WinnMed Retail Pharmacy Marks a Year of Growth and Expanded Services

Your contribution fuels the stories that shape Decorah—make a difference today. DECORAH — Mark Branum, PharmD and pharmacist-in-charge at WinnMed's retail pharmacy, presented a progress report during a Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday, highlighting significant growth and new initiatives since the pharmacy's February 2023 opening. Prescription Volume Surges The pharmacy, which transitioned from Donlon Pharmacy, saw a dramatic increase in prescription volume in its first year. After filling about 3,200 prescriptions in February 2023—lower than usual due to insurance changes and operational adjustments—volume surged to nearly 4,800 by March. By July, the pharmacy was filling more than 5,000 prescriptions per month, peaking at over 6,000 in later months. "We've almost doubled it. We've increased by 50%," Branum reported. The pharmacy now maintains an average of about 1,500 prescriptions weekly. Increased Pharmacy Transfers A major factor in this growth was pharmacy transfers, which started at 50 in March and peaked at 200 by July. "Most generally, you know, a typical number would be between 20 and 50, maybe, is kind of a normal pharmacy transferring in and out. We got a ton," Branum explained. Many patients transferred their prescriptions despite higher copays, citing improved service as their primary reason. "We have had a lot of people transfer in where we're not preferred… They want to be with us because we're providing 'better service,'" he said. Expanding Services and Popular Drive-Through The pharmacy's drive-through service, initially a concern for staff unfamiliar with such operations, has proven highly popular. Transactions grew from around 400 in February to over 1,200 monthly, now making up one-third of all transactions. "Patients love it," Branum said. To improve the experience, a new drive-through canopy was installed in March to shield patients from potential snow or rain. Growth in Vaccinations and Specialized Services The pharmacy administered about 1,300 flu and COVID shots combined last year, though flu vaccinations were about 500 fewer than the previous year. The pharmacy also expanded adherence packaging with Dispill, a multi-dose blister packaging system for patients taking multiple prescription medications. Additionally, a new partnership with Winneshiek County Jail, launched March 1, ensures timely medication access for inmates. Dispill blister packs with in-depth medication scheduling (back) Photo by Alexander Rosenow The pharmacy also offers a Meds-to-Beds program, delivering discharge medications directly to hospital patients. However, Branum noted that its usage has been lower than expected. "It hasn't been utilized as much as we thought because […] many times they just use the drive-through," he said. Technological Improvements Technology upgrades included a second Eyecon automated pill counter, which has streamlined operations and reduced wait times. "Adding the second Eyecon has really helped relieve the bottlenecks. We're really getting things done more quickly and efficiently," Branum said. He noted the pharmacy operates with "2.3 pharmacists right now full time in the pharmacy" and maintains quick service. Future Plans Looking ahead, the pharmacy plans to add shelving to accommodate its expanding inventory without requiring new construction. Branum credited the team's hard work for the successful first year, saying, "We've really got a solid team right now. It's awesome." Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.