When independent pharmacies evaluate technology for their store, they’re looking for a solution that will allow them to better care for their patients, simplify their operations and grow their business. Many pharmacy management software systems claim to do just that.

While each customers’ needs may not be the same, their interactions with your pharmacy are often similar. This is especially true for the questions being asked. In fact, between sharing your store hours and notifying customers that their script is ready for pickup, you may feel like a broken record by the end of the day

The way consumers interact with businesses has changed a lot over the last two decades. Gone are the days when people relied on the Yellow Pages, and thanks to advancements in technology, even making a phone call is becoming a thing of the past. Now, more than 6 billion people across the globe rely on smartphones for pretty much everything, from connecting with friends, family, and work to entertainment and making purchases.

Delivery services for prescriptions and OTC items are no longer considered “optional”. In fact, most of your customers expect it. If your pharmacy isn’t offering deliveries, you may be losing revenue and eventually, even customers.

Due to a loophole in Medicare regulations, direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees have been affecting profitability for pharmacies since 2010. Originally, DIR fees were only applied as a penalty for underperforming payers and pharmacies on claims processed through Medicare Part D.

Although DIR fees are nothing new for pharmacies, they have increased at a rapid rate over the last ten years. In fact, DIR fees have risen so much that they significantly impact the profitability for many pharmacies. Not only are pharmacies hit with surprise fees months after claims have been processed, but in some cases, the pharmacy ends up providing the medication below cost.

Outside of dispensing prescriptions, effectively managing claims is another important part of your pharmacy’s workflow. Without the right systems in place, pharmacies can end up spending a lot of time submitting, tracking, and reconciling their claims.