If you’re just starting out, and looking to open an independent pharmacy, you probably have questions about pharmacy software systems. You’ll also need to learn about the board requirements for these systems. A pharmacy software system not only helps you meet board requirements (print labels, handle allergy/interaction checking, and keep patient history)...

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 for an affordable price and the best customer experience. Datascan’s pharmacy software system is the best choice for...

Historically, it has always been more convenient to access your pharmacist vs your physician.  The role of pharmacists in patient care continues to become greater and greater. Pharmacists are among the most trusted professionals, and they have always played an important part in the overall well-being of patients. Nowadays, however, patients are relying...

Every patient in your pharmacy has their own unique needs.  When managing different medical conditions, consulting patients, operating different patient-facing programs, and running your day-to-day operations, it can be quite challenging to accommodate all of your patients' needs.  Thankfully, customizable pharmacy software systems can help you not only...

Today’s independent pharmacy is fighting every day to stay afloat.  With PBM reimbursements on a steady decline, pharmacy owners are forced to operate often with less staff. It’s more important than ever that pharmacists and technicians can process prescriptions quickly and efficiently. Simple prescription management is important, and using a pharmacy...

In today’s world, independent pharmacies are involved in a constant battle. Because of unfair PBM practices, increasing drug costs, and lower reimbursements, community pharmacies must also find ways to compete with big pharmacy chains. Savvy pharmacy owners know that to secure their place in the future of community pharmacy, they must diversify away from...

Running an independent pharmacy is undeniably complex.  Between building a profitable and efficient business and ensuring you’re compliant with any and all state and federal compliance regulations, it can be overwhelming to say the least.  Most retail pharmacy management systems have built in tools to help ensure you’re following all state and federal...

Over the last decade electronic prescribing has become a standard across all retail pharmacies.  States across the US continue to require electronic prescriptions, moving away from hand written RX’s.  By now, all pharmacy management software systems should have an integrated electronic prescribing module that supports these requirements, but they should...

As the needs of independent pharmacies continue to evolve, the features and enhancements offered by your pharmacy software need to modernize as well. Patients continue to have more vendor expectations in 2024 and beyond this year, and rightly so. They need text messaging reminders, mobile applications, and better quality care and service– and the list...

You can speak to 10 different independent pharmacies, and likely, you will find at least 3-4 different workflows between them. Operating a pharmacy is not ‘one size fits all’. So your pharmacy software needs to be customizable and adaptable to change. We have seen many folks come from the chain pharmacy mentality, where they want as much as a 4 or 5 step...

Medication adherence has become a large focus within pharmacies over the last decade.  Now, your reimbursements from CMS are tied directly to your star ratings, which in turn are tied to your performance in keeping your patients adherent to their medications.  Lets face it, tying directly into medication adherence is the fact that your filling more...

Even the most robust, technology packed pharmacy software on the market has the need for third party integrations.  In our industry, you have companies that offer interactive voice response systems (known as IVR’s), robotic dispensing products, scales (for measuring ingredients when building compounded prescriptions), electronic MAR systems (eMAR),...

Maximizing efficiency for pharmacy claims billing: The complex process of pharmacy billing involves submitting and processing insurance claims for prescription drugs and other pharmaceutical items. This procedure can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for independent pharmacy owners and managers who must juggle multiple responsibilities at once....

Today’s pharmacy software needs to do so much more than just fill prescriptions.  While most retail pharmacy software systems will build in features to help manage your business, the best software for pharmacies will provide additional features that help you do even more.  Fully integrated mobile applications help your pharmacy operate at peak...

Your data in your pharmacy computer system is your lifeline.  Not only do you need to have historical data available in case of an audit from PBM’s, DOH, or board of pharmacy, but you need it in order to be able to serve your patients with accuracy and efficiency.  The risk of losing everything could have a huge impact on your business—this is your...

Running a profitable and efficient pharmacy is not an easy task these days.   That is where technology can assist in meeting these goals.  The best pharmacy software on the market will give you the opportunity to leverage a myriad of data points and historical data within your pharmacy to help make decisions, limit losses, and build profitability.  Your...

The Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Software Pharmacists play an important role in managing patient health. Patient safety and proper medication management is crucial, and the best pharmacy systems offer features to help ensure prescriptions are filled properly. With more states giving pharmacists provider status, it's becoming increasingly important...

When searching for the best pharmacy point of sale software there are a few key features that are an absolute must have for every independent pharmacy.  Operating a small pharmacy or clinic today can be challenging, but the right technology synchronized together can make the world of a difference.  Ultimately, the ability to get a POS system for your...

Running an independent pharmacy, even with advancements in technology, is still very challenging, even today.  With declining reimbursements, PBM’s constantly in your pockets between DIR fees, GER fees, and audits, owners need to find new profit centers, and most importantly find a way to operate as lean as possible.  That means you need the ability to...

Using Technology to Improve Medication Adherence Medication adherence has become a large focus within pharmacies over the last decade.  Now, your reimbursements from CMS are tied directly to your star ratings, which in turn are tied to your performance in keeping your patients adherent to their medications.  Lets face it, tying directly into medication...

Over the last few years, especially during and post Covid-19, pharmacies have proven once again, that they are essential to the healthcare sector. Managing pharmacy operations can be frustrating, time-consuming, and error-prone due to the rising number of regulations and challenges presented.  However, if you have the right technology in place --- a...

The complex process of pharmacy billing involves submitting and processing insurance claims for prescription drugs and other pharmaceutical items. This procedure can be difficult and time-consuming, especially for independent pharmacy owners and managers who must juggle multiple responsibilities at once. In order to handle this process effectively,...

In order to have a successful independent or community-based pharmacy, you must optimize your operations to remain profitable and competitive. Inventory management is a crucial area that can have a big impact on the bottom line. You may improve your return on investment (ROI) and streamline your business processes with an advanced pharmacy management...

The right Pharmacy management software is essential to the success of any independent pharmacy. It literally helps run the day to day operations of these businesses, and will determine whether or not the pharmacy is running efficiently or not.  Choosing the right pharmacy software will allow you to operate more competently as it will streamline and...

Most patients see their physician about once a year while on average, they see their pharmacist about 12.  That means pharmacists have far more opportunity to engage patients and help build enhanced clinical care programs to support healthier outcomes.  Despite having more face-to-face time with patients, it’s still not enough to ensure they’re staying...

The pharmacy management software you choose to partner with is legitimately one of the most important vendor relationships in your pharmacy next to your primary wholesaler.  Whether you are opening a new pharmacy or considering a change in your pharmacy software vendor, the system you choose can make or break your business.  The independent pharmacy...

Overpriced pharmacy systems Extended wait time for pharmacy software support Pharmacy software company sell-offs (mostly to large private equity) Declining or poor customer service Pharmacy systems with outdated/archaic technology How do you know it’s time to look for a new pharmacy software system, and what warning signs can you look out for if you’re...

One of the most beneficial things about your pharmacy management software is the ability to run reports and analyze data.  Reports are able to be generated from both Winpharm and Datascan POS to help you delve deeper into your pharmacy’s performance.  Winpharm and POS also allow you to view and print reports, and also save them and export them to Excel...

Figuring out the best way to run a successful and profitable independent pharmacy can often be difficult for store owners.  Hiring and training the right staff poses its own list of challenges, but effectively managing your pharmacists and technicians can ultimately result in success.  It is important to remember that the role of pharmacy technicians is...

Inventory is your independent pharmacy’s biggest overhead, and an unmanaged inventory can severely hurt your profits and bottom line.  There are several ways you can effectively manage inventory and your pharmacy software can help. Know What’s on Your Shelves Many pharmacy owners think they have a handle on their inventory, but often find outdated or...

What changes and industry trends can we expect to see from independent pharmacies in 2021?  Although each pharmacy may have a different focus, there are still common issues affecting all independent pharmacies nation-wide.  Technology continues to play a pivotal role in the success of independent pharmacies, and how the technology adapts to industry...

How can you set your independent pharmacy up for success?  By making sure your two most important vendors are carefully chosen.  First, your pharmacy wholesaler.  The pricing, tiered discounts, availability, and of course how fast they can deliver are all extremely relevant to your overall success.   Partnering with the right pharmacy software vendor is...

For many pharmacists considering opening an independent pharmacy there can be confusion surrounding claims and billing.  Unlike other types of medical billing, pharmacy billing is done in real time—providing pharmacy owners with immediate adjudication responses from payers and more insight into the status of their prescription claims.  Pharmacy billing...

Not all point of sale systems are created equally.  Point of sale systems are commonly built specifically for an industry, which provides businesses with the tools necessary to effectively operate their type of business.  A point of sale system used in a restaurant would likely not offer the features needed to run a pharmacy and vice versa.  Retail...

Independently owned pharmacies have transitioned from a primary focus on filling prescriptions to transitioning to healthcare professionals.  Today, they offer a wide-range of clinical services while playing a much larger role in patient health.  No longer are community pharmacists seen as “prescription fillers,” but often a first line of defense for...

Most independent pharmacies stock their shelves with merchandise that is designed to help patients save time and money. Purchasing other necessities in one stop while also picking up your prescriptions is one of many conveniences offered by independent pharmacies. Often times, a unique selection of merchandise can even draw people into your pharmacy when...

It comes as no surprise that the PBMs are constantly coming up with new ways to dig deeper into your pharmacy's profits. As soon as independent pharmacy owners think they have a grasp on ways to combat the claw backs, the PBMs create a new set of unattainable targets designed to take back even more money. If you’re always losing on the backend, what can...

With so many software options available to independent pharmacy owners, it is important for pharmacy software vendors to take the absolute best care of their clients. While new customers are essential for growth, it is equally important to value your existing clientele, something Datascan Pharmacy Software has focused on for the last 40 years. According...

Your pharmacy software is arguably the most important building block when growing your independent pharmacy. Choosing the right pharmacy software can help your business reach insurmountable success, while on the contrary, choosing the wrong software can cost you time, money, and lead to lost profits and inefficiencies that will cost you. With all the...

Over the last decade, independent pharmacies have seen an enormous amount of changes within the industry. Between the introduction of DIR fees and PBM takeovers, many states granting pharmacists provider status, and a major shift and emphasis on patient clinical care, managing a successful pharmacy requires adaptability now more than ever. The future for...

There is no denying that the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone and every business in some way. As we try to come up with safe solutions to operate our businesses and get back to somewhat normal daily lives, there exists an absolute fear of a second wave destined to hit. While pharmacies fortunately are deemed essential businesses and thus...

Who owns your Pharmacy Vendor? Have you noticed a difference in your pharmacy software vendor? Did they merge or sell to another company, and perhaps the level of service or response times have changed? With ownership changing, do you find it hard to escalate issues or really have your voice heard?  Over the past few years, the pharmacy software industry...

4 Important Steps Starting your own pharmacy can be an intimidating and challenging venture. There are many things to consider and important steps in the process. However, if you do it correctly, you cannot only become a successful business owner, but you can become a beloved pillar in your local community. Before moving forward, let's make sure your...

One of the first questions on anyone's mind when researching pharmacy software is, "How much does pharmacy software cost?" With operating budgets to keep in mind, it's an essential question to ask; however, the answer isn't as straightforward as one might hope. So how much does pharmacy software cost? Pharmacy management software packages can easily...

Choosing a software solution for your independent pharmacy is difficult. Whether you’re looking for a software vendor for a new pharmacy or if you’re considering making a switch from your existing vendor, there are many factors to consider. The process of choosing new pharmacy software can quickly make pharmacy owners feel overwhelmed with all of the...

Technology can be scary, especially for small, independent pharmacies who might be set in their ways and used to their routine. Now more than ever though, with independent pharmacies working tirelessly to beat PBM fees and declining reimbursements, pharmacists need to look to their pharmacy software systems for help. At Datascan, we believe technology...

Working with other independently owned vendors can give you a competitive advantage and better service. When you think about opening a community pharmacy, what do you envision? Your answer is probably: a setting in a local town where you can build relationships with your patients, provide them the service and care they deserve, and set yourself aside...

As more patients nationwide suffer from conditions like cancer and cardiac disorders and also look to manage care at home, the need for at-home "DME", or Durable Medical Equipment, continues to rise. According to a study by Grand View Research, the market for Durable Medical Equipment was worth nearly $42 billion in 2016 and is expected to continue to...

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, pharmacies are one of the most essential businesses to remain operational during these difficult times. No matter who we are or where we’re from, we have all been affected by the spread of the coronavirus. We are settling into a new normal as businesses are closing, schools are shutting down, and we are facing...

Over the Counter (OTC) medications can be found in almost everyone’s medicine cabinet, and many people rely on them daily to relieve common symptoms and stay healthy. Drawing consumers into your independent pharmacy by offering a wide selection of OTC medications may seem like a smart decision, but it’s better to focus on the right mix of product...

Is your Pharmacy Software Shutting down or being acquired? Are you one of many independent pharmacy owners left searching for a new system? Cerner Retail joins list of Pharmacy Software Vendors Shutting down service to Independent pharmacy owners. The landscape of the pharmacy software industry is changing fast, and not necessarily for the better. Many...

As community pharmacies continues to face declining reimbursements and PBM penalties, pharmacy owners need to diversify and seek alternate revenue streams beyond traditional prescription sales to remain profitable. The community pharmacy industry is undoubtedly hurting, but if we continue the fight as we always have, there will be a light at the end of...

As an independent pharmacy owner, how often are you connecting with your patients? While there is no denying the importance of face-to-face communication with patients during prescription drop-off and pickup, there needs to be more touch points even when customers are not physically present in your pharmacy. With the overwhelming prevalence of social...

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”. But what are DIR 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 DIR fees are and the...

Inventory is the largest carrying cost within an independent pharmacy. Knowing this alone should make managing, shopping and mitigating risk with regards to the inventory you purchase, needs to be a priority. Too many pharmacies are running blind when it comes to keeping track of the dollars and cents sitting on their shelves. Datascan's Pharmacy...

Running a successful Independent Pharmacy used to be much simpler—contract with vendors for great pricing, fill prescriptions for your patients, reimbursements were high and everyone was profitable. Unfortunately there has been nothing simple for pharmacists over the past few years. PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) monopolistic practices and shifts in the...

Datascan prides itself on providing the absolute best customer service and technical support in the industry. It's what makes Datascan the leading Pharmacy Management Software in the country and has earned Datascan a consistent 5-star customer rating when it comes to pharmacy software reviews. Here's a brief interview with a real Datascan Pharmacy...

Many states across the US allow physician dispensing, where doctors can dispense medications from their offices. Datascan Pharmacy Software has worked with physician dispensaries for over 15 years helping them properly manage dispensing. Datascan offers a unique pharmacy management software package tailored to the specific needs of in-office dispensing,...

Datascan is excited to announce our partnership with Vita-Stat’s ACCUflo eMAR and ECP’s eMAR products to further enhance their pharmacy management software. MARs (Medication Administration Records) have always been included in Datascan's Winpharm to allow Long Term Care (LTC) pharmacies to provide its facilities with printed med charts. Our partnership...

Customer reviews are everything! If you’re searching for a top-rated pharmacy software solution to help you manage your pharmacy business, then you’ve probably already come across Datascan Pharmacy Software who has hundreds of 5-star reviews and counting. Datascan Pharmacy Software has been supporting the needs of independently owned pharmacies and...

First, what is physician dispensing?  Many states across the US allow physicians to not only prescribe, but dispense medications to their patients directly from their offices.  There are requirements and various safety measures physicians must satisfy, and this of course varies state by state.  This is not just about additional profits for the practice,...

Who is CPESN and what do they do? CPESN (Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network) is a clinically integrated network of community pharmacies across the US.  A clinically integrated network is a collection of health care providers that demonstrates value to the market by working together to facilitate the coordination of patient care across...

STRONGER.  TOGETHER.  REINVENT.  REVOLUTIONIZE.  EMPOWER.  I want to start off by stating that I know a few things are certain in life and in business; 1. Things are definitely easier said than done and 2.  Anything worth doing isn’t easy, but usually comes with great returns We are all in the same boat together.  If you go down, we go down, so...

You work tirelessly day in and day out making sure your pharmacy operates at peak performance.  Your star ratings and rankings help determine your reimbursements and DIR fees from part D plans.  Pharmacists are a key part of overall patient care, relying on improved point of care services in order to produce better outcomes.  Community pharmacies all...

Buyer’s remorse is the worst thing to have, especially if it is for something you have to use every day, and even worse if you are locked into a contract!  You wouldn’t buy a new car without test driving it, would you?  Choosing a software system for your pharmacy is no different.  With so many options, it’s important that potential buyers take the time...

When it comes time to evaluate the true costs of a pharmacy software system, you need to look at two things - the startup costs and monthly costs.  Startup costs should detail what initial functionality will be in the system, what hardware you might be getting, and, what ‘add-ons’ or other features come with an additional price tag.   Monthly costs are...

Any community pharmacist will tell you there is no comparison between their independent pharmacy and a large corporation or chains like CVS or Walgreens. Community pharmacy patients choose an independent store over a chain because they expect a superior and personal level of service.  That customer wants to walk into the store and be greeted by name,...

Datascan is proud to be celebrating 38 years of business in 2019. This holiday season you deserve what you really want! A reasonably priced, technology packed pharmacy software system backed by fast, reliable support! We offer first to market technology and innovative solutions for pharmacy and point of sale at old school pricing. We are proud to be one...

When shopping for anything these days, we tend to look first at reviews, even when considering something as simple as where to eat dinner.  Educated consumers know to not just look at the overall rating of the company or product, but also, how many reviews there are because anyone can have a few friends write up some good reviews! Consumers and...

“Investing in health will produce enormous benefits.” Gro Harlem Brundtland. Community pharmacists, we must invest not only back into their businesses but into their patients.  It has become our responsibility to not only fill their prescriptions but manage overall patient health.  This can place a huge burden on the already overworked and underpaid...

The use of technology and digital software can revolutionize the pharmacy businesses by improving processes while also reducing costs. Datascan offers the best pharmacy software on the market. Our software and data management solutions significantly increase efficiency while decreasing the time it takes for your pharmacy to service patients and improves...

Since 1981, Datascan Pharmacy Software has been helping independent pharmacies thrive and evolve in an ever-changing industry. Here are 3 simple ways you can continue to help your pharmacy increase profits as you move into the future.  1. Build better customer loyalty:  This seems like a simple concept but how can you actually ensure your customers...

Clawbacks / DIR Fee’s:  The nerve of Insurance companies and PBMs charging back money that was previously paid out to the pharmacy.  These fees are a calculated percentage of the ingredient-cost-paid in the claim and the amounts typically vary by plan and pharmacy. PBMs use one or more metrics to help measure a pharmacy's performance and provide a...

According to a study by Cardinal Health, only 6 out of every 100 customers enter a chain pharmacy and leave without buying something from the front end.  However, 56 out of every 100 leave an independent without buying something from the front end; statistics that are truly astonishing! Between dwindling reimbursements, increased DIR fees, mandatory mail...

It comes as no surprise that the world of independent pharmacy is rapidly changing.  It takes a lot more than just filling prescriptions to not only be profitable, but to compete with the chains on every corner, and combat the PBMs. Because you cannot have a successful independent pharmacy by just filling prescriptions the old way, you have two choices:...

In today's complex world of healthcare, the local pharmacy plays a vital role in our community's well-being.  Customers look to their neighborhood pharmacies as a trusted source of healthcare information and rely on them for assistance with complex medication management.  With chronic diseases on the rise and the expansion of health insurance, the...

RX Software Pharmacy - Back in the late 1970s and early 80’s quite a few pharmacy software companies were born.  The challenge back then was to get pharmacies to pull away from hand and typewritten claims and move to computerization ---a task that proved to be quite difficult!  As the years progressed more companies entered the market, which was a good...

With more and more independently-owned, community pharmacies opening up each year, the future of the industry is more than promising. One of the great things about owning an Independent Pharmacy is the freedom to choose the vendors and partners that you work with. After all, choosing the right partner can make or break your overall success and bottom...

2017 Economics of the Independent Pharmacy Another year in the books, and another year of declines – but why?  How are you supposed to survive at this rate –and at what point do you throw in the towel?   According to Drug Channels, the average pharmacy owner saw their salary decline by 20% in 2017.  Your gross margins are declining --- DIR fees continue...

A personal, one on one demonstration of the Datascan Pharmacy Software shows you exactly how Datascan can help you save financial and human resources, increases efficiency, and improve your bottom line. While the competition is herding potential software buyers in like sheep into an online demo with 15 other people, we pride ourselves on the fact that...

Year after year we meet so many independent pharmacy owners that are simply unhappy with the product or level of service they are getting from their existing pharmacy management software vendor –but they refuse to make a change! So they struggle on, losing out on opportunities to increase profits in their pharmacies, they miss out on new technology and...

Independent pharmacies share a certain bond.  For them, each customer is an individual (not an account number...), who trusts their pharmacist for professionalism, courtesy, and quality.  Independent pharmacists take the time to talk to their customers, alleviate their concerns, and assure they understand their prescriptions and are aware of other health...

As we have spoken about in the past, when an industry changes, the businesses within that industry must change as well. Prosperity within the world of independent pharmacy has become tougher and tougher over the last decade. It’s important to note that we still have a tremendous number of clients that are doing extremely well in the very same industry...

Does it feel like your software vendor is abandoning you?Did the company you worked with for years sell off to some large corporation?Is your software vendor forcing you to switch systems because they no longer want to support the one you have used for years? Any community pharmacist will tell you there is no comparison between an independently owned...

Many independent pharmacies have started to feel left out by large software vendors that are simply too big to listen or pay attention to them anymore. Large wholesaler and private equity-owned pharmacy software companies are unable to support the individual needs of smaller independent pharmacies. Pharmacy software vendors servicing thousands upon...

Your pharmacy software system is arguably the most important and fundamental component when building your independent pharmacy business.  Whether you’re opening a brand new store or looking to convert your system from another vendor, choosing the right pharmacy software is a critical decision that will impact both your day-to-day operations and...

Datascan is proud to announce the release of their new state-of-the-art website (https://datascanpharmacy.com) aimed at helping independent pharmacies choose the right pharmacy management software. The new website highlights some of the core features and benefits of Datascan Pharmacy Software. "With the new website, we hope to show our customers both new...