5 Questions with a Pharmacist: Stevie Veach of MercyOne Pharmacy

Stevie Veach, PharmD, BCACP, is a clinical pharmacist at MercyOne Pharmacy in Dubuque, Iowa. When he received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in 2006, he experienced first-hand the evolution of 21st century medicine over the past 20 years.

In addition to specialized areas of expertise, such as pharmaceutical coordination and immunization services, Veach’s mission is to help pharmacies and their business owners provide essential care to their patients in the community. In addition to his work at MercyOne Pharmacy, he is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and a member of several state and national professional associations.

Read about Veach’s life as a pharmacist and how he is making a difference not only in his community but in his state and country.

Drug Topics: What is the newest offering at your pharmacy that you think will increase customer engagement and/or overall revenue?

Stevie Veach: MercyOne Pharmacies has continued to expand their prescription and immunization services over the past few years. Pharmaceutical integration has helped to reduce our material needs and simplify our staff which has helped us spend money. As vaccine recommendations continue to expand, such as new approvals for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in adults, MercyOne has recommended these vaccines and been a referral source from other providers.

Although not yet implemented at MercyOne Pharmacies, I have seen many community pharmacies in Iowa implement testing and treatment services for influenza and group A strep pharyngitis over the past year. By expanding these types of services, especially in rural Iowa, pharmacies can increase patient access to timely care and treatment while increasing revenue opportunities.

Drug Topics: What are the biggest challenges you face in today’s pharmaceutical industry?

Stevie Veach: The decline in reimbursement for the drug product continues to challenge the success of the public company. By 2024, we are seeing more and more drug claims being reimbursed below the cost of the drug and this is not sustainable. We are also facing labor shortage problems. Because of these 2 factors, we have seen pharmacy closings or reduced hours open within our organization and among other community pharmacies in our area and state.

Despite these challenges, we continue to look for other opportunities to diversify our revenue streams. With the passage of the Iowa Modern Pharmacy Practice Act this year, we hope to be able to continue to expand our pharmacy services.

Drug Topics: What other things does your pharmacy do to make the community feel welcome?
Stevie Veach: MercyOne Pharmacy strives to meet the needs of our patient and community. Some of the services that our chemists provide to meet these needs are home delivery of medicines to local residents, compounding of medicines, packaging of medicines, and compounding of medicines. Our pharmacy also dispenses medications at the bedside for patients discharged from the hospital. The pharmacist is able to resolve any issues with drug availability and address any formulary or cost issues before the patient leaves the hospital, resulting in minimal inconvenience to the patient and/or caregiver. the one they may need to overcome before they get home.

Drug Topics: Can you describe what it’s like to serve the community of Dubuque, Iowa? Is there anything about this area that is unique compared to other parts of the country?
Stevie Veach: Another service and partnership that MercyOne Pharmacy has maintained over the years is providing pharmacy services for the local Hospice of Dubuque. Our pharmacy stores and supplies hospice medications to hospice nurses, fills hospice prescriptions, delivers medications to patients’ homes as needed, and which may not be commercially available in the dosage form required for the patient. MercyOne medical professionals also consult with the hospice team. It has been rewarding to serve the community in this capacity; to help ease some of the burden—even if it’s just a fraction—that patients and caregivers face during these difficult end-of-life situations.

Drug Topics: What are some of the things that have clearly changed in the pharmaceutical community since you started this career in the early 2000s?

Stevie Veach: There have been many changes that I can comment on, from changes in insurance and reimbursement to changes in pharmacy technology. Not to mention the many new medications that have been approved since I graduated pharmacy school that I need to keep on top of.

Another exciting change is the expanded role of pharmacists and pharmacists. Since I graduated, the pharmacist’s role in recommending and administering vaccines has increased significantly and even pharmacists can help with administration. Many states have allowed pharmacists to test and treat the flu or strep throat. In 2024, the state of Iowa followed the lead of several other states and passed the Modernized Iowa Pharmacy Practice Act, which expands the scope of pharmacy practice. Many other states have enacted provider status laws for pharmacists. Professional product certification is another extension of the role of our multi-nationally accredited pharmacists. I am confident that these policy changes will allow entrepreneurs to operate above their license.

If you or a pharmacist colleague is interested in being featured in 5 Questions for Drug Recommendations in the Drug Series, please send all questions to editors@drugtopics.com.

READ MORE: 5 Questions with a Pharmacist: Anthony Minniti of Bell Pharmacy

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