EPIC Rx Enters Exclusive Wholesaler Agreement with McKesson

EPIC Pharmacies, a nationwide buying group dedicated to empowering independent pharmacies, announced that it has made a significant decision in relation to securing the competitiveness of its member pharmacies.

McKesson will be the buying group’s primary vendor of pharmaceutical products effective October 1, 2022. This new arrangement will allow EPIC Rx members access to best-in-class pricing and savings that strengthen their businesses and help them provide patients with the highest level of care.

Independent pharmacies are a critical health care component and serve prominently in rural and underserved areas. According to the National Community Pharmacists Association, 74 percent of community pharmacies serve population areas of less than 50,000. The collaboration between EPIC Rx and McKesson is an important component of how EPIC Rx has and will continue to support community pharmacies.

Formed in 1982, EPIC Pharmacies (EPIC) is a not-for-profit buying group of over 1,500 independently owned pharmacies across the country. EPIC offers a full range of programs and services and return net revenues to members through monthly rebates and year-end distributions.

 A wholly owned subsidiary of EPIC Pharmacies formed in 1992, EPIC Pharmacy Network (EPN) provides centralized contracting and administrative services to pharmacy benefit management (PBM) companies, HMOs, and other third-party payers for nearly 1,700 independent pharmacies. As an EPIC Pharmacies member, each pharmacy can apply for a membership in EPN.

A no-cost benefit to EPIC Pharmacies and EPIC Pharmacy Network members, the Clinical Programs Department offers a wide range of services and resources to help members reach Five-Star performance levels and offer patient care.

Takeaway: The decision by independent pharmacy owners will allow EPIC members to be better equipped to compete in today’s evolving pharmaceutical marketplace