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Independent Rx Forum

Independent Rx Forum

Hosted by National Community Pharmacists Association

Episodes

108

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Welcome to Independent Rx Forum with RxConnexion and National Community Pharmacists Association. The leading advocate and business education resource for America's independent pharmacists.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
October 20, 2026Episode 9626 min

From Capitol Hill to the Pharmacy Counter

Hosting a legislator at your pharmacy can turn policy issues into personal conversations. Host John Beckner talks with NCPA member Dave Randolph, pharmacist, and owner of Dave's Pharmacy in Hemingford and Alliance, Neb., about his experience building relationships with elected officials. Randolph shares practical advice for securing a pharmacy visit, preparing for a short meeting, working with legislative staff and local media, and showing policymakers the services pharmacies provide. He also discusses how those relationships can keep community pharmacy priorities, from PBM reform to patient access, top of mind. For resources on getting involved and hosting your legislator: https://ncpa.org/ months - action

October 15, 2026Episode 957 min

Your Part D Experience Matters

CMS is asking pharmacies to help shape the future of Medicare Part D contracting. From the podcast booth at #NCPA2026, Ronna Hauser, NCPA senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, joins host John Beckner to unpack CMS' request for information on reasonable and relevant Part D pharmacy contract terms. They discuss what CMS is seeking, why independent pharmacy owners' real-world experiences matter, and how to make comments specific, meaningful and data driven. The RFI is open through Nov. 23, 2026, and covers issues including reimbursement, dispensing fees, contracting practices, performance measures, and audits. Personalize your submission with NCPA's template here .

September 29, 2026Episode 9413 min

Neighbors, Not Numbers: Part 2

What happens when NCPA puts national marketing muscle behind independent community pharmacy? Host John Beckner sits down with NCPA's senior vice president of public affairs, Jack Mozloom, to share an update on "Neighbors, Not Numbers,"NCPA's multi-year campaign promoting the personal, community-focused experience independent pharmacies provide. They discuss the campaign's move from national television to targeted digital advertising, early results, including over 220, 000customers driven to member locations, and how NCPA members can download campaign materials or request customized ads for their pharmacies. The conversation also highlights the power of peer-to-peer learning ahead of the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. Learn more about the campaign: https://ncpa.org/ neighbors-not-numbers- branding-campaign Personalize your ad: https://adcampaign.ncpa. org/ Statistics shared in this episode were accurate as of July 2026. As of September 2026, the campaign has generated over 220,000 customer visits.

September 22, 2026Episode 9321 min

The Value of Associations

This week, host John Beckner sits with Ed Cohen, founder and COO of PharmTeam Associates, to discuss the value of associations. For Cohen, involvement in associations is rooted in lifelong learning and incorporating your network into your professional life. Beckner and Cohen discuss the importance of keeping the door open to opportunities that can be found through state and national associations, as well as strategies to engage students and young professionals. The conversation rounds out with a peek behind the curtain of #NCPA2026, highlighting what you can expect from the meeting and how to get further involved in your professional home here at NCPA.

September 8, 2026Episode 9121 min

Not All Pharmacies are Created Equal

This week, host John Beckner and guest Ed Cohen, COO of PharmTeam Associates, explore the critical differences between retail and community pharmacy practices. They share insights on the evolving expectations of patients after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the opportunity community pharmacy has to exceed those expectations through branding, mentorship, and personalized patient care. But it's not just a job for pharmacists, as Cohen emphasizes the role pharmacy schools and associations like NCPA must play in differentiating retail from community practice. This episode provides a fresh blueprint on how to set you and your pharmacy apart from the big chain down the street.

September 1, 2026Episode 9120 min

Mastering the Algorithm

This week, Jay Phipps, pharmacy owner and NCPA member, reveals his secrets to building and maintaining a successful social media presence as a pharmacist. In a conversation with Jack Mozloom, NCPA senior vice president of public affairs, Phipps discusses everything from conquering his fear of posting to his practical tips for bringing the business of pharmacy to social media. They dive into what it takes to grow an audience, crack the algorithm, and build social media into a pharmacist's workflow. Phipps also touches on his role in the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention and leaves listeners with one key reminder: whether it's tackling social media or evolving your practice, you don't need to do it alone.

August 25, 2026Episode 9023 min

Vaccines Without a Season: Rethinking Pharmacy's Role in Prevention

This week, host John Beckner is joined by Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, for a deep dive on the evolving vaccine landscape. They outline vaccinations as a year-long service and share how pharmacists can prepare to best serve their communities. From smarter planning and community outreach to leveraging preexisting networks, Fish shares practical ways pharmacies can strengthen their role before respiratory season starts. They also address the rise in today's climate of vaccine hesitancy and provider fatigue. Backed by emerging research and insights from a roundtable of independent community pharmacy experts, Fish offers a forward-looking perspective on where vaccine services are headed and how pharmacists can lead the way. To learn more, visit: https://ncpa.org/sites/ default/files/2026-05/ncpa- vaccine-whitepaper.pdf

August 18, 2026Episode 8913 min

Behind the Scenes: #NCPA2026

NCPA's Elise Damman and Kurt Proctor sit down in the studio to discuss the education, networking, and business growth opportunities at this year's NCPA Annual Convention. They unpack the "how to" theme designed to give attendees actionable takeaways they can implement immediately in their pharmacies. From clinical services and operations to leadership and team development, every session is focused on providing practical roadmaps and real-world solutions. Damman gives behind-the-scenes insights into organizing the convention, while Proctor previews a new experience awaiting attendees at this year's expo hall. Learn more about #NCPA2026 education sessions here .

August 4, 2026Episode 8734 min

From Stigma to Support: Transforming Mental Health Care

Content Warning: This episode includes mentions of self-harm, loss of loved ones, suicidal ideation, and other sensitive topics. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available at the mental health hotline #988. Hannah Fish, NCPA's senior director of strategic initiatives, joins host John Beckner in the studio for a conversation on the role pharmacists play in treating patients who struggle with mental health. Fish unpacks the necessity of continued destigmatization and education and shares her professional and personal journey with Mental Health First Aid training. Whether you are already MHFA certified or exploring training, this episode provides actionable insights on how to best support your patients. NCPA offers MHFA training in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Thanks to the support of the Cardinal Health Foundation, NCPA offers a $50 discount on all registration fees. For more information, please visit: https://ncpa.org/mental- health-first-aid

July 28, 2026Episode 8612 min

Independent Pharmacy Takes the Senate Stage

This week, NCPA Associate Director of Congressional Affairs Kaite Krell is joined in the studio by NCPA member Micah Lansford to discuss the July 15 Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the Tricare pharmacy program and how Express Scripts — the exclusive administrator of the program — appears to be pushing independent pharmacies out it and driving business to itself. Lansford is the owner of Roden-Smith Pharmacy in Clovis, N.M. , and was the only independent pharmacist to testify. Krell and Lansford detail the behind-the-scenes of preparing to testify, including working closely with the office of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D- Mass.), and share insights on how Tricare may evolve following a potential audit. Watch the hearing: https://www.armed-services. senate.gov/hearings/to- receive-testimony-on-the- tricare-pharmacy-program Learn more about NCPA's Tricare advocacy priorities: https://www.ncpa.co/pdf/2026/ advocacy/rx-access-one-pager. pdf

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