Independent Pharmacies Face Tough Times: Many Turning to FLAVORx to Increase Margins and Provide Value-Added Patient Services

Many independent pharmacies are feeling the crunch of health insurance regulations that could force them to shut down or be acquired. Programs such as FLAVORx allow small pharmacies to add unique services and value-added programs for their patients to increase store traffic and drive business.

We have a good rapport with the families that come in. It's a rewarding moment when a family can come in and say, 'we trust you, pick what ever flavor you think will work [for the medication, and you always pick the right ones'.

It's rewarding when people come to us specifically for [FLAVORx flavoring instead of other pharmacies because they know it really works

Because I grew up working in my father's small independent pharmacy, I'm an avid supporter of keeping these businesses alive and successful. I've always been a strong proponent of a system and service that can help out the little guys

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) February 13, 2007 -- A recent article in Fortune Small Business indicated that due to new insurance regulations, many independent pharmacies could be forced to shut down or be acquired. Programs such as Medicare Part D that reduce reimbursement amounts for medications are dealing a substantial blow to independent pharmacy sales that heavily rely on prescriptions. As a result, many independent pharmacies are looking toward unique programs such as FLAVORx that can significantly improve patient care and drive traffic to their stores, as well as increase pharmacy revenue. FLAVORx reports show that system sales to independent pharmacies are up 24% over the prior period last year.

Because prescriptions account for 97% of the average independent pharmacy's sales, reductions in reimbursement amounts, while valuable to the patient, immediately shrink cash flow and margins. A survey of independent pharmacies in Wisconsin showed that 60% expected that new regulations would force them to close. In contrast, chain pharmacies can often rely on front-end sales to compensate for the drop in reimbursement amounts paid to their pharmacies, leaving independent pharmacies particularly vulnerable to being gobbled up by larger competitors.

By offering the FLAVORx flavoring system, pharmacies are able to provide their patients with a unique service that increases medicinal compliance, and also reduces the struggles associated with bad-tasting and foul-smelling medications. Independent research studies in pediatric patients have shown that FLAVORx increases medication adherence rates and quality of life scores dramatically.

The FLAVORx system is easy-to-use, and the flavoring process itself can be completed in less than 2 minutes. New technology is being completed to streamline even this fast procedure. Soon it will be so easy that it will take less then half this time and effort. The efficiency of the system allows flavoring to keep up with the demanding schedule that many pharmacists and technicians face on a day to day basis. Flavoring assistance is also available 24 hours a day. FLAVORx has developed a range of systems to meet the individual and diverse demands of independent pharmacies, such that pharmacies may participate in the FLAVORx program that is most beneficial to their needs and the needs of their patients.

Many independent pharmacies find that flavoring has become key to developing relationships and increasing customer loyalty. According to a pharmacist from Sand Point Clinic Pharmacy in Seattle, WA, "We have a good rapport with the families that come in. It's a rewarding moment when a family can come in and say, 'we trust you, pick what ever flavor you think will work [for the medication, and you always pick the right ones'." Mitchell Melone, RPh, from Lakeville Pharmacy in New Hyde Park, NY notes that people have come to them from outside of the area to have their medications flavored. "It's rewarding when people come to us specifically for [FLAVORx flavoring instead of other pharmacies because they know it really works," adds Melone.

FLAVORx also stands firmly behind the independent pharmacies. "Because I grew up working in my father's small independent pharmacy, I'm an avid supporter of keeping these businesses alive and successful. I've always been a strong proponent of a system and service that can help out the little guys," says Kenny Kramm, FLAVORx President and CEO.

For more information, please visit www.flavorx.com or contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771.

About FLAVORx
FLAVORx is a pharmaceutical flavoring system used by pharmacists and veterinarians nationwide to improve the palatability of liquid over-the-counter and prescription medications. To date, FLAVORx has flavored over 40 million prescriptions without any incidence of allergy, adverse reaction or changes in efficacy. FLAVORx flavors are non-allergenic, dye-free, sugar-free, phosphate-free and alcohol-free, making them safe for all patients.

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