Arete Pharmacy Network and PPOK Create PSAO Named AlignRx

Arete Pharmacy Network, LLC, and Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma, Inc. (PPOk) announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to create AlignRx, a pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO) strategically aligned with the needs of a continuously evolving pharmacy landscape.

Most independent community pharmacies are part of little-known collective bargaining groups called pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs), which leverage their membership (i.e., the pharmacies they contract with) to negotiate contracts with other parties in the pharmaceutical supply and payment chain.

PSAOs also provide a wide range of business services to all types of pharmacies, which are necessary to run a successful pharmacy. From billing support to information technology purchasing and implementation, PSAOs basically run many of the core back office operations for many pharmacies.

The joint venture will combine core capabilities of the parties’ respective PSAOs to offer a highly differentiated and future-proof portfolio of programs and services designed for today’s independent community retail pharmacy. The joint venture immediately positions AlignRx as the largest independent PSAO in the nation with no wholesaler requirements, representing over 4,400 community retail pharmacies.

The creation of AlignRx follows AmerisourceBergen’s recently launched Accelerate Specialty Network, a pharmacy services administration organization the company said is the first to focus on specialty pharmacy. 

PPOk is led by community pharmacy, for community pharmacy. As an independent PSAO with no wholesaler exclusivity, PPOk offers the most comprehensive suite of managed care services available, including reconciliation, audit solutions, and RxLinc, a claims network providing Switch, PPE, and ePrescribe services to help minimize errors and maximize reimbursements.

Arete Pharmacy Network serves independent community pharmacies through a portfolio of expanded tools and services designed to help pharmacies deliver quality care to their communities.

Takeaway: AlignRx is positioned to create best-in-class solutions for member pharmacies and ensure better patient outcomes through clinical-based initiatives and data informatics