You want to make the most of your career. Your online course prepares you to sit for the PTCB exam, but you don’t know if you should take the extra step. What exactly is certification? And how will it help your career?

Certification is defined as “the process by which a non-governmental association or agency grants recognition to an individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications specified by that association or agency.” It is a designation that is earned through preparation and formal testing. Having your certification means that you have passed the exam administered by the Pharmacy Board and currently possess the knowledge to work as a highly-competent pharmacy technician. Continue reading →

The prescription benefit market is enormous with over 3.8 billion prescriptions worth $291 billion in prescription drug sales in 2008 alone. The largest pharmacy benefit plans in the United States are operated by governments (Federal, State & Local), followed by health insurance companies, self-insured corporations, and unions.

Every two (2) weeks, PBMs send out invoices for nearly $11 Billion of prescription claims. These pharmacy invoices are typically paid without review in the forty eight (48) hour time frame required by most PBM contracts. Benefit Managers want to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility and ensure accurate billing, but always thought it impossible to review the tens or even hundreds of thousands of claims on each invoice prior to payment… until now. Continue reading →

The use of online pharmacies for the purchase of medications is a widely accepted practice used by consumers looking to find inexpensive and embarrassment free ways to purchase needed medications in a discreet manner. But now comes the topic of discussion, what about the importation of medications from outside of the USA from places like Canada or Mexico or even elsewhere? Is it wise? Are there risks involved both to your health and to your personal finances? What about legal issues? Hopefully this discussion will help to educate, increase awareness and consideration of the many faceted subject of purchasing medications from other countries and importing them into the USA.

First of all what is the main attraction for consumers to consider shopping for medications from other countries? The obvious answer is far cheaper prices for medications out of country than from those available in country. Some of the savings in price per pill from ordering out of country are absolutely astounding, Continue reading →

If you want to know how to become a pharmacy technician, then you should read on to find out how. The profession has in recent years shown a substantial growth, something that emerges from the fact people now have a trust in pharmacists and buy medications from them as compared to some years back. This has had the pharmacists turn to the technicians to help them in keeping a record of stocks and even packing and handing of drugs to clients.

Many occasions when we walk into a chemist we expect to find a pharmacist at the counter ready to take our prescription needs. We even at times go to them to get an opinion of the problems we have, and probably medical answers. What we fail to know is that some of the times the person behind the counter is not a pharmacist but the assistant. Therefore, to be a pharmacist’s assistant, one has to have good pharmacy technician training and even be a certificate holder. Anyone who has these two things can work as a qualified pharmacy technician.

For instance if you are a certified technician you are better off than one who is not. You are able to get a better work assurance, good benefits, feasible working hours, and a great salary. A pharmacist may have clients who come to the shop to buy medications or for any other medical assistance; they also have others who prefer doing this via a telephone call. As the technician, you should have the capacity to give the correct type of assistance to the clients when the pharmacist is busy with other clients. It goes to show the importance of seeking to know how to become a pharmacy technician.

What are the specifics of work for the pharmacy technician? Generally, the technician should be able to handle almost everything the pharmacist does when it comes to packing, arranging, diagnosing, and giving of medications. In the training, one will get to learn who to handle prescriptions, quantify the right dosages and mix the drugs if need be, how to package and label the containers and keep a good data base for the pharmacist to have an easy time in dealing with clients. Aside from the training and acquiring a certificate, anyone who wants to become one should also be a people person with excellent people relations and customer skills.

The training requirements can be quite stringent. Most states will require, at minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent certification. Other requirements will include specialized courses at vocational schools or college programs, before one can pursue internships and work placements. Once you have completed relevant training in the field, you may apply for certification. Certification requirements also vary from state to state. In general, many states ask applicants to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, which is now offered by the National Health Career Association. Some employers will reimburse the fee for the exam to their employees who successfully pass the exam.

Many Internet pharmacies present themselves as trustworthy and budget friendly companies. Shoppers should be wary as most pharmacy sites are fake. Doing a fast Google search will display futile websites. Don’t rely on search engines to specify your choices for pharmacy sites. It is better to visit Internet drug store review sites. These websites offer reviews and testimonials from past customers. Visitors are also free to make remarks and add added insight. Most websites have a rating system for a visitor to base their complete judgement. Remember the websites with high ratings and positive reviews. Don’t waste your time with companies full of bad reviews and minimum ratings. Obviously these sites are cheats out to steal your money.

Complete review websites show a record of trusted online pharmacies. Some even have a list of black-listed pharmacy sites. Going through these compilations make the search faster and simpler. Do not disregard the testimonies after going through the compilations. Some testimonies and comments explain detailed tips in communicating with the pharmacy. Anticipate some challenges or waiting days after ordering online from these sites. The remarks and testimonies will show an approximate estimate or schedule of how long your purchase will take to mail. Obviously, the guarantee advertised on the website is a rough approximation and may be late due to unanticipated sending difficulties.

Another good reference is health forums. Health forums provide an avenue of dialogue among real people. From their feedback, positive views, and negative opinions, you will have a clearer idea of which websites provide the best products and services. Take note of certain experiences regarding medical situations. Unlike review sites, you can ask others instantly if you have any inquiries or clarifications. If you have an awkward clinical problem, you can discuss your concerns almost anonymously in these forums. Others could even recommend certain drugs for your problem. However, don’t let their opinions replace a physician’s visit. Always visit a physician if you are experiencing a clinical condition or are unsure regarding your health.

Looking for a trustworthy internet pharmacy may take some time, but the research is valued less than driving to a nearby drug establishment. You don’t spend on gas fees and set aside more money based on the costs shown on the website. Buying drugs from the net is specifically convenient for persons needing bulk orders. The delivery system is very convenient for those who reside in remote areas.

There are thousands (and that’s a conservative estimate) of Online Pharmacies that sell all kinds of generic (and sometimes brand) drugs to the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people who take advantage of the incredibly low prices that the SAME medication can be purchased for in this manner. Almost since the conception of this practice, which can be duly traced to the popularity and success of the Internet, there has been discussion as to the legality or, at least, the philosophical matters surrounding the practice.

Recently, more especially because of some developments in the US (by far the highest user of this ‘service’), there have been some Online Pharmacies deciding to “err on the side of caution” and stop accepting orders into the US. Strangely enough, though, at least some are continuing to supply to other countries? I mean, it’s either legal or it’s not, as far as I’m concerned. So, I decided to do some research.

I think a good choice for an example would be Viagra (or generic versions of the drug), the original brand made by Pfizer. Their patent, I believe, runs out in 2113, having been taken out in 1993 (20 years is the norm in this industry). I am NOT a lawyer, nor do I have any specific training that would qualify me to report with any authority however, I do have a brain, which works quite well (better than some lawyers, I expect .

I chose Viagra because I believe it would have to be the drug most sought after and procured in generic form from outside of the US. I also chose it because, being an Affiliate marketer, generic Viagra has been responsible for part (not quite half, but still a reasonable amount) of my online income in the past couple of years. Also, a large portion of the sales through which I earned my income came from people in the US.

So sensibly, my research concerns the one drug I have the most knowledge and experience with, Viagra and its generic equivalents. The following has been revealed, in my opinion, with regard to the sale and importation of Viagra or versions of Generic Viagra and the shipping thereof directly to the USERS of the medication:

Again, I stress, this is certainly of no legal value or use as I am NOT a qualified legal advisor.

Firstly, it is, and has been for some time, quite legal for individuals to import, either personally or by mail up to a 90 day supply of any prescription drug for which they have a need. Up until the Internet and Online Pharmacies became available, a patient would need to physically go overseas to effect such a transaction and importation but now, of course, it can be arranged in seconds online. Consequently, I see no problem with legalities in this regard at all, so long as the supply does not exceed 90 days for the individual and there is a valid need and a valid prescription for the Viagra (or Generic Viagra).

I have found that even if a person is unfortunate enough to have their medication ‘seized’ by Customs, all they need to do is prove that the drug is for their personal use and the quantity does not exceed a 90 day supply and the package will be given over to the individual (hopefully with an apology…). So, in my view, shipping Viagra or generic Viagra directly to individuals who have personally arranged for up to a 90 day supply to be sent, is not illegal as far as my research has been able to ascertain.

Naturally, none of this pertains to ‘controlled substances’ such as opiates and tranquillizers etc. Essentially those considered overly dangerous drugs or drugs of addiction. Apart from the fact that these drugs are generally NOT obtained in 90 day supplies, they also have special regulations and certain authority needs to be granted for extended use of these drugs.

A quick word on the quality, safety and controls regarding generic drugs from overseas.

There has been much ‘hoo-ha’ from the naysayer about the quality and even safety of EVERY overseas drug. I wonder how people from the UK, Australia, Japan, Europe and Asia manage to get better when they are sick, if this is actually the case?? Are Americans the only people in the world that can obtain a pure pharmaceutical when they are in need of medication?? Of course, it’s not the case at all. Anyone who simply does not trust overseas drugs because they ‘COME FROM OVERSEAS’ is some kind of idiot. In fact, many of the medications sold in the US through ‘bricks and mortar’ Pharmacies actually come from overseas. Also, in many cases, the ingredients come from such countries as India, Europe, and China etc.

Pharmaceuticals from virtually all countries are subject to the same sort of controls that the US FDA enforce. In fact, in India, they have their own authority, surprisingly enough, called the FDA… In the very few countries that may not have such an agency, W.H.O. (the World Health Organization) ensures the quality, safety and correct dosages etc.

Most people SHOULD know that the likes of W.H.O, the RED CROSS and WORLD VISION etc make use of generic drugs, all the time, in order to greatly reduce their drug costs.

Of course, as with everything, there is an immoral element that will try to take advantage of a booming industry with forgeries or poor quality products etc. However, for the most part, the generic Viagra (and other drugs) sold through 99% of Online Pharmacies are in every way as good as the brand name Viagra. As usual, this tiny minority casts doubt over a perfectly legitimate industry.

It’s unfortunate that there are many, many people in developed countries like the US that are unable to access the drugs they need because of financial constraints. Online Pharmacies together with generic equivalent drugs make it possible for many of these people to gain access to proper medical treatment. Even middle-income families gain so much because of the ENORMOUS savings that can be made on just one drug. To find out more about the reasons why generic drugs are the same but so cheap, see the ‘About Generic Drugs’ feature, which is located on all of my pharmacy websites.

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRINTED PROVIDED THE AUTHOR’S RESOURCE HAS THE HYPERLINKS ATTACHED AND FUNCTIONING – THANK YOU

High drug prices have led people to seek alternatives in buying medications. Some people, led by the cheaper drug prices in foreign pharmacies, order drugs from online Canadian or Mexican pharmacies, only to find later that they have been duped with counterfeit drugs. A majority of others resort to generic medications as a viable solution and end up with impotent or over-potent drugs. Generics cannot always be trusted and the brand-name drugs for some chronic illnesses have no generic alternatives.

If you are stuck in such a bleak scenario, don’t panic. Contact your company’s Pharmacy Benefit Management agency, they would be able to get drugs for you at reduced costs.

What is PBM?
Pharmacy benefit management services (PBM services) help by administering prescription drug benefits to people who are on prescription drugs or who want to save money on their monthly drug costs. They mediate between drug companies and reduce drug costs for people who are liable to drug benefits in their health plans.

What does a PBM company offer?
A PBM service provider helps its plan members get access to a wide spectrum of drugs and other medical products at minimal costs.

How does a PBM company work?
A PBM services company partners with the pharmacy manufacturers or giant pharmacy chains to render medicines at minimal costs to clients. Primarily, a PBM services team develops the formularies, which is a list of prescription drugs that comes under a specific drug benefit plan. These formularies are based on broad evaluations of safety and cost-effectiveness of medicines. Most formularies include drugs of all kinds – from prescription types and over the counter drugs to generics and brand-name medications.

Some PBM services adopt to cost-containment measures like the involvement of aforementioned authorization or documentation from the doctor before a drug prescription can be filled. Globally, most of the PBM services work with the insurance companies to maintain drug costs as low as possible. Pharmacy Benefit Management companies also collaborate with doctors to maximize their members’ pharmacy benefit plans and improve its clinical outcomes.

PBMs also are taking a proactive approach, discussing with doctors and patients on therapeutic alternatives for people who buy lot of prescriptions and adopt to pay-for-performance (P4P) incentives around the Rx benefit.

Benefits of PBM services
Pharmacy Benefit Management services

• Save prescription drug costs
• Save time and search for prescription drugs.
• Include personalized medication services.
• Offer variety of plans, like group medical coverage, disability program coverage etc.

In brief, your PBM services company can secure your and your family’s health at minimal costs, without headaches.

As America undergoes a disturbing financial disaster, the cost of healthcare persists to rise. Prior to the financial crisis and major unemployment, people were already having a difficult time dealing with the lack of insurance and costly medicines. Healthcare challenges come from the difficulties of company insurance and Medicaid’s current difficulties.

As money stagger and prices go higher, how will people enable themselves to pay less and still be fit? The obvious solution is inexpensive choices, like taking generic pills over brand-name ones. Although, the price spent from generic medicines can still be too expensive. Specific conditions need maintenance medication or a big amount of medicines for a period of time. Buying medications also needs fuel or driving costs. For the busy mother or career lady, the time spent purchasing could have been used doing more work. Is there any way for one to get inexpensive offers without all these extra expenses?

Internet pharmaceuticals offer the most practical solutions for the tight budget. Compared to the one or two local drug stores in your region, there are more than ten internet drug stores for a customer to buy from. This gives you more costs to compare, allowing you to pick the cheapest medication provider. Families that require large purchases can get discounted offers on large orders.

Patients who’ve already been to a doctor won’t have to see one again to receive another prescription note. Internet pharmacies only require a copy of a past recommendation to allow your order. This controls your spending to the medicines themselves, instead of having more for another physician’s visit.

People who don’t have enough out-of-pocket cash for a local drug store trip can opt to buy from internet pharmacies. The necessity for online pharmacy purchases specifically concerns those with insufficient or no health insurance. Web pharmacies are a huge assistance to jobless Americans, since many receive their health insurance from companies. You can use less of your savings and/or from your part time work if you lack full time work.

Nonetheless, spending a smaller amount for health only occurs when buying from a reliable web drug store. Most web drug stores are really cheats and [won’t return your cash. There’s no point spending cash on a scam in an effort to set aside more money. To assure you’re not cheated, there are some pharmacy review sites you can refer to. These sites are done by actual individuals. They wil warn you if the site is just after your money. Once you have read about the infamous online pharmacies, you can begin evaluating the prices of the trusted sites.

It may take years to fix the financial and health care crisis but it only takes a few steps for one to adjust. The web takeover has enabled for more convenience and cheaper answers for modern day difficulties. Unlike buying from a nearby pharmacy, you can expect the costs displayed in the web drug store site. From these prices, you can arrange for pending costs and how to spend less in the future. Take advantage of technology and start searching for an online pharmacy.

Retail Week has revealed that Tesco is ramping up its pharmacy offer. The grocer wants to reach a target of 350 pharmacies within the next three years and has also not ruled out taking the offer international.

Pharmacy is an interesting part of a supermarket’s offer. It’s a lucrative business offering NHS services alongside the gamut of everyday pharmacy needs.

The biggest advantage a supermarket has over a local chemist though is convenience. Most consumers who work 9am to 5pm will know that if you need to pick up a prescription or quickly want advice, then you have to do it in work time. A supermarket’s pharmacy has an advantage as it is open until 10pm in many cases.

On the other hand, the local pharmacy has a wealth of experience under its belt. Many pharmacies have a strong relationship with the community and their pharmacists are trusted. Many local pharmacists know their customers, know their families, and know their worries. This relationship will live on despite the fact the chemist may not be open at the right times for the customer.

So the message to the local pharmacy is not to underestimate your appeal. Advice, consultancy facilities, customer relationship and service still count for a great deal and with the increase in unease over major health issues these qualities will regularly win out over 24 hour convenience.

What is important however is that the shopping experience in the local pharmacy out strips that of the Supermarket. This demands quality presentation, an excellent environment and most importantly the ability to convey a high degree of professionalism. Much of this impression can be gained through presentation, which boils down to an excellent shop fit.