Prime Therapeutics is losing 33 pharmacies from its Minnesota network - Contracts and Alliances in Brief

Drug Cost Management Report, Nov, 2002

* Prime Therapeutics is losing 33 pharmacies from its Minnesota network of 945 retail pharmacies. Prime Therapeutics, which manages pharmacy networks for several Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, has just completed its recontracting efforts for the coming year. The PBM says its network continues to represent almost all--96.5%--of the retail pharmacies in its Minnesota-area network.

Prime Therapeutics says its members have made it clear that they will not tolerate further price increases, and the PBM pointed to research that shows consumers are willing to travel to a less convenient pharmacy for savings. Information: Jan Hennings, (651) 662-6139.