Community Pharmacy Freedom, Cash-Based Models & AI-Powered Medication Optimization | TWIRx episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 28, 2026 · 39 MIN

Community Pharmacy Freedom, Cash-Based Models & AI-Powered Medication Optimization | TWIRx

from This Week in Pharmacy · host Pharmacy Podcast Network

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 Impact of the Cash-based Community Pharmacy   Special Guest: Rick Seipp, PharmD President, Value Drug Company Community pharmacy is entering a new era.   In Part One, Todd Eury sits down with 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.   Two pharmacies in the Pittsburgh region are demonstrating how powerful this model can become: Blueberry Pharmacy — Kyle McCormick, PharmD has built Blueberry Pharmacy around a transparent, cash-based model designed to simplify prescription pricing and create a more direct relationship between the pharmacist and patient. Forward Rx Pharmacy — Brandon Antinopoulos, PharmD is another emerging example of how pharmacists can create innovative pharmacy businesses built around transparency, accessibility and freedom from many of the traditional constraints of third-party reimbursement.   Todd and Rick discuss what these models mean for the broader independent pharmacy marketplace and why community pharmacy may be moving toward a much more diversified future.   Sponsored by Value Drug Company, a pharmacist-led wholesale distribution partner committed to supporting the continued growth and independence of community pharmacy. https://lnkd.in/ehf76qUs 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. 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. Y8mIl2V5tNxFiC3PBxmn  

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Community Pharmacy Freedom, Cash-Based Models & AI-Powered Medication Optimization | TWIRx

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