POWERS LAKE, WI--(Marketwire - May 17, 2011) - TCGRx (TCG),in partnership with Healthmark Ltd., announces the release of MedPickRx™, a computerized system for filling oral solid prescriptions. This new system is an important development for the retail and outpatient pharmacy markets. Unlike traditional robotic automation, the MedPickRx system addresses the entire bottle formulary rather than just the fastest moving medications. The oral solid formulary represents 92% of a pharmacy's prescription volume. MedPickRx can reduce oral solid formulary prescription fill time by up to 40%. In contrast, competing robotic solutions reduce fill time for only about 9% of an oral solid inventory totaling approximately 43% of prescription volume.
Pharmacists and technicians spend a tremendous amount of time each day hunting through a maze of alphabetized drugs on open shelving that wastes 75% of available space. MedPickRx not only saves time, but also eliminates significant shelving space with its high density storage capacity. The saved space allows pharmacies to increase revenue by adding more services like consulting, clinics and compounding while also decreasing costs through improved workflow and inventory management.
The MedPickRx system offers incredible prescription filling efficiency as compared to robotics or other traditional methods. Laurie Deegan, R.Ph and Ambulatory/Retail Training Manager of Fairview Pharmacy and user of the system stated, "While working at one of our pharmacies upgraded with the MedPickRx system, I was impressed at how much faster I could find a bottle over a traditional pharmacy."
Among a number of important benefits, accuracy is one of the most important features of the new system. "MedPickRx employs a modular automation technology that provides verification of the right drug, right dose and for the first time, requires technicians to use the inventory in the proper sequence -- open bottles first, shortest expiration date second," said TCG CEO Duane Chudy. This is accomplished through unique "pick and fill to light" technology backed up by barcode verification of product. The advanced system software requires technicians or pharmacists to scan the bottle to verify that the correct drug and dose are selected before allowing them to continue, helping to eliminate user error.
While this system nearly eliminates inventory spoilage, MedPickRx also provides important inventory reporting and drug use information. The system tracks expiration dates, lot numbers, and control medications. Powerful audit trail capabilities provide a record of prescription fill information indicating user and time. MedPickRx also automates much of the manual processes of re-ordering, expiration checking, and inventory audits. "One of our customers has seen an on hand inventory reduction of 33% within the first six months of use. This inventory savings offsets the system cost and makes MedPickRx one of the most unique and high return products on the market," said George Puckett, Vice President of Beacon Sales at TCG.
MedPickRx is the only formulary management system that reduces labor, inventory levels and space requirements while increasing accuracy at half the cost of robotics.
About Healthmark
Healthmark manufactures and distributes medical products to the Canadian Healthcare marketplace. Over the past 17 years, they have developed a strong reputation for providing innovative pharmacy and IV products and systems that offer cost-effectiveness, safety and ease of use. They are respected for a high level of customer service and support. Healthmark is known for a comprehensive line of products utilized by hospitals and homecare infusion providers for intravenous and chemotherapy drug preparation and unit dose drug packaging & dispensing. This includes everything from million dollar automation down to the simplest disposable product -- all geared to provide greater safety, maximum efficiency and cost benefits.
More recently, Healthmark has expanded into automation geared to the retail pharmacy and long term care provider market. This includes automated pouch and blister card packaging & dispensing, automated medication vial filling and pick to light storage and retrieval optimization systems. For more information, visit www.healthmark.ca or call 1-800-665-5492
About TCGRx
Backed by decades of experience, TCG utilizes the latest in technology to offer the most reliable pharmacy automation solutions on the market. The staff designs and integrates pharmacy automation into every aspect of packaging devices, workflow software, and other individual products to improve the overall process in pharmacies. TCG is dedicated to providing superior customer service and support by offering the most cost-effective methods to give pharmacies safe, efficient, and accurate solutions.
TCG is an industry leader in automation and designs services for hospital, long-term care, retail, and specialty pharmacy markets. The company has a strong presence in all pharmacy markets throughout the United States and Canada. TCG headquarters is located in Powers Lake, WI. For more information, visit www.tcgrx.com or call 262.279.5307.
Contact Information:
Canada Media Contact:
Bill Markoglou
Healthmark Ltd.
514-336-0012
