9
The Business
of Community
Pharmacy
Learning Objectives
1 Describe the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of the pharmacy technician in the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, supplements, and retail items. (Section 9.1)
2 Paraphrase how to accurately process restricted OTC drug sales, such as Schedule V cough syrups and decongestants containing pseudoephedrine. (Section 9.1)
3 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine products and various dietary supplements such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals, and list the differences in regulatory control and labeling requirements from prescription drugs. (Section 9.2)
4 Describe how to address customer needs for medical and home health supplies and durable medical equipment. (Section 9.3)
5 State necessary cash register functions for bar code scanning, taxable, and nontaxable items. (Section 9.4)
6 Describe how to change register receipt paper and ink toner, and how to provide correct change. (Section 9.4)
7 Calculate markups, discounts, and average wholesale prices. (Section 9.5)
8 Explain the technician’s role in handling inventory—purchasing, receiving, posting, and returning stock for credit (including controlled substances). (Section 9.6)
9 Describe the importance of computer management and pharmacy informatics for generating business reports. (Section 9.7)
10 State the significance of pharmacy productivity and profits for ensuring a pharmacy’s sustainability as a business. (Section 9.7)
ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards
To view the ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards addressed in this chapter, refer to Appendix B.
E ach community pharmacy runs to serve customers and to make a profit so that it can survive as a business. Aside from assisting in prescription drug dispensing, pharmacy technicians are responsible for performing several business tasks vital to the daily operations and profitability of the community pharmacy. This chapter provides an overview of these business functions, including assisting customers in the purchase of OTC drugs, dietary supplements, and medical supplies; operating the cash register and retail computer system (including a bar code scanner); taking payments and providing change; overseeing computer information systems; and managing inventory.
To effectively complete these tasks, technicians need to have an understanding of retail concepts, such as taxable items, average wholesale price (AWP), acquisition costs, markup, and discounts. Technicians also need to know how to think in terms of business systems, such as how productivity is measured. It is important to understand how assessment, inventory counting, tracking, purchasing, postings, returns, and reorder levels all work together for business success. Gaining this knowledge can open up opportunities for advancement.