optimize your business efficiency and exponentially improve your pharmacy’s bottom line. It allows the staff to focus on their areas of expertise, and spend more time cultivating customer relationships.

A pharmacy inventory management system allows you to manage your stock, watch over your pricing, and shop across your suppliers. The forecasting feature gives you the data to help anticipate future patient demand.

Pharmacy Inventory Software Capabilities

Our Pharmacy management software comes with convenient and helpful capabilities.

Datascan’s inventory management technology allows pharmacies to maintain perpetual inventory on not just one, but up to 4 separate inventory categories. Additionally, pharmacies can separate and manage any two unique inventories easily and efficiently. For example, our pharmacy inventory management system has the option to manage regular and 340b inventory.
Our EDI (electronic data interchange) system simplifies the separation and management of two inventory categories. The built in EDI, inside of the pharmacy software, does this by automatically generating and exporting purchase orders to multiple wholesale vendors. This will automatically compile your pharmacy’s invoices and update inventory and drug costs for each individual category.
Our pharmacy inventory management system streamlines supply-side processes. Having more efficient purchasing and payment mechanisms allows pharmacies to keep up with growing demand while maintaining strong business relationships.
When using our pharmacy inventory management system, you have multiple reporting options that are customizable to your pharmacy. Additionally, our inventory system comes with compounding software for ingredient inventory tracking to help create a more structured workflow.

Smarter Pharmacy Systems Can Lead to Happier Customers

Ultimately, our pharmacy inventory software helps to organize your business so pharmacies can focus on keeping their customers happy.

With the ever-increasing importance of pharmacies in today’s day and age, it’s vital to maintain strong business relationships while staying helpful and organized. Datascan’s pharmacy inventory management system helps you meet those standards and accomplish your independent pharmacy goals.

Try a Demo of Datascan Pharmacy Software

There are many benefits that come with having a streamlined system for your Pharmacy inventory management. Don’t miss out on the impressive capabilities and worthwhile advantages that come with our pharmacy inventory management system. Chat with our expert team today to learn how our technology can revolutionize the operation of your independent pharmacy!

PharmacyInventoryManagementSystemsLetYouSave

What are DIR Fees, Why do They Exist, and What Can We do About Them?

A blindfolded man surrounded by falling $20 bills.

There are lots of hidden costs in the pharmacy industry, and if you’ve ever worked at a pharmacy, you’re probably familiar with the term Direct and Indirect Remuneration or “DIR Fees,” and how there is no way to avoid these growing fees from pharmacy benefit managers.

But what are these fees anyway? The idea of having to pay fees of any kind is unnerving, so we’ve set out to give you a better understanding of what they are and the reason for their existence, because no one likes to pay fees, especially if they don’t fully understand them.

So, What are They and Why do They Exist?

To begin with, calling a spade a spade, they are simply another bogus way for PBM’s to screw over independent pharmacies.

Technically, Direct and Indirect Remuneration or “DIR” fees are the fees that pharmacies are paying back to Medicare Part D plans/PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers), originally as a way to offset member costs.

According to NCPA, plans/PBMs have used the term “DIR Fee” to describe a “true-up” between a target reimbursement rate in a participating pharmacy agreement and the aggregated effective rate actually realized by a pharmacy. It comes as no surprise that many pharmacy owners are confused by this, seeing as there is a total lack of transparency among the PBMs collecting these astronomical fees.

DIR Fees are assessed by a myriad of performance-based metrics that make little to no sense to pharmacy owners, making it difficult to predict your bottom-line claw-back amount.

A Software Solution for Independent Pharmacies

Datascan Pharmacy Software recognizes the struggles you’re facing as an independent pharmacy and has built in many features that help clients manage, assess, and fight back against these fees and avoid problems with pharmacy benefit managers.

Our DIR pharmacy estimator tool allows you to configure each plan in your system with specific low and high end percentage fees for brands and generics across 30 and 90 day supply, and even lets you enter specific fee amounts.

The estimated DIR fees appear on the claim at adjudication to better analyze each prescription and determine if you will expect a net loss on the prescription. In fact, we have a post-edit hard stop you can turn on for any RX that expects a loss after the DIR.

It color codes the script and stops the label from automatically printing, giving you the opportunity to assess the situation and make decisions.

There are also reports that pharmacies can run to collect DIR fee data and better plan for the clawbacks from the PBMs.

To help combat the star ratings metric, which supposedly causes harm to your reimbursement rates and affects DIR fees, building medication adherence is a must. We have multiple automated functions, utilities, warnings on maintenance medications with no refills, and an adherence dashboard.

All of this, coupled with multiple automatic ways to communicate with your patients and Datascan Pharmacy Software’s mobile application, greatly simplifies getting your patients their medications on time. To avoid problems with pharmacy benefit managers, all you need to do is harness and implement the technology already within the Datascan Pharmacy Software platform—and you’re already paying for it!

This, together with fighting PBMs through tough legislation and rallying together with your fellow independent pharmacies, will help guarantee the future of our industry.

Why Datascan Pharmacy Software?

Although single-handedly, no independent pharmacy can do anything to stop or reduce DIR Fees, we can prepare for them, measure them, report on them, and avoid losing money on them, thanks to Datascan Pharmacy Software’s intelligent technology designed specifically to mitigate the risk of these fees.

If you’re considering a new pharmacy software for your independent pharmacy, demand that managing, predicting, and accounting for these fees is a part of the program and comes at no additional cost to you. Thankfully, Datascan Pharmacy Software has you covered. Call us now to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a better way to get ahead of DIR fees before they wreck your margins?

Absolutely, and it starts with using the right pharmacy estimator tools inside your pharmacy system. We’re talking about real-time data that shows you if you’re about to lose money on a script before you fill it. Most good pharmacy information systems today should let you estimate these fees at adjudication, so you’re not caught off guard two months down the road. If your system doesn’t give you a clear picture, you’re basically flying blind. That’s not sustainable anymore, and you will run into problems with pharmacy benefit managers.

What strategies can enhance communication between pharmacies and PBMs regarding DIR fees?

If your pharmacy software has a solid bidirectional interface, it can at least pull in real-time updates and push out the data PBMs are supposedly basing their DIR metrics on. It won’t fix the clawbacks overnight, but it does give you a shot at keeping up and defending yourself with better information. If nothing else, it helps you see the game they’re playing, even if it’s rigged.

Does it really matter if our system connects with others when it comes to DIR fees?

Yes, it does, and here’s why. The more connected your system is to the broader healthcare network (we’re talking real interoperability here), the more visibility you have into things like adherence, refills, and gaps in care. And since PBMs love to ding us on so-called performance metrics, being able to track and act on that data quickly can actually help lower your DIR hit. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s better than flying blind and hoping for the best.

Datascan Featured Client:Professional Arts Pharmacy

The Best Pharmacies deserve the Best Pharmacy Software

Seeing the challenges that retail pharmacy faces, many independent pharmacy owners have sought out new models and alternate revenue streams. Independent compounding pharmacies have become wildly popular, as they are not bound by PBM contracts and no longer rely on declining PBM reimbursements to stay in business. Professional Arts Pharmacy in Ellicott City, MD has been servicing patients in Maryland and surrounding states since 1979. For over 4 decades, Professional Arts Pharmacy has offered its patients compounded speciality medication, and an ultimate level of service. When their pharmacy software vendor QS1 sold to private equity company Redsail, Professional Arts Pharmacy was being pushed to Redsail owned PioneerRX software. Owner Thai Huynh knew that meant it was time to look for a true pharmacy software partner where he would be a customer and not just a number. After doing his research, he became a part of the Datascan Pharmacy Software family in 2021.

pharmacy software at pharmacy conference

What prompted you to start looking for a new pharmacy software vendor?
At the time QS1 was sold to Redsail and they were pushing us toward PioneerRX. They were warning us that if we did not migrate over we wouldn’t be able to use our QS1 pharmacy system anymore. I felt this was a dishonest business tactic. We were not given a timeline or even an option of who we wanted to work with. That really prompted us to start looking around at options.
What were some of your concerns/hesitations about going through a pharmacy software conversion?
Running a compounding pharmacy is much different than a retail pharmacy. I wanted safety, speed, accuracy, and the ability to create drug templates, modify pricing, bill insurance for compounded medications, and have a user-friendly interface. We really wanted a robust, but easy to use pharmacy management software to accommodate some of our non-computer savvy staff. Our number one concern was finding a platform with a robust compounding module that also supported the retail side of our business. Datascans pharmacy computer system performs great on both ends of our pharmacy business.
What made you choose to partner with Datascan as your pharmacy management system?
Throughout the pharmacy software demonstration process, Sarah took the time to show us the system, and spent hours with us answering questions and addressing our concerns. We were looking at PioneerRX, Liberty, and Datascan as potential replacements for our QS1 pharmacy system, but the no-pressure approach and time we were given to ensure our comfortability really proved to us that Datascan was the best pharmacy software for us. Compounding requires a bit more vetting, as our needs are quite unique.
Tell us about the pharmacy system conversion process:
Our onsite techs Joe and Mike were very helpful. They made the pharmacy software conversion process very bearable. If something wasn’t working right they would immediately get on the phone to speak with their team at Datascan and get us everything we needed. They worked seamlessly with their team in New York and modified the pharmacy system to ensure it fit our workflow and pharmacy. Mike and Joe were so friendly– we shared a lot of laughs throughout the conversion week. We even went out for food on their last day before flying out. Most people are anxious for a pharmacy software conversion, understandably so. We were fortunate that Datacan took the time to address our concerns, ease our anxiety, and listen to our needs. The Winpharm Pharmacy Software system is so customizable that we were able to easily adapt the software to our unique workflow.
How did Datascan handle your concerns?
Everything was handled with speed and excellence. I love that with Datascan we can submit feature requests to modify the pharmacy software for our pharmacy. This fact showed me that the pharmacy management software and code are flexible and can work to fit the workflow needs of not just our pharmacy, but any pharmacy. Datascan has truly been the best pharmacy system we’ve used.
What are some of the unique things you’re doing in your pharmacy and how are you using Datascan’s Pharmacy Software to help?
We compound and dispense compounded medications for both humans and animals. We’re also compounding non-sterile and sterile medications. Just like Datascan, we push for excellent customer service and go above and beyond for our human patients, our doctors, and our furry patients. We go the extra mile to make sure you have the best experience– just like Datascan. The best pharmacies deserve the best pharmacy software. We use all of Datacan’s compounding features like customized compounding workflow queues, scale integration, automatic inventory updates, and efficiency scanning. All of these features help us to be more available to patients and providers.
Looking forward, what are your thoughts?
I look forward to continuing the relationship with Datascan and I hope that all their new feature updates and enhancements will continue to make the pharmacy systems even more streamlined and easy to use. Big Plus for us– the pharmacy software has many safety checks and reimbursement warnings built in. We don’t bill a lot of insurance claims, but if we do, this is a complete game changer and will save any pharmacy countless dollars. PBM’s like to reimburse below cost, we all know this, so this feature makes sure we catch every single prescription that is in the red. We’re really excited about all of the new options and features Datascan is rolling out. These features continue to help our pharmacy make more money and streamline our compounding processes. Anyone thinking about possibly converting their pharmacy software to a different vendor should definitely look at Datascan, the best pharmacy software package available.

Datascan Featured Client: Dedrick’s Pharmacy and Gift Shop

A shared vision– Hometown Staple pharmacy finds success with the right partners!

Independent Pharmacy is a special type of small business. Unlike large chain pharmacies, community pharmacy focuses on providing patients with quality personalized care. In order for an independent pharmacy to be successful, it’s essential that they partner with the best pharmacy software vendors that will support their endeavors. Dedrick’s Pharmacy and Gift Shop has been serving the Hudson Valley since 1857, beginning in Kingston, NY and expanding to New Paltz in 1968. In 2018 Jared Nekos took over Dedricks, and converted to Datascan pharmacy software systems in 2019, sharing a vision for what it means to be an independent pharmacy.

How did you get into community pharmacy?
I grew up in a small business. My family is Greek so we operated diners and restaurants and in the 1950s. We added a pharmacy to an already established lunch counter, candy, and soda fountain. A slice of Americana; drop off your prescription and have a sandwich with an Egg Cream or Lime Rickey. So many of the long-standing independent Pharmacies had a lunch counter at one point and time. I grew up on the restaurant side of things but ultimately wanted something with more stability so I committed myself to becoming a pharmacist. I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I do; I truly cherish my role as a community pharmacist.
You were previously using another pharmacy software vendor, what made you decide to start looking around at other systems?
We had Freedom Data Systems (FDS) pharmacy software at one point, and then switched to McKesson Pharmaserv. Both of those pharmacy systems left a lot to be desired. Freedom (FDS), sunset their system, and years later McKesson stopped taking on new clients and started steering everyone to another pharmacy software. It was a clear signal that they would one day in the near future sunset their system and stop supporting it. We figured if we had to change our pharmacy software anyway, that we might as well do the research and find a true partner solution. Coming from two huge corporately run pharmacy systems previously, we wanted to find a vendor that focused on personal service and attention to our needs.
What made you choose Datascan pharmacy management software?
As an independent pharmacy, our business model's cornerstone is compassion and attentive service to our community. In other words, it's about relationships. After vetting multiple pharmacy computer systems, Datascan was our clear choice for several factors. First, their system is top-notch. It has tons of features and benefits and it was clear they regularly made additional innovations. Continuing to improve and meet the needs of their clients was and is a clear priority. The most important factor was the confidence I felt that this family business wouldn't be sold off and gutted of all of its wonderful people. They valued relationships just like we do; it's wonderful to be in business with like-minded people. Any pharmacy management system will fill prescriptions and handle the basics, but the best pharmacy software vendor in my opinion, is one who treats us like we treat our patients. That is what gave Datascan the edge over every other vendor we looked at.
Can you talk about the software conversion process? What were some of the things you were nervous about?
Having gone through a pharmacy software conversion in the past, I knew it could be a very daunting experience. Our biggest concern was losing data. One key is to do as much work and due diligence before the pharmacy conversion. Comb over the data that has been converted routing out and fixing any issues that may exist. This will prove to be incredibly beneficial the day you go live and have to start using the system in your daily endeavors. Stay calm and don't get frustrated. We were also nervous about our staff learning a new pharmacy system. There are keystrokes and hot-keys you use on your old system that are muscle memory; having to think about every keystroke as you learn your new system can be frustrating. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed, practice the new keystrokes, hot-keys, and mouse clicks as you build new muscle memories.
How did the team at Datascan help alleviate your pharmacy software conversion fears?
The Datascan team helped to alleviate worries and fears by being communicative, responsive, and calm. They are always available when you need them, they are knowledgeable, and project confidence that helps you to trust in the process. The Datacan team worked with us for weeks before our go-live through training, and answering questions, ensuring we were somewhat familiar with the system and day to day functionality. This made our staff feel so much more confident walking into our live day. I think the most important thing that the Datascan team did for us was to make sure we were comfortable.
Is there anything you liked better about your old system?
Med-Sync calendar was nice, but Datascan is working on building out a similar product. Outside of that, NO!
What do you like better about working with Datascan?
The pharmacy software itself is packed with features and custom options, but the great thing about Datascan is how easy they make it to use. We can take advantage of features like autorefill, mobile apps, deliveries, etc. without worrying that it’s too difficult for our staff to figure out. With the other systems we've worked with, getting helpful and knowledgeable staff was very difficult. McKesson was the absolute worst; when we had a problem we might have to call three different departments in three different states just to be told the problem had to be "escalated"! Almost always, if we need to reach out to Datascan’s pharmacy support team, our questions and issues are resolved on the spot in a matter of minutes. This allows us to keep servicing our patients quickly– which is something they’ve come to expect. We’re happy we can expect the same from Datascan. The team at Datascan is great, and I literally know everyone's name and have built a true relationship with most of them. If you’re frustrated with the service you’re getting from your current software vendor — Datascan is the best.
What would you say to someone thinking about converting away from their current pharmacy software vendor, but are worried?
Converting to a new pharmacy system is not an easy task, but doing the hard things because it is the right move, will almost always lead to better outcomes. If your priority is serving your patients and community, then equip yourself with the proper tools to do just that. After a short transition time, you will wonder why you ever hesitated. Thankfully Datascan was able to provide us with a seamless transition from McKesson and we could not be happier we made the switch. So much so we are working on transitioning our other store to Datascan right now.

Datascan Featured Client: TigeRX

Conversion Success Story: A switch over to Datascan, for the better!

To make it as an independent pharmacy nowadays is tough. It’s not just about filling prescriptions, but about offering your customers next level service. In order to remain competitive, profitable, and successful, pharmacy owners must not only establish themselves as a staple within their communities, but also align themselves with the best possible partners.

Running a successful independent pharmacy is no easy feat, and for Ben Price, owner of TigeRX Pharmacy in Honaker, Virginia, he encompasses what it means to be an independent pharmacist. As a second generation pharmacist, Ben took over TigeRX in 2010, which originally started in 2001 and was named after their local high school mascot, the Honaker Tigers. TigeRX Pharmacy set out with a mission to offer better quality patient care. Partnering with Datascan has opened the door to new opportunities and the ability to achieve their goal of providing Honaker with easy access to pharmacists and quality care.

(D): What are some of the ways you’re setting your pharmacy apart from other independents and also the chains?

(BP): We pride ourselves on service and taking care of our aging community while providing easy access for caregivers of younger generations to use technology to make the process easier. Moving over to Datascan from our prior vendor has allowed us to offer things like text messaging and a mobile app which makes it even easier for patients and their caregivers to connect with us and stay on top of meds.

(D) What are some of the unique services you offer to your patients?

(BP) We offer free delivery, free medication packaging, free adherence monitoring, and geriatric consults with a board certified geriatric pharmacist. We also offer all point of care testing to include strep, flu, covid, UTI, yeast infection, etc. We also have collaborative practice agreements in place to start therapy immediately with no doctor visit required. We’ve been able to leverage the technology and features in Datascan’s software to streamline our deliveries through their electronic system. It’s also incredibly convenient that our software integrates with our compliance packaging machine. The software has freed up a lot of our staff’s time so that our pharmacists actually have the time to counsel and work with patients.

(D) Aside from everyday functions like entering prescriptions, viewing profiles, etc. what features are you using to help organize your workflow and build efficiency?

(BP) One of the most useful options for us is having the ability to customize our PMS (pharmacy management system) to identify patients who miss refill opportunities on medications that affect our adherence metrics and to make sure that we are taking advantage of 90 day fills when we can. Between the dashboards and reporting capabilities in Winpharm we’ve been able to hone in on patients with compliance issues such as late fills or missed refills, and get them on auto refill programs and delivery. This has ultimately improved compliance and adherence which ultimately increases our profits.

(D) What advice would you give to someone looking to open a community pharmacy?

(BP) Make sure you’re ready to get involved with your community and live, work, and be involved with your patients. Really making your pharmacy a part of the neighborhood and being involved in the lives of your patients truly helps build loyalty and customer retention.

(D) You’ve previously used another software vendor prior to Datascan. What made you start looking around for a new vendor partner?

(BP) Constant fee increases from our prior vendor and their updates rolling out without proper vetting ultimately pushed us to start shopping. We were sick of paying more for less. We converted from PrimeCareNRX from QS1 and considered 12 other vendors before happily choosing Datascan.

(D) What made you choose Datascan?

(BP) Pricing is what made me start looking, but the reviews from other pharmacists is what sold me. By and large community pharmacy functions the same. If someone tells me what works for them we’re going to listen. Datascan operates like we do and focuses on service, something many other vendors seem to have lost sight of these days.

(D) How was your conversion from your previous vendor?

(BP) Logan and Mike were the best. The previous vendor didn’t make things easy for anyone but the two on-site techs from Datascan were perfect in their approach to our training and got us off the ground running smoothly.

(D) Since you’ve been with Datascan, can you tell us what you like about working with us?

(BP) My time from realizing something is not right to having the issue resolved is usually less than 5 minutes. I don’t wait on hold and they don’t have to figure out what happened. I’ve had a critical issue happen once and I left a message late after hours, fully expecting them to resolve this the next day, but a technician must have got my message and SOLVED the problem overnight. I came in the next morning with no problems. Come to find out this was the night before this technician was getting married. You can’t find that type of customer support anywhere because it’s simply not for sale. Nobody would have expected them or anyone to have that type of dedication or response. This technician knew I was going to have a bad start to my morning which would have impacted our patient care had he not intervened. This company has become friends and family and they truly care about their customers.

(D) What would you suggest or say to other pharmacy owners who are not happy with their vendor but nervous to make a change?

(BP) Changing is not a comfortable process because it slows us down. Pharmacists are resourceful people but also self reliant. Changing software vendors requires us to relinquish a certain amount of control and rely on others. Usually it never works out, but with Datascan, it does!