Sponsored By

Schnucks meets specialty pharmacy ‘gold standard’

Regional facility first of nine to earn key accreditation

Russell Redman

February 15, 2019

2 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

Schnuck Markets Inc. is pursuing accreditation for its nine specialty pharmacies.

Schnucks said Thursday that its regional specialty pharmacy in Maryland Heights, Mo., has earned accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care standards organization. The St. Louis-based grocer reported that “in the near future” it plans to seek URAC accreditation for its other specialty pharmacy locations.

“URAC accreditation not only demonstrates our commitment to coordinated care for patients with chronic illnesses and complex medical conditions, but it is also considered the specialty pharmacy ‘gold standard,’” Noah Tennyson, director of specialty pharmacy at Schnucks, said in a statement. “We are proud to have earned this honor and to be one of just a few St. Louis-area specialty pharmacies with this designation.”

Schnucks specialty pharmacies provide medication therapy for patients with complex diseases and chronic conditions, ranging from cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS to hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), rare genetic disorders and transplants.

Schnucks said its regional specialty pharmacy met 94 URAC standards to gain accreditation, which represents a commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes. The chain’s eight other specialty pharmacies are in St. Louis (four locations); Brentwood, Mo.; Springfield and Rockford, Ill.; and Evansville, Ind.

Related:Schnucks to buy 19 Shop ‘n Saves from Supervalu

“With URAC accreditation, people know that Schnucks’ regional specialty pharmacy strives to adhere to industry best practices,” said URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin. “It’s necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of treatment for patients so desired outcomes are achieved, and Schnucks’ regional specialty pharmacy shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC’s independent accreditation.”

Specialty pharmaceuticals are the fastest-growing segment of the prescription drug market. Because of the high cost of these medications and the special handling and support services they require, retail pharmacy operators have often partnered with — and in some cases acquired — specialty pharmacy providers. The market is led by pharmacy benefit managers, health insurers and large drug chains.

Along with the specialty pharmacies, Schnucks operates 109 retail pharmacies and one care center. The grocer boosted its pharmacy count last fall following the acquisition of Shop ‘n Save stores from Supervalu. The deal included 15 supermarket pharmacies plus one freestanding pharmacy.

Related:Schnucks to deploy PharmaSmart blood pressure kiosks

Overall, Schnucks operates 119 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like