Like physicians, pharmacists often have to spend a lot of time on administrative tasks that take away from patient interaction, and in the case of pharmacists, sometimes, these tasks can also introduce potential for errors that can threaten patient safety.

In an interview, Heidi Polek, strategic program manager, DrFirst, and Christopher Antypas, owner and president, Asti’s Pharmacy, can address some of these tasks and how technology is making a difference in the pharmacist workflow.  

Heidi delves into the potential for errors at the start of the pharmacy workflow (especially amid high volumes) and how new technology (with AI) can help by accurately identifying details of an incoming prescription as well as matching the prescription to the drugs on a pharmacy’s shelves.  

Chris discusses best practices for efficient and secure communication, which has become even more critical amid the COVID pandemic as patients do not visit as often and as some pharmacies close their doors to walk-ins. Chris will shares perspective as a practicing pharmacist and how he has leveraged communication tools - like Backline, a secure communication tool (provided by DrFirst) - and other strategies and techniques - during COVID to stay in touch with patients as well as providers.

Our Guests: 

Heidi Polek, Strategic Program Manager for DrFirst

Heidi is a registered pharmacist with 30 years of experience, including extensive community pharmacy work in WNY where she managed patient care plans, administered immunizations, and worked closely with area practitioners on patient care initiatives. As a Regional Pharmacy Manager for a local pharmacy chain, Heidi developed and implemented a company-wide pharmacist based immunization program, and spearhead the addition of MTM services for pharmacy patients. She was a leader in establishing area Drug Take Back events across eight WNY counties, working closely with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and the DEA to provide staffing and support for their bi-annual events. Heidi is a past Board Member of the Pharmacist’s Association of WNY and has actively participated in multiple committees of the Maryland Pharmacist Association. Currently, Heidi is a Strategic Program Manager for DrFirst, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions that connect healthcare touchpoints. She is passionate about arming the pharmacy industry with new technologies that can assist them in evolving their business models and optimizing patient outcomes.”

Christopher R. Antypas, PharmD Owner / President / COO Asti’s Pharmacy

Pittsburg, PA

Chris joined Asti’s in 2012 and is responsible for coordinating both clinical programs and business operations. To date, he has worked exclusively for independent pharmacies across multiple states where he has gained unique and valuable experience in retail, long term care, compounding, and specialty pharmacy services. At Asti’s Pharmacy, Chris has used his deep knowledge of managed care, to develop a robust financial-assistance program that has saved patients over $100,000 on medication costs to date. His goals are to develop cutting-edge programs that will impact patient care on a large scale. Chris is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. He lives in Canonsburg with his wife, 2 daughters and son. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.

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