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5 Best-Selling General Merchandise Categories at Independent Pharmacies

5 Best-Selling General Merchandise Categories at Independent Pharmacies


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 they don’t have a prescription to pick up, and having the right mix of product categories can increase the average ticket size. We all know prescription reimbursements are down across the board for independent pharmacies, but if we can make up for some of those losses, then pharmacies will be in a much better position for the future.

All of this equates to a more profitable “front end” in your pharmacy, and if done the right way, it can increase revenue and help combat or offset DIR fees and low reimbursements. As reimbursements continue to shrink and PBM fees continue to grow, focusing on a better selection of merchandise in your independent pharmacy tailored towards your local customer demographics is key. Thanks to Datascan’s vast network of independent pharmacies using its POS software to handle all consumer transactions, we’re able to uncover some trends in the purchase behavior of customers, and we’ve compiled them here for your review. We encourage pharmacy owners to take advantage of the reporting capabilities and inventory monitoring functions to better analyze specific store trends and patterns. Inventory control can be overwhelming to pharmacy owners but by utilizing the tools within Datascan’s pharmacy management and point of sale systems it can be a relatively painless endeavor.

Let’s take a look at some of the best-selling front-end merchandise categories we see trending in our pharmacies.

1. Vitamins & Herbal Supplements
Vitamins are a great up-sell for many of our pharmacies. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association, 4 in 5 American adults (86%) take a vitamin or supplement. Selling vitamins and herbal supplements in your pharmacy can require a bit of education; learning about supplements and which items appeal to the demographics you serve. You never want to lock up cash in excess inventory and using Datascan’s Point of Sale system will help you understand the needs of your customer base and figure out which vitamins and supplements sell best in your market. It’s much easier to capitalize on patient interest as opposed to trying to generate interest in a particular item. For example, health-conscious patients, patients on special diets, and patients with nutrient-depleting prescription items are often very interested in OTC vitamins and supplements. Some common nutrient-depleting drug classes include statins, ace inhibitors, beta blockers, and NSAIDS. Understanding depletion helps you to better recommend supplements to offset or compliment the drug class. For example: Coq10 goes with statins, and zinc goes with ace inhibitors. It’s also important to focus on the time of year and take advantage of supplements people typically use to better care for themselves. For example: during cold and flu season we see a tremendous upswing in Vitamin C, elderberry, and echinacea. Creating departments and categories in Datascan’s Point of Sale system make it easy to generate reports and pull data on what items sell and when.

2. Seasonal Items
Seasonal items sell incredibly well in our pharmacies. Seasonal items range from gifts and decorations during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, all the way to outdoor toys and sunscreen during summer months. Using Datascan’s Point of Sale software to create a seasonal department, and then taking it even further to create specific categories makes it incredibly easy to order properly, plan and promote, and generate much larger profits for your pharmacy. So many pharmacies order inventory by guesstimating how much of an item they will need which ultimately results in inventory surplus or out-of-stock items. We want our pharmacies to make data-driven decisions to find the optimal inventory numbers using their pharmacy management software to order appropriately. With Datascan, you can easily track purchase trends for items throughout the year so when it comes time to place a seasonal order you’re not left with a BOGO sale to try and get rid of overstock.

3. Durable Medical Equipment
Durable Medical Equipment, or DME, is another great area to get into and is a very popular pharmacy merchandise category. Durable medical equipment is any medical device used in the home to aid in a better quality of living. DME includes but is not limited to wheelchairs, walkers, canes, commodes, crutches, ventilators, hospital beds, and much more. Often these types of items are difficult to find locally and many patients don’t have the luxury of waiting for an online order. While in most cases pharmacies don’t necessarily find a need to overstock these items, it’s a smart idea to maintain a limited supply of in-stock DME for patients looking for these hard-to-find items. Creating inventory categories within your point of sale system can help you track purchase trends and history for items in your pharmacy, making it easier to manage a smart inventory threshold. Correctly categorizing your DME in the point of sale system allows you to maximize sales while also avoiding over-ordering.

4. Essential Oils
There is a rise in the number of Americans using natural and organic products like essential oils. Essential oils have many uses and are able to be applied topically, ingested orally, and of course diffused into the air. According to a report by Grand View Research Inc., the US Essential Oil market is projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2024. The demand for products like essential oils has proven this to be another profitable category for independent pharmacy. To see success and profitability in essential oils, education is important. There is a variety of brands available, and a myriad of uses for most oils so educating yourself and your pharmacy staff on uses will help them to properly recommend products to your customers. Understanding the needs of your customer base and building a stock around that need will help reduce overstock and increase demand. Using the reporting platform in Datascan’s Point of Sale system can also pinpoint your biggest sellers, slowest movers, and provide insight on which items could be offered as special or custom order only.

5. CBD Oils
Many essential oil companies also offer their own lines of CBD products, which, as a category on its own, is incredibly profitable. Like essential oils, CBD has tons of uses, both orally and topically. Many patients are seeing improvements in their anxiety, pain, and sleep as a result of using CBD. Patients seek advice from their local pharmacists on proper use and dosage of CBD products. Like essential oils, CBD requires a bit of education but there are many resources available. Managing inventory, tracking sales, and promoting products is simplified by using the technology in Datascan’s Point of Sale software.

Building a bigger and more robust front-end in your independent pharmacy helps cultivate business from many aspects. You have the potential to attract new customers who may have not even stopped into the pharmacy, and you open the door to bigger sales with existing pharmacy patients. A clean and well-managed OTC and front-end invites shoppers to spend in your store and you have the tools to manage this right in your Datascan Pharmacy Software and Point of Sale system. Take advantage of your reporting capabilities and learn more about your store and purchase trends. Apply that information when it comes time to place orders, build store sales and promotions, and better prepare for your future.

 

Pricing Pharmacy Software: Are There Hidden Costs?

Pricing Pharmacy Software: Are There Hidden Costs?

a pharmacist on the phone pricing pharmacy software
  • Not all pharmacy software includes the features that independent pharmacies need to succeed.
  • Implementing a new pharmacy software system can come with additional expenses.
  • Datascan offers an all-inclusive system with no hidden fees and award-winning support.

When independent pharmacy owners begin their search for the best pharmacy software, pricing is often one of the first questions that comes to mind. After all, your pharmacy software is hands-down the most important investment you’ll make in your business. But here’s the thing: not all vendors are upfront about what you’ll actually end up paying.

In fact, the world of pharmacy management software pricing can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Many competitors lure in pharmacies with what appears to be a low monthly cost, only to tack on hidden fees later. The result? You may find yourself paying far more than you originally budgeted.  It’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for and exactly what you’re getting.

At Datascan Pharmacy Software, transparency is key. Datascan has built a reputation as one of the top pharmacy software providers by offering clear, upfront, and honest pricing—without the nickel-and-diming practices that are all too common in the industry.

First, it’s important to break down the common costs of pharmacy management systems, where hidden fees often creep in, and how Datascan stands apart with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.

The True Costs of Pharmacy Software

Every pharmacy software system comes with a few standard costs. While they may vary by vendor, most pharmacies should expect the following:

1. Licensing Fees

This is the cost of obtaining the software license itself. Some vendors charge by the number of users and number of workstations, whereas Datascan includes an unlimited number of users and workstations.

2. Onboarding and Training

Pharmacy software is undoubtedly complex. Pharmacies need onboarding, setup, and staff training to ensure the system is used effectively. Some companies charge fees for training sessions or limit the number of hours included.  Datascan always includes initial training, as well as ongoing training for free.  This ensures that you and your staff are constantly up to date with new features, and have a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy systems capabilities.

3. Data Conversion and On-site Training

If you’re switching from one pharmacy management software to another, the data conversion is often one of the biggest expenses. Moving prescription data, patient profiles, prescriber information, and inventory is handled with the help of a data conversion company– and isn’t always included. Some vendors upcharge conversions, which can cost your pharmacy thousands of dollars. Datascan, however, often offers pharmacies free data conversion, saving them significant upfront costs.

On-site training is often another exorbitant cost for a pharmacy.  Many pharmacy software vendors charge thousands of dollars to send staff on-site for only a few days.  Datacan staff come onsite typically Monday-Friday, and often includes the cost of on-site training for free, with minimal fees to cover travel-related costs for the staff.

4. Monthly Support and Maintenance

Every pharmacy software vendor charges a monthly service fee for support and ongoing system maintenance. This is expected, as pharmacy systems require continual updates to remain compliant with regulations and to integrate with third-party services such as Surescripts or pharmacy claims switching vendors.  This price varies from vendor to vendor and can range from affordable to astronomical.  

Datascan offers a ‘package price’ that includes not only your pharmacy software licences and maintenance, but many services that other vendors charge add-ons for, such as document management, or our patient-facing mobile application– they are included!

5. Transaction Fees

There are also transaction-based fees, such as electronic prescribing and insurance claims switching. While these are unavoidable in the industry, rates vary depending on the vendor.  It is important to understand these fees and be able to quantify your charges at the end of each month.  Datascan provides its clients with an easy-to-read breakdown and summary of charges each month for all costs related to the pharmacy management systems. 

Where the Hidden Fees Sneak In

Here’s where things get complicated– many vendors don’t include anything with their base pricing. Instead, they charge additional fees for features that should be standard in a pharmacy management system.

Often, you won’t even know about these hidden costs until you try to enable a feature. At that point, you’re locked in, and your “affordable” pharmacy software suddenly costs far more than expected.

Some of the most common hidden add-on costs include:

  • Patient Mobile Apps – An essential in today’s digital-first world, but some vendors charge extra, often in excess of $100 per month, to offer a mobile app for patients.
  • Delivery Applications – Many pharmacies rely on delivery, but delivery management tools are often sold as expensive add-ons.  These can cost your pharmacy upwards of $50+ per month.
  • Third-Party Data Feeds – Want to share data with a partner platform? Some vendors make you pay just to access your own data.
  • Document Management – Storing and managing scanned prescriptions, insurance cards, and other paperwork is crucial, yet many vendors add extra fees for this capability.
  • Faxing – Still widely used in pharmacy, fax integration is another common hidden fee.
  • Controlled Substance Reporting – Control reporting isn’t optional, yet some systems tack on fees for automated reporting. 
  • After-Hours Support – You may find yourself paying a premium to get help outside of standard business hours.
  • Compound capabilities – you may not offer compounded medications now, but if you decide to add it to your business model later, does the pharmacy system have this built in?
  • LTC / Nursing — again, something you may add in the future –but does the pharmacy software have it built in, and is it free of charge?

These “nickel and dime” fees add up quickly. What seemed like an affordable monthly rate can balloon into something significantly higher once all the must-have features are factored in.

Be Careful: PioneerRx’s “RX Usage Fee”

One example that stands out in the industry is PioneerRx. They charge an “RX usage fee” for every prescription picked up at the point of sale– every one– including cash prescriptions!

This fee may not sound significant at first, but when calculated out, and added to the switching cost, it comes to nearly 10 cents per prescription on insurance-based claims. This is an astoundingly high rate. Pharmacies often don’t realize how much this adds to their overall expenses until it’s too late.

This is why it’s so critical to ask detailed questions about pricing and request a side-by-side comparison. Datascan encourages pharmacies to bring competing quotes to the table so you can clearly see how the costs stack up—and where the hidden fees lie. Compare pharmacy systems vendors side by side, for price, customer satisfaction (online ratings), and technology.

Datascan’s Approach: Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees

Datascan has taken a very different approach to pricing.  As one of the best pharmacy software providers in the industry, Datascan believes that pharmacies deserve full visibility into what they’re paying for.

Here’s what sets Datascan apart:

  • All-Inclusive Base Pricing – Features that competitors charge extra for—like mobile apps, delivery tools, document management, faxing, and after-hours support—are included in Datascan’s base pricing.
  • Free Data Conversion (for many pharmacies) – Making the switch shouldn’t come with a giant cost. Datascan helps many pharmacies convert data at no cost.
  • Clear Monthly Support Fees – You know upfront what you’ll pay each month for pharmacy software support and maintenance, with no surprise charges.
  • No Usage-Based Nickel and Diming – Unlike competitors, Datascan doesn’t add fees for “RX Usage.”
  • Honest Comparisons – Datascan helps pharmacies review competitor quotes line by line so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Why Transparency Matters

Independent pharmacies are already struggling with shrinking reimbursement rates, DIR fees, and staffing challenges. The last thing an independent pharmacy needs is surprise costs from its pharmacy management software.

Transparent pricing not only protects your bottom line but also builds trust. When you know exactly what you’re paying for, you can budget more effectively and focus on what really matters: building a better and more profitable pharmacy.

Datascan’s approach to pricing reflects its larger philosophy: providing pharmacies with the tools, support, and service they need to succeed, without the games or hidden fees.  Datascan has been laser-focused on the success of independent pharmacy for over 4 decades.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the best pharmacy management software, price is about more than just an upfront number on paper. It’s about understanding the true costs—both upfront and ongoing—of the system you’re investing in.

Hidden fees for features like mobile apps, delivery tools, or even control reporting can significantly increase your total spend. 

Datascan stands out as one of the top pharmacy software providers because of its transparent pricing model, all-inclusive features, and commitment to helping independent pharmacies thrive. With no hidden fees and clear, upfront pricing, Datascan makes it easy for pharmacies to budget confidently and invest in a software system that truly delivers value.

If you’re evaluating software for pharmacies, take the time to ask the right questions about pricing. And most importantly, ask Datascan to help you compare—so you can be sure you’re not paying for hidden costs you never expected.

Should Independent Pharmacies Offer Durable Medical Equipment?

Should Independent Pharmacies Offer Durable Medical Equipment?

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 grow. Independent pharmacies have a tremendous opportunity to create an additional profit center by offering Durable Medical Products to customers within their pharmacies. At Datascan, we constantly urge independent pharmacy owners to seek out non-PBM-centric revenue sources and build other streams of revenue into their business. Whether you’re considering Part B contracts or looking to merely sell DME without contracting, there is an undeniable demand for these types of products.

Many patients who are managing chronic conditions or rehabilitating after a surgery or injury need more than just prescriptions. The likelihood is if your patient is already filling prescriptions with your pharmacy, they’ll look to you for their non-prescription needs as well. Pharmacy patients rehabbing at home require much of the same equipment a typical facility uses. Products to assist those with limited mobility like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs are useful both in the home and while getting around outside. Patients may require toileting DME products like commodes or bed pans if they’re bed-bound, in addition to personal care products. Let’s also not forget about our senior patients who may suffer from limited mobility and can benefit from a variety of Durable Medical Equipment products as well. Providing DME products in your independent pharmacy also allows your pharmacists and staff to be much more involved and proactive in overall patient health and well-being.  As we all know by now, PBMs are forever ranking performance and looking for new ways to dig into your pharmacy’s profits. If we can better manage our patients’ overall health, we’ll essentially see better outcomes and eventually fewer claw backs.

For many pharmacies, the headaches of billing Durable Medical Equipment is not worth the time; and so they are opting to offer DME as a service for self-pay customers. Contracting with insurance companies to be able to accept and bill DME products is a lengthy process that does not always result in optimal reimbursements. Often times, DME claims are captured and later evaluated for actual pharmacy reimbursement. Many pharmacy owners find themselves underpaid or unpaid for items they thought were reimbursable. Because of these challenges, many pharmacies have opted not to offer Durable Medical Equipment at all. A large percentage of patients are paying out of pocket for items or handling insurance reimbursement themselves. Providing patients with DME products can still be a very profitable opportunity for community pharmacies.

Managing inventory is an important aspect of successfully selling Durable Medical Equipment in your pharmacy. Using the reporting and inventory tools within your Datascan Pharmacy Software and POS will help. Since many local, independent pharmacies struggle with space, stocking large-sized DME items is sometimes not practical. Datascan Point of Sale allows pharmacies to set inventory thresholds and even order directly through EDI with their wholesalers right out of the POS system. While stocking smaller items like canes, camwalkers, and incontinence DME products may be more practical, there still needs to be proper inventory management. Tracking purchase history and trends through the POS reporting can be incredibly helpful in determining proper inventory points for these types of items. In addition to inventory reports, Datascan’s Point of Sale also tracks patients and customers so you can keep record of which customers purchased certain products. Customer-specific data is useful when it comes time to special ordering items and supplies.

Certain DME products such as hospital-style medical beds or wheelchairs can be offered for rent to patients, and Datascan’s Point of Sale system has a built-in module to help you manage those rentals. Whether it’s daily, weekly, monthly, or any other time period, the system can help set up those rentals and the billing associated with them, as well as help you easily track who has all of these items.

Venturing out and making changes to your pharmacy business can be overwhelming — we get it! The days of prescription profits being enough to sustain a successful independent pharmacy have fallen by the wayside and we need to rely more and more on non-PBM-centric profit centers. Offering Durable Medical Equipment has proven successful for many independent pharmacies as the demand for home health equipment is on the rise. This is an ever-increasing market and with the help of the right Pharmacy Management Software, one that independent pharmacy owners can find huge profits in.

How Much Does Pharmacy Management Software Cost?

How Much Does Pharmacy Management Software Cost?

Pharmacist on a computer system

The Cost of Pharmacy Computer Systems and Software

Evaluating pharmacy software systems and figuring out how much to expect in overall costs can be complicated. Pharmacy systems vendors price differently, and virtually no two package their systems the same way. Pharmacy software systems have initial startup fees, monthly support fees, and transactional fees for switching and electronic prescribing. Some even offer money back through revenue-sharing programs. 

Let’s take a look at the types of fees you can expect.

Startup Pharmacy Software Costs

You can expect to pay upfront fees when opening a new pharmacy or converting your pharmacy system to another vendor. These are one-time charges and often include a software license for pharmacy software and point-of-sale software, training costs, any hardware or pharmacy computer system you may be purchasing, and pharmacy software conversion costs (if you have an existing system you need to switch over from). These costs vary from vendor to vendor and are often negotiable depending on contract lengths, startup store discounts, and prescription volume for existing independent pharmacies.

For a new startup pharmacy, you can expect a range of $2,500 and up depending on what software and hardware you need. Pharmacies looking to convert from their existing software may be eligible to pay next to nothing depending on volume and length of contract. When converting, assuming you can use existing hardware from your current pharmacy computer system (in most cases you can), you can expect to look at quotes including the conversion cost to migrate your data to the new pharmacy system, the cost of on-site training with their staff, and potentially a cost for the new pharmacy software. These quotes will vary by vendor and the deals they are offering.

Datascan is known to offer deep discounts to pharmacies looking to convert away from their current pharmacy software vendor.

Pharmacist on a computer

Monthly Fees

These are the base fees you can expect to pay monthly to cover the software maintenance and support both during and after business hours. These will also include the new features offered in many systems that are constantly being updated. The ‘maintenance’ factor has to do with constant changes within our industry. Pharmacy software systems are constantly in need of updating whether it be to keep up with the newest NCPDP standards set for processing claims, changes with the electronic prescribing standards, or even changes brought about by ASAP for the transmission of controlled substance prescriptions to your state PMP.

Add-On Costs for Pharmacy Software

Some vendors include features at no additional cost, while some will charge as add-ons for features such as document management, delivery software, patient mobile applications, controlled substance reporting, backup services, and more.  It is important to compare the true side-by-side costs figuring out what some vendors are including in their base fees vs what others are charging for. For example, Datascan does not charge for our mobile application for your patients, while some vendors can charge upwards of $100 or more a month for theirs!

Features you want may often not be included in standard pharmacy software packages and can very quickly add up. Datascan’s pharmacy software package is inclusively priced and includes features like document management, a patient mobile app, and controlled substance reporting for free. These features may significantly enhance the workflow of your pharmacy at no extra cost.

Transactional Fees

Transactional fees are variable pharmacy software costs that will change on a monthly basis. These are fees for switching, electronic prescribing, and text messaging, and all depend on volume. The pharmacy systems vendors are paying for these services, and therefore the pharmacy itself must pay for them as well.

Variable Fees

Variable fees include ‘switching’ and electronic prescribing transactions. Switching occurs when you send an insurance claim for a prescription for payment to the PBM or insurer. The ‘switch’ is what routes the claim. Pharmacy management software vendors are charged for this routing, and therefore, pharmacies are as well. 

Electronic prescribing is when a physician sends a pharmacy the prescription electronically directly into the pharmacy’s computer system (which is mandated in many states as the push to do away with paper prescription pads grows). Many refer to these transactions as “Surescripts” because that is the primary vendor that routes the Erx’s. Surescripts charges for these transactions, therefore, pharmacies pay for them as well. Both of these are variable because it all depends on the pharmacy’s volume. The greater the volume, the higher the cost of your pharmacy software.

Variations by System

The amount of variable fees is often different among each pharmacy software system vendor, but typically falls within a similar range. One vendor, PioneerRX, charges an RX completion fee, which is a charge for every prescription picked up, cash or third party, in your pharmacy. This is not a typical fee you’d find from most other pharmacy software vendors. Datascan’s pharmacy software system is among the best-priced when it comes to both base fees and transactional fees.

pharmacy computer system

Revenue Sharing

The best pharmacy software vendors offer a variety of revenue share programs designed to help keep your monthly pharmacy software costs down. Many vendors subscribe their clients to programs, but do not share their revenue streams. Data sharing programs such as IQVIA pay for independently owned retail pharmacies to submit HIPAA-compliant, deidentified prescribing data. Other revenue share programs like cash RX rebate programs, e-vouchers, and Carepoints all offer incentives for you and help reduce your monthly software charges.

Final Thoughts

As a pharmacy owner, you can expect to see a breakdown of different fees and costs for your pharmacy management software and computer system. There are one-time upfront fees for software licensing and training, and then there are monthly fees for software maintenance and support as well as transactional fees for switching and electronic prescribing.

Costs will vary depending on the vendor you choose, but you should never pay more for less. Datascan is the overall best-priced retail pharmacy software system on the market.

Get a Custom Cost Quote for Winpharm by Datascan

For a detailed price quote of Datascan Pharmacy Software, give us a call at (877) 222-RXRX, or contact us online. We’ll schedule a free demo and put together a software package that fits your needs and budget.

5 Tips on How To Increase Pharmacy Profit Without Relying on PBMs

5 Tips on How To Increase Pharmacy Profit Without Relying on PBMs

Cartoon of a man catching flying money with a net

Independent Pharmacy Tips and Tricks to Boost Profit

It’s no surprise that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are continuously concocting methods to dig deeper into your pharmacy’s profits. As soon as independent pharmacy owners think they can defend themselves from the clawbacks, the PBMs innovate a new set of unattainable targets. These targets are designed to take back additional money. If you’re always losing on the backend and wondering how to increase your pharmacy’s profits, what can you do to keep your business afloat?

Let’s focus on some of the best ways you can build profits back into your independent pharmacy and new ways to make money in pharmacy without relying on PBM reimbursement.

1. Create a Frontend Boutique that Drives Over the Counter Sales

Building profits within a pharmacy is in more than just the prescriptions, it’s about everything sold at your location. A strategically designed frontend can dramatically increase overall profits, as well as how much you can make as an independent pharmacy owner. Doing market research and understanding your customer demographic can help you build a frontend tailored specifically to your location. This will help make sure you stock popular products that people are likely to buy. 

There are many other tips and tricks independent pharmacies use to customize their frontend. For example, stores in lower-income neighborhoods are likely to sell much more generic, lower-priced OTC products over more expensive brand name options. Having these items on the shelves of your pharmacy can help increase profits.

If your pharmacy is in an area with young families, then carrying products for infants and children is likely going to be much more profitable compared to carrying products for senior patients.

To make owning a pharmacy more profitable in high-income areas, many independent pharmacies have built elegant boutique-style frontends. When these customers are awaiting a prescription, they’re likely to browse and purchase a few luxury items. 

Customers will often stumble upon the pharmacy section by chance while shopping in the store, which helps owners gain patients in the pharmacy. Take a look at your pharmacy’s floor plan and consider your product placement. Placing items properly can be an excellent new way to make money in pharmacy sales.

 

Woman looking in pharmacy

When paired with an expertly designed frontend, there are other tips and tricks for independent pharmacies that will also help boost profits. These include training your pharmacy staff on how to “upsell” a prescription. When a customer arrives with prescriptions for antibiotics, they are likely going to require analgesics or cough/cold medicines too. Perhaps recommending a thermometer or humidifier will turn a prescription sale into a sale with a higher profit item. Implementing this training help make owning a pharmacy more profitable.

When maximizing frontend sales, it’s pivotal that owners take advantage of the reporting and inventory management features on their pharmacy’s point-of-sale software. This has a significant impact on how much independent pharmacy owners actually make. Using Datascan’s Point of Sale system is one way to increase pharmacy profit and boost sales. This system has a tremendous number of reporting capabilities and custom reports that owners can create. It allows them to analyze frontend sales and monitor slow-moving products.

Datascan’s Point of Sale software also makes it easy for owners and pharmacy managers to schedule sales and promotions, create custom coupons, build customer loyalty programs, and even send promotional notifications to customers. Utilizing these features are some of the tips and tricks that independent pharmacies use for a more efficient workflow. 

2. Offer Local Delivery and Curbside Pickup

Providing the option for deliveries and pickups can help increase pharmacy profit as well. If your independent pharmacy is not offering delivery and curbside pickup options for patients, then you’re missing out on an efficient way to make money in pharmacy by offering your patients the ultimate conveniences.

The advantages of an independent pharmacy are the conveniences it provides to patients, coupled with the quality of the overall experience. Implementing strategies that support these advantages can be a big part of owning a profitable pharmacy. With the emergence of Amazon Pill Pack and its rapid delivery options for patients, your community pharmacy needs to stay competitive by offering similar convenience options to patients. Remaining competitive and advanced is a great way to increase pharmacy profit. Amidst the recent COVID-19 pandemic, countless pharmacies across the US began providing free deliveries and curbside pickup. Both these services helped to minimize foot traffic within the pharmacy.

There are many factors that can affect how much independent pharmacy owners make and solutions that can improve profitability. In order for local independent pharmacies to offer these options to patients, they need to collaborate with their pharmacy software vendors. These vendors should set up delivery systems for collecting signatures and payments outside of their pharmacies.

Datascan is excited to offer an electronic delivery system to all of its pharmacies, and we even provide it for free to help your pharmacy. This software system is full of tips and tricks for independent pharmacies. It allows stores to create delivery manifests and collect signatures and payments electronically. Datascan even created options for contactless pickup.

3. Charge for Clinical Services and Immunizations

Charging for clinical services and immunizations may seem like an unusual way to make money in your pharmacy. We’ll explain below how to increase pharmacy profits with this strategy.

In various U.S. states, pharmacists are considered medical providers. This means pharmacists are acknowledged as key medical personnel in managing patient health and care (this can also help make owning a pharmacy profitable). Pharmacists are regularly viewed as the first line of defense and trusted healthcare professionals by many patients.

When it comes to increasing pharmacy profits, many states permit pharmacists to administer exams. These exams can be for acute conditions (for example, rapid strep tests), or they can screen for chronic conditions like blood pressure, cholesterol, and even type 2 diabetes. One thing that shocks independent pharmacy owners is that it’s acceptable to charge administration fees for services.

Additionally, many pharmacies administer immunizations such as flu shots, shingles vaccines, or pneumonia, to name a few. If you’re not billing for the administration fees with the shot, you could be losing potential pharmacy profits.

Datascan’s Pharmacy Management Software can handle tracking and billing administration fees and is one of the tips and tricks independent pharmacies frequently use to help build profitability. This software can not only track and bill for these types of services, but it integrates with third-party platforms for seamless reporting to states that require it.

4. Keep Durable Medical Equipment in Stock

DME is another way to make money in your pharmacy. Locating durable medical equipment products locally can pose a huge challenge for patients. Likewise, for most people, ordering is not an option as they need these items quickly.

Building durable medical equipment and supplies into your pharmacy’s frontend can be a great way to make owning your pharmacy more profitable. It will also have a positive effect on how much you (as an independent pharmacy owner) can make.

In addition, getting in touch with local rehab centers, doctor’s offices, and even local hospitals to inform them of the types of supplies you sell is a great way to have patients referred to your independent pharmacy. This can also result in gaining a new customer in the pharmacy department, which is a great way to increase pharmacy profits overall.

Another tip and trick independent pharmacies use is deciding to contract with Medicare Part B. This decision is up to the pharmacy, and Datascan’s Pharmacy Software allows you to bill Medicare B for DME claims. Pharmacies can also choose to offer cash-only DME or even build out DME rentals within our point-of-sale software.

5. Offer Compounded Medications

Gloved hand taking pills from a bottle

Offering compounded medications is a great new way to make money in pharmacy. This method is a good way to increase pharmacy profits, because it’s often difficult for patients to find a pharmacy that fills compounded medications. Chain pharmacies do not offer compounded medications, and very often they will refer a patient to a local independent pharmacy.

While many insurance plans do not cover compounds, patients are willing to pay out of pocket for these medications. Setting your pharmacy up to compound is a great way to generate a new revenue stream, help build profits back into your business, and help make owning a pharmacy more profitable.

Without having to rely on PBM reimbursements, pharmacy owners can set their own costs and cash copays for compounds, which is another way to increase pharmacy profits. Filling a compound medication for a patient also provides pharmacies the opportunity to win them over for all of their other prescriptions as well. This will have an excellent impact on how much independent pharmacy owners make.

Datascan’s pharmacy management System includes a robust compounding module included in the software. Over the years, Datascan has continued to build out its compounding module within the pharmacy system, and taking advantage of this technology can increase pharmacy profits. The integrated support features in Datascan include scale integration, the ability to quickly build, modify, or copy compound RXs, robust reporting and search capabilities, and third-party insurance billing for compounded prescriptions.

Schedule a Demo of Datascan Pharmacy Software

There is no denying that PBM clawbacks hurt your profitability, but there are still many new ways to make money in pharmacy and improve the bottom line. Seeking out new revenue sources that do not rely on PBM reimbursement ensures that your profits stay yours and the PBMs keep their hands out of your pockets. Implementing the suggestions listed above and working with a proactive pharmacy software vendor such as Datascan is exactly how to increase pharmacy profits. These strategies will also help expand customer reach, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. Learn more today!

Who Has the Best Pharmacy Software Support?

Who Has the Best Pharmacy Software Support?

A pharmacist on the phone with software support

When independent pharmacy owners search for the best pharmacy software, there’s no shortage of features and functions to compare. From robust reporting and inventory management to automation and patient communication, pharmacy management systems play an important role in the daily operations of a pharmacy. But while robust features are important, one thing should be at the top of your list– software support. After all, what good is having a top pharmacy software if you can’t get the help you need when you need it?

This is where Datascan Pharmacy Software separates itself from the competition. Known throughout the industry as the pioneer of pharmacy software, Datascan has built its reputation on responsiveness, employee expertise, and genuine care for its customers.  Datascan is 5-star rated across the internet for a reason, and if you’re wondering which company offers the best pharmacy software support industry-wide, the answer is clear.

Why Software Support Matters in Pharmacy

Independent pharmacies operate in a fast-paced environment where every second counts. Patients come to you because they expect quick service. From filling prescriptions to counseling patients, workflow interruptions can lead to frustrated patients, reduced profits, and frustrated staff. A pharmacy can’t afford to sit on hold for long periods of time or wait days for a response to ticket resolutions related to issues in their pharmacy system.

This is why the quality of pharmacy software support cannot be a second thought—it’s the backbone of any pharmacy management system vendor. The best pharmacy software not only comes with cutting-edge tools but also provides real-time support that keeps the pharmacy running without disruption.

Datascan has made this philosophy the core of its business, ensuring pharmacies are never left stranded when they need help.  Datascan is the independently owned pharmacy software for the independent pharmacy, with a focus on providing you with quick, efficient support whenever you need it.

Datascan’s 5-Star Rated Service

Across the internet, Datascan Pharmacy Software consistently receives 5-star reviews. Independent pharmacy owners repeatedly praise the company for its responsiveness, professionalism, and personal touch. Unlike competitors that outsource support to other countries or force customers through multiple tiers of scripted responses, Datascan’s team is composed of experienced professionals who know the software inside and out.

When pharmacy owners are asked why they recommend Datascan, one of the most common answers– the support team always picks up, always listens, and always resolves the issue quickly.  The staff answering the phones are trained and well-versed in all of our pharmacy software systems, as well as understand hardware, operating systems, and have general IT knowledge.  These folks are well-trained, many have been with us in excess of a decade, and they attend monthly training sessions to keep up to date with the latest software updates.

Rapid Response Times: Calls Answered in 30 Seconds or Less

One of the most impressive aspects of Datascan’s support is its rapid response time. Most calls are answered in less than 30 seconds—a statistic that sets them apart from the rest of the industry.

In a world where many pharmacy software providers keep customers on hold for 15 minutes or even longer, Datascan makes sure you get to a real human being right away.  Many vendors require you to leave a message and wait for a callback, leaving your patients without medication and your staff frustrated.  With Datascan, you can be assured that you have less downtime for your pharmacy and less stress for your staff.

U.S.-Based Support with Decades of Experience

Another reason Datascan is recognized as offering the best pharmacy software support is its commitment to U.S.-based support. While competitors may outsource to overseas call centers, Datascan keeps its support team local. This ensures faster communication, better understanding of pharmacy operations, and higher quality service.

Even more impressive, the majority of Datascan’s support team has been with the company for 10 years or more. That means when you call, you’re not speaking to someone new or untrained—you’re speaking to an experienced technician who has deep knowledge of not just the pharmacy management software, but the industry. This level of consistency builds trust and provides peace of mind for independent pharmacies.

Fastest Ticket Resolution in the Industry

It’s not just about answering the phone quickly—it’s also about solving problems quickly. Datascan has earned a reputation for having the fastest ticket resolution times in the industry.

Whether it’s a simple training question, a technical issue, a claims adjudication question, or a hardware problem, Datascan’s team gets pharmacies back on track as soon as possible. Many support requests are resolved immediately during the first call. This efficiency keeps your pharmacy management system running smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.

Real-Time Support: Anytime, Anywhere

Pharmacies don’t stop operating at 5 PM, and neither does Datascan’s support team. Datascan provides immediate real-time support during mornings, office hours, nights, holidays, and weekends.

This level of availability is unmatched in the industry. While other providers leave pharmacies waiting for help, Datascan ensures its clients always have someone to turn to, no matter the time of day. For independent pharmacy owners who often work long and irregular hours, this commitment makes all the difference.

Competitors Can’t Compare

When comparing Datascan to other providers, the differences in support are striking:

  • Long Hold Times: Many pharmacy software companies keep customers waiting on hold for extended periods, wasting valuable time.
  • Tiered Support Systems: Instead of speaking directly to someone who can help, pharmacies are often shuffled through multiple layers of support before reaching the right person.
  • Outsourced Support: Overseas call centers are common, leading to communication issues and limited knowledge of the software and U.S. pharmacy operations.
  • Frustrating Experiences: Pharmacy owners often report feeling like “just another number” when dealing with competitors.

Datascan takes the opposite approach: fast, direct, knowledgeable, U.S.-based support with a personal touch.

Treated Like a Human, Not a Number

One of the biggest compliments Datascan receives is that its customers always feel like they’re treated as people, not numbers. Each pharmacy that works with Datascan is valued and supported individually. This pharmacy-first approach makes a stressful situation easier and reinforces why Datascan is considered the top pharmacy software provider for support.

Why Independent Pharmacies Trust Datascan

Independent pharmacies face enough challenges already—from shrinking PBM reimbursements and DIR fees to staffing shortages and rising operational costs. The last thing they need is unreliable support from their pharmacy management software provider.

By partnering with Datascan, independent pharmacies gain peace of mind knowing that their pharmacy software support is second to none. With Datascan, pharmacies get:

  • A 5-star-rated support team with proven excellence.
  • Rapid call response times under 30 seconds.
  • U.S.-based experts with more than a decade of experience.
  • The fastest ticket resolution times in the industry.
  • Real-time support during nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Personalized, human-centered service.

When it comes to choosing the best pharmacy software, support is just as important as features. Datascan proves time and again that it offers not only one of the top pharmacy software solutions but also the very best support in the industry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re evaluating pharmacy management software for your independent pharmacy, ask yourself: what happens when you need help? Will you be left on hold, forced through endless tiers of support, or speaking to someone halfway across the world who doesn’t fully understand your business?

Or would you rather call a company where the phone is answered in less than 30 seconds, your issue is resolved right away, and you’re treated like a valued partner every single time?

That’s the Datascan difference. For independent pharmacies, there’s no question—Datascan offers the best pharmacy software support in the industry.