Thank you for your response. I am meeting with reps from MHA and Premier (GPO's). They are going to do a analysis based on our mix of meds. They will provide pricing under their contracts and working through their primary wholesaler. I can compare their analysis to what we are paying now for meds.
Cynthia, I am a purchaser for a closed door LTC pharmacy in Arizona. We do fill orders for a few hospice agencies. We also deliver the medications free of charge to the patient for hospice. It sounds a little like you are looking at the option of having your own pharmacy to fill the hospice orders instead of the one you are contracted with? That would be a very long and lengthy process. If that is correct, I would suggest, in the meantime, closely review the contract you have with the pharmacy you are using. If it does not seem reasonable, go out and meet with other pharmacies and tell them what you want to pay. Then take the best offer back to your current pharmacy to give them a chance at keeping your business. I am just guessing but by time you pay for the inventory and a pharmacist and a tech to fill the scripts, you will be saving next to nothing. If you negotiate a contract that is good for you and good for the pharmacy you may not have the extra headache of being an owner or an equal partner?
