Business Transformation Study: North Century Pharmacy

New Multi-Million Dollar Revenue Stream From Implementing Strip Packaging

Overview: Dedication to Innovation

North Century Pharmacy, located in Columbia, Kentucky, has been serving its community since 2014. Known for its innovative approach and dedication to doing things differently, the pharmacy has established itself as a go-to for those seeking answers and solutions not found elsewhere.

RapidPakRx’s customized supplement packs created a new multi-million dollar revenue stream surpassing traditional pharmacy sales.

Challenge

Efficiency & Growth

North Century Pharmacy faced several challenges that hindered its efficiency and growth. The pharmacy relied on manually filled multi-med blister cards, a process that was becoming increasingly unsustainable due to the growing volume of patients and the complexity of their medication regimens. This manual process was labor-intensive, prone to errors and inefficient.

Manual Inspection

“We weren’t able to grow with blister cards,” says Bryant. “When we were manually checking multi-dose blister packs, we had lots of pharmacist and labor hours tied up doing manual inspection of patients taking 17 meds. It was tedious work and there was a lot of room for errors. We realized we needed a different solution if we wanted to grow and feel confident in the final product.”

Solution

In response to these challenges, North Century Pharmacy implemented the RapidPakRx™ strip packaging system. This decision was driven by the desire to differentiate the pharmacy in the marketplace, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance the accuracy and quality of medication packaging

Automation & Precision

The RapidPakRx allowed for the automation of medication packaging, replacing manually-filled blister cards with a more efficient, accurate, and scalable solution. Also, the built-in camera inspection system in the RapidPakRx was a big selling point for Bryant.

Customized Supplement Packs: New Service

This technology also enabled the pharmacy to offer customized supplement packs and became a new multi-million dollar revenue stream that attracted new business and provided a significant boost to the pharmacy’s profitability and customer satisfaction.

“From any pharmacist’s standpoint, one of the most important things for patient outcomes is compliance — strip packaging is how you do it.”

About North Century Pharmacy

Easton Bryant

Easton Bryant, PharmD and Owner

Under the direction of owner Easton Bryant, the pharmacy is focused on enhancing its workflow, providing excellent customer service and differentiating itself in the marketplace. Bryant is also committed to enhancing patient care and introducing innovative services to his community.

Along with running a successful pharmacy and e-commerce business, Easton Bryant has also created a group of pharmacy innovators, called The Rx Grid. The group meets regularly to discuss how to leverage brands, differentiate and grow your business in the market and diversify revenue. Bryant is committed to enhancing patient care and introducing innovative services to his community.

Pharmacy Automation & PMS

Pouch Packager: RapidPakRx™ packs meds and customized supplements
PMS: Computer-Rx

Awards

Excellence in Innovation Award, Kentucky Pharmacists Association,
2023
Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy, Pharmacy Podcast
Network, 2024

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Results

RapidPakRx’s customized supplement packs created a new multi-million dollar stream.

• Streamlined workflow and freed up staff time by minimizing manual checks
• Prioritized patient care over administrative duties
• Customized supplement packs set North Century Pharmacy apart in the market
• Brought in new customers from a wide radius
• Business model shifted, when e-commerce supplement sales surpassed traditional pharmacy profits in January 2024 and
became a new multi-million dollar stream
• Increased profitability due to their innovative approach

RapidPakRx system boosted patient compliance and loyalty by enhancing medication management convenience.

Conclusion

North Century Pharmacy’s implementation of the RapidPakRx strip packaging system has transformed its operations, positioning the pharmacy as a leader in innovation and customer-centric services.

Accuracy and Patient Safety

“Once a patient starts with adherence packaging, it’s really hard for them to ever get away from it. They become a customer for life.”

Patient Care

“One of the most important things for any pharmacist is patient medication compliance. Our refills have increased from approximately 7 refills per year to 11.”

Scalability

“Early in 2024, we had more eCommerce sales than we did pharmacy sales. Supplements are now a multi-million-dollar source of revenue.”

Differentiation

“In a competitive landscape if you want to differentiate yourself, adherence packaging is a great way to do it.”