Retail pharmacies as community health hubs
The transformation of retail pharmacies from traditional dispensaries to comprehensive community health centers was front and center at the expo. Industry leaders emphasized the need to move beyond the core business of medication dispensing to offer critical health services that meet growing patient demand. Pharmacies are fast becoming the go-to providers for nonemergent clinical care, offering everything from immunizations to chronic disease management.
Some promising areas of expansion discussed include:
Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
MTM services are paving the way for enhanced pharmacist-patient interactions. By dedicating time to detailed medication reviews and consulting on complex treatment plans, many pharmacies are reducing adverse drug events while also bolstering patient retention through these personalized services.
Point-of-care testing and treatment
Pharmacies are uniquely positioned to bring diagnostic testing into convenient retail settings. From strep throat to influenza and even COVID-19, point-of-care testing paired with immediate dispensing of necessary treatments could dramatically improve access to care.
Food as medicine programs
Food as medicine programs involve integrating dietary advice and nutrition programs into health service offerings. This could help address critical diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions while establishing pharmacies as holistic wellness centers.
Pharmacies investing in these transitions stand to unlock significant potential for patient loyalty and improved health outcomes while diversifying revenue streams.
Addressing margin challenges
Margin pressures remain a top challenge for retail pharmacy leaders, and innovative solutions were a hot topic at NACDS TSE 2025.
Streamlined workflow and automation
Central fill operations and the automation of dispensing processes have emerged as key strategies for improving efficiency. By automating routine tasks, pharmacies can redirect pharmacists’ time toward higher-value clinical services. For example, dispensing chronic condition prescriptions in centralized, automated facilities can drastically reduce in-store backlogs and operational stress.
Digital tools, such as Wolters Kluwer’s Digital Medication Education, are transforming how pharmacies operate. By providing patients with accessible, multilingual medication leaflets digitally, pharmacies can reduce paper costs, save time, and enhance patient engagement. These innovations not only cut down on expenses but also create meaningful efficiencies at every step of the workflow.
New margin-rich service lines
Expanding into higher-margin offerings like specialty medications and pet medications could be a game-changer for retail pharmacies.
- Specialty medications represent a substantial opportunity for pharmacies willing to take on the complexities of handling high-cost treatments. By streamlining how they dispense these critical medications, pharmacies can generate significant revenue while supporting patients managing serious health conditions.
- Pet medications have captured attention as an untapped revenue stream. With most consumers paying out-of-pocket for pet prescriptions, pharmacies can attract budget-conscious pet owners by offering better pricing than veterinary clinics, all while avoiding the complications of reimbursements tied to third-party payers.
