This Week in Pharmacy TWiRx

09/11/2026

Listen to the full episode of "This Week in Pharmacy" digging into GoodRx Community Link, an offering for independent pharmacies that provides predictable pricing and favorable economics.

Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Special thanks to GoodRx for sponsoring this episode: https://vist.ly/5i6k2

Learn more about GoodRx Community Link at goodrx.com/CommunityLink

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

Independent pharmacies play an essential role in expanding medication access and supporting the health of their communities but are increasingly facing financial pressures due to growing reimbursement uncertainty, tightening margins, and competitive pressure.

GoodRx Community Link is designed to help address these challenges in two ways: through access to 135+ self-pay programs for brand medications, including GLP-1s, which provide transparent, predictable reimbursement; and NADAC-based cost-plus pricing for generics, reducing surprises and supporting more favorable economics.

Read how Community Link is a win-win for patients and independent pharmacies: https://vist.ly/5hzf6

To learn more about GoodRx Community Link or enroll today, visit goodrx.com/CommunityLink

GoodRx is NOT insurance.

Independent pharmacies are a cornerstone of healthcare in communities across the country. They provide patients with convenient access to medications, trusted clinical guidance, and personalized care. But the business of running an independent pharmacy has become increasingly difficult. Pharmacy own...

09/09/2026

Thank you First Data Bank (FDB) for sponsoring this episode's coverage of the NACDS Total Store Expo!

The NACDS Total Store Expo was in Boston, MA from August 15-17! Pharmacy owners, pharmacy students, and pharmacists gathered for forward thinking conversations and innovation to create more profit and better outcomes in their pharmacies. The NACDS TOTAL STORE EXPO is the largest gathering of retailers and suppliers in the health and wellness industry. Discover new and innovative products, technology and services and find the partners you need to thrive in an unpredictable consumer environment.

In this "on the street" style of interviews, our host Todd Eury, CEO and Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network connects with:

• Mike Plinski - FDB (First Data Bank)
• Amantha Bagdon - RxPost
• Kris Rhea - Pharmacy Marketplace
• EJ George - Pharmacy Student
• Christopher Thomsen - CAPSA Healthcare
• Heather Haro - DiversifyRx
• Daniel Heusmann - Eyecon RxSafe

Link to the episode in the comments.

09/04/2026

TWIRx NEWS

1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs

A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status.

The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors.

Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems.

Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream.

2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure

The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand.

While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity.

Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives.

3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season.

Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility.

Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical.

FEATURED CONVERSATION
Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access

Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health.

HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access.

Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information.

That makes today’s discussion particularly timely.

Listen now! Full episode in the comments section.

09/04/2026

TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter....

09/04/2026

What does it take to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape? 🎙️

Ashton "Ash" Maaraba, Principal at AshHealth, LLC., calls PPN an invaluable educational resource, covering clinical updates, business strategy, leadership, and policy in one place.

Thank you, Ash, for sharing this with us. 🙏

Subscribe to PPN and stay up to date on the profession!

08/29/2026

The LTC pharmacy market is hearing a lot of “AI” language right now. Pharmacies should ask a few simple questions:

• Can I easily access my data?
• Can I connect through APIs?
• Is this real AI, or just workflow automation with new branding?

08/28/2026

This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx
Community Pharmacy Freedom, Cash-Based Models & AI-Powered Medication Optimization

Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx is sponsored by Value Drug Company and explores two major forces reshaping pharmacy: the evolution of the community pharmacy business model and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medication optimization and value-based care.

PART ONE: The Expansion of Community Pharmacy

Special Guest: Rick Seipp, PharmD
President, Value Drug Company
https://vist.ly/5ghqz

Community pharmacy is entering a new era.

In Part One, Todd Eury sits down with Dr. Rick Seipp, PharmD, President of Value Drug Company, to discuss the continued evolution and expansion of independent community pharmacy and the many different business models emerging across the profession.

Independent pharmacy owners are increasingly evaluating new ways to build sustainable businesses while creating greater professional freedom for pharmacists. One of the most interesting developments is the growth of cash-based and cost-plus pharmacy models that reduce or eliminate dependence on traditional insurance reimbursement and PBM-controlled prescription economics.

These models can give pharmacy owners greater control over pricing, patient relationships, clinical services and the overall direction of their businesses — while allowing pharmacists to practice with significantly less interference from insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.

PART TWO: AI-Powered Medication Optimization

Special Guests:

Yoona Kim, PharmD, PhD
Co-Founder & CEO, Arine
Jenny Behan, PharmD
Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Arine

In Part Two, TWIRx shifts from pharmacy business innovation to one of the most important developments occurring in clinical pharmacy: the use of artificial intelligence to optimize medication therapy at scale.

Arine is an AI-powered medication optimization platform designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by helping ensure patients receive the most effective and appropriate medications.

By combining advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and deep clinical pharmacy expertise, Arine provides timely and personalized medication recommendations that help health plans and risk-based provider organizations improve medication safety, adherence, effectiveness and overall healthcare value.

The conversation examines how AI can augment — rather than replace — the expertise of pharmacists.

Arine’s technology identifies medication-related opportunities across large patient populations, while clinical pharmacists help translate those insights into meaningful interventions with patients and healthcare providers.

Listen to This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Pharmacy Podcast Network — Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.

08/28/2026

Today’s episode of This Week in Pharmacy — TWIRx is sponsored by Value Drug Company and explores two major forces reshaping pharmacy: the evolution of the community pharmacy business model and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medication optimization and value-based care. PART ONE...