BIG PHARMA : PART 2

drugs reach the patient . Pharmacies purchase drugs from wholesalers , and occasionally directly from manufacturers , and then take physical possession of the drug products .

After purchasing pharmaceuticals , pharmacies assume responsibility for their safe storage and dispensing to consumers .

Pharmacy operations include maintaining an adequate stock of drug products , providing information to consumers about the safe and effective use of prescription drugs , and facilitating billing and payment for consumers participating in group health benefit plans .

Pharmacies also serve as a vital information link between PBMs , drug manufacturers , and wholesale distributors .

Unlike most other sectors of the healthcare delivery system in the U . S ., the pharmaceutical supply chain is highly automated and virtually all claims transactions are handled electronically , rather than on paper . Since they are the final point of sale for pharmaceuticals and the interface between the supply chain and the consumer , pharmacies generate the prescription drug claims information that PBMs , as well as heath plans , employers , governments , and other payers , rely upon to measure consumer activity .

The pharmaceutical supply system is complex , and involves multiple organizations that play differing but sometimes overlapping roles in drug distribution and contracting .

21