Walmart has long been a polarizing force in pharmacy. It is best known to pharmacists as the innovator of the prescription loss-leader. The goal of the loss-leader prescription (the $4 program) was to draw customers into Walmart store in order to drive non-Rx sales. Recently, Walmart’s financials were revealed, and the results were poorer than expected. Pharmacist frustrated with these tactics may have cracked a secret smile upon hearing these financial results. Analysis of these financial results implicated poorer than expected pharmacy reimbursement, at least in part, was responsible.
For an excellent analysis of the impact of preferred networks (and how Walmart may have miscalculated the benefits of these closed networks), follow this link to “Walmart Wrestles with the Reality of Preferred Networks” at AccessRx America