This article was originally posted in its entirety on NimbleRx's blog: https://www.nimblerx.com/articles/the-impact-of-increasing-dir-fees-on-independent-pharmacies
Independent pharmacies play a crucial role in our healthcare ecosystem, providing personalized services and fostering strong connections with their communities. However, an ongoing challenge for these pharmacies is the rise in Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) fees. In this blog post, we will delve into the repercussions of increasing DIR fees for independent pharmacies and the potential consequences for both businesses and the patients they serve.
DIR fees are a complex component of the pharmacy reimbursement landscape. These fees are often imposed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and are designed to account for various factors, including network performance and medication adherence. However, the ambiguity surrounding DIR fees, coupled with their unpredictable nature, has raised concerns among independent pharmacies.
Increasing DIR fees can exert significant financial pressure on independent pharmacies. These fees, which are often retroactively assessed, make it challenging for pharmacy owners to accurately predict their operational costs. As a result, these businesses may struggle to maintain profitability and invest in essential resources and services. Read more >
