SPARTANBURG, SC--(Marketwired - May 16, 2016) - Smith Drug Company (SDC) and Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. (Diplomat) have come together to offer SDC customers access to specialty pharmacy services through the Diplomat Retail Specialty Network. This agreement, unique in the independent retail pharmacy market, enables pharmacies to provide full service specialty pharmacy for patients with complex chronic diseases.
"Our customer pharmacies are very often the first source of healthcare services for their patients," explained Brian Purscell, RPh, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Solutions for Smith Drug Company. "These pharmacists can now offer specialty pharmacy services for chronic conditions, including cancer, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and other serious, long-term conditions, with the support of a national organization, renowned for patient care. Our agreement with Diplomat means expanded services for our customers, and better patient care overall."
Diplomat will work with Smith Drug Company to provide 24/7 access to specialty pharmacists and technicians, improve medication adherence and reduce patient costs. Specialty pharmacy services can be customized to the individual pharmacy, so that the patient stays with the pharmacy team they know and trust, while customer service for this highly complex offering is managed with the care and expertise patients have come to expect from their local store.
"The goal of the specialty at retail program is to provide high-touch specialty services to support patients' timely onboard to therapy and to optimize their therapy. Smith Drug Company is known for its excellent customer service, and Diplomat is excited to work with a large network of independent pharmacies so that their patients can receive the high-touch care they need close to home," said Ela Lourido, Senior Director, Retail Specialty Network.
"Smith Drug Company is committed to doing what is best for the patient, and we believe offering our customers the opportunity to expand their pharmacy services into specialty care through Diplomat is just that: what is best for the patient. As an organization led by pharmacists, we understand the challenges in today's pharmacy market, and our agreement with Diplomat helps our customers not only meet those challenges, but excel," said Jeff Foreman, RPh, President of Smith Drug Company.
About Smith Drug Company
Smith Drug Company (www.smithdrug.com) is the original division of J M Smith Corporation, and one of America's premier wholesale drug distributors. Launched in 1944, the division serves pharmacies in 25 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands through distribution centers in Spartanburg; Paragould, AR; and Valdosta, GA.
South Carolina's third-largest privately owned company, the J M Smith Corporation is headquartered in Spartanburg and operates through multiple business units: Smith Drug Company, QS/1, Integral Solutions Group, RxMedic Systems, Inc., and Integra LTC Solutions, LLC.
About Diplomat
Diplomat (