#United States #Amarillo #Pharmacy Access #healthcare survey #VytlOne

Increased Urgency for Community Pharmacy Access

Recent research from VytlOne reveals a notable urgency among healthcare leaders to improve community pharmacy access, addressing significant service gaps. According to a survey commissioned by VytlOne and conducted by Sage Growth Partners, nearly 75% of hospital and pharmacy executives believe the need for enhanced pharmacy services is critical, with this urgency expected to escalate over the next three years.

As hospitals shift focus towards expanding community-oriented pharmacy services, leaders are emphasizing chronic disease management, transitions of care, and optimization of 340B programs—vital components for better patient outcomes and revenue streams. In a marketplace that is rapidly evolving, understanding pharmacy services as a growth engine rather than just a logistical necessity is becoming increasingly crucial.

Key Findings from the Survey

The report titled "Reviving Access, Reclaiming Revenue: Strengthening Hospitals and Communities Through Strategic Pharmacy Expansion" highlights essential findings that underline the shifting perspectives in healthcare.

• - Community Pharmacy Access: A concerning 56% of survey respondents rated pharmacy access in their communities as only fair, indicating substantial room for improvement.
• - Financial Improvements: In 2025, a greater percentage of health system leaders noted that inpatient pharmacy services, including 340B programs, accounted for over 15% of their total operating income, showcasing an upward trend in revenue generation linked to pharmacy access.
• - Impact on Community Health: An overwhelming 97% of hospital and pharmacy leaders agree that enhancing community pharmacy access positively correlates with improved health outcomes.
• - Investment in Pharmacy Services: There’s a noticeable increase in investments towards internal pharmacy operations and partnerships with external vendors, particularly in outpatient and specialty pharmacy services. However, only 21% of leaders indicate having a well-defined pharmacy strategy that aligns with their financial objectives.
• - Competitive Differentiation: The majority (92%) acknowledge that transforming pharmacy services can be a crucial differentiator for them within the healthcare sector, yet only 18% feel confident in meeting the increasing demand for these services.

These insights underscore an undeniable opportunity for hospitals to transform their pharmacy services into competitive advantages. Executives are increasingly recognizing that those who fail to leverage their pharmacy capabilities strategically risk leaving significant revenue potential untapped.

The Path Forward

Joel Wright, President of Pharmacy Services at VytlOne, emphasizes that as service gaps in pharmacy access widen, strategic program expansion becomes essential. This entails optimizing existing services, investing in workforce recruitment, and upgrading facilities alongside enhancing digital health infrastructures.

Partnerships with external pharmacy services prove beneficial; the statistics show that 72% of health systems working with such partners effectively capitalize on revenue-generating opportunities compared to 32% of those who don’t. This indicates that collaboration may become a cornerstone strategy for community pharmacies looking to improve access and services.

As Dan D'Orazio, CEO of Sage Growth Partners, remarks, hospitals have a unique opportunity to leverage their pharmacy services and fulfill community needs effectively. Investing in modern technologies and data analytics can enhance service delivery, reduce prescription leakage, and maximize financial contributions to overall healthcare outcomes.

The findings from VytlOne's research pave the way for policymakers, hospital executives, and pharmacy leaders to advocate for better-access solutions aimed at improving patient care while promoting economic sustainability within healthcare systems. The full report can provide further insights into how these changes can be effectively implemented and what strategies may be most successful moving forward.

VytlOne continues to lead as an independent pharmacy solutions partner, focused on unlocking revenue and enhancing community health outcomes through proactive pharmacy operations. Those interested in exploring further can visit VytlOne’s website for more information.