A few months ago, I share some tips on choosing a partner to help with clinic dispensing. I have included those points here as well as a few new ones.
1. Recognize that many websites are posted by brokers who are actually selling products for other suppliers. These “firms” are often ran part-time by one individual who simply makes commission by marketing others’ products.
2. Ask the firm if they repackage under their own label. Have them fax you a copy of their label or ask for their FDA manufacturer’s number – it will be the first set of digits on the NDC for their prepackaged pharmaceuticals.
3. Verify that they are licensed to distribute in your state. Many state pharmacy boards allow you to verify wholesaler & manufacturer license numbers online.
4. On their website, look for an indication of how long they’ve been in business. There are a few repackagers that have been around for 20+ years and are proud to say it. PCA Pharmaceuticals has been around since 1981.
5. When you talk to the supplier, ask them about their business. How do they go about helping their customers? Do they offer software? How do their labels work? Do they make recommendations for a start up formulary? You want to find a supplier that can get you the products you need but will also be a good fit for you and your practice. Talking to them is the only sure way to make sure there is a fit.
6. What else do they do? For example: PCA offers a variety of services: warehousing, fulfillment, dispensing software, custom labeling, kitting etc. Find out the depth of your prospective supplier to see if there might be additional services that add value to your clinic.
7. Ask them about physician dispensing. How does it normally work? How many clinics do they currently serve? What are their dispensing systems? How many different prepackaged medications do they offer? Do they offer controlled substances? What makes them different? Firms like PCA that serve hundreds of pharmaceutical dispensing clinics will have many stories and reference points.
Now is a great time to explore the possibilities of dispensing in your clinic. Patients love the extra service and your bottom line will love the extra income. We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about it at www.pcameds.net or email me at phil.berry@pcameds.net.
