Weather

93°F2:32 PM

Health

1 read

Digital Marketplaces Revolutionize Drug Purchasing for El Paso Pharmacies

KVIA•Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:45 AM•Stacker

Medical stethoscope representing healthcare news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Independent pharmacies in El Paso face increasing challenges in drug purchasing due to fluctuating prices and tighter reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers. A recent survey revealed that nearly half of these pharmacies experienced a significant decline in financial health in 2024, with many considering closure in 2025. The introduction of digital pharmaceutical marketplaces offers a solution by consolidating multiple suppliers into a single platform, allowing pharmacies to compare prices and inventory more efficiently. This shift towards e-commerce principles is crucial for pharmacies struggling with supply shortages and price transparency, ultimately impacting their ability to serve patients effectively.

Key Details: • 48.6% of independent pharmacists reported financial decline in 2024. • 30.3% are contemplating closing their businesses in 2025. • Digital marketplaces allow pharmacies to compare prices from multiple suppliers in real-time. • 84% of prescriptions filled at independent pharmacies are generics, where prices fluctuate rapidly.

healthcare pharmacy e-commerce drug-pricing marketplace

People & Organizations

El PasoAmerican Medical AssociationJennie JarrettNational Community Pharmacists AssociationAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Related Articles

Rising Cyclospora Outbreak Raises Concerns About Kids' Vegetable Intake

A recent outbreak of the cyclospora parasite in the U.S. has raised alarm among parents about the safety of fresh produce, particularly for children. A study published on July 8 revealed that children worldwide, including those in the U.S., are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, with older children and teenagers showing a significant decline in intake. While younger children average nearly three servings a day, this drops to fewer than two servings as they grow older. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits early in life to prevent chronic diseases later on. Parents are encouraged to continue offering fruits and vegetables despite their children's pickiness and to involve them in food preparation.

Understanding Medication Formularies: A Key to Cost-Effective Healthcare in El Paso

Navigating health insurance plans can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding medication formularies. These formularies are lists of covered medications that can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs. They are organized into tiers, with lower tiers typically offering lower copays. It's essential for El Paso residents to review their health plan's formulary to ensure their necessary prescriptions are covered and to avoid unexpected expenses. If a medication isn't listed, patients may need to request an exception or pay out of pocket. Knowing how to utilize this tool can lead to better healthcare decisions and savings.

Sardinia's Centenarians: Men and Women Live Equally Long in Unique Villages

In Sardinia's Blue Zone, the traditional gender longevity gap nearly disappears, with men reaching 100 years at almost the same rate as women. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the village of Villagrande Strisaili, where men slightly outnumber women among centenarians, a rarity globally. Research indicates that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this longevity, particularly a microbe called Akkermansia muciniphila, which is significantly more abundant in Sardinian centenarians compared to younger adults. This discovery highlights the importance of gut health and diet in aging, making it a topic of interest for further studies in longevity.

Majority of Americans Support FDA Accessibility for Popular Peptides

A recent survey by Hone Health reveals that 83% of U.S. adults familiar with peptides advocate for the FDA to allow licensed compounding pharmacies to produce seven specific peptides with a physician's prescription. The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) will meet on July 23-24, 2026, to discuss adding these peptides to the 503A Bulks List, which would enable safer access for consumers currently relying on unregulated sources. Dr. Abid Husain emphasizes that regulated access could mitigate risks associated with gray-market peptides, which often contain harmful impurities. The decision from the FDA is expected by late 2026, with 39% of potential users indicating that reclassification would encourage them to try peptides.