Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2010 -- Kerr Drug is the top chain pharmacy in helping patients with Medication Therapy Management, according to Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care, a national MTM provider network. Kerr Drug was also named the 2010 Chain of the Year by Drug Topics, a prestigious journal covering the pharmacy industry. Both awards cited Kerr Drug’s emphasis on health and professional services and its patient-focused approach to pharmacy as a key to winning the honors.

“Our stores are becoming health destinations where people not only get their prescriptions filled but also learn about health and wellness,” says Anthony “Tony” Civello, President and CEO of Kerr Drug. “Medication therapy is more than just filling a prescription. Our pharmacists provide personal health services and make sure patients know everything they need to know about their medicines and therapies before they leave the store.”

This is the third consecutive year Kerr Drug earned the top honor from Outcomes. Last year Kerr pharmacists provided thousands of MTM services to Outcomes-covered patients, documenting over $5 million in savings. That’s $2 million more than were in documented in 2008.

“Not only has Kerr Drug continued to lead the way in pharmacist delivered MTM services, they’ve improved their performance,” says Brand Newland, vice president of Outcomes. “The company continues to demonstrate the value pharmacists deliver to the health care system.”

Kerr Drug’s basic premise, that pharmacist intervention is a valuable service, helped earn the Drug Topics 2010 Chain of the year award.

“Kerr Drug’s innovations in maximizing the use of pharmacists in medication management have really distinguished them from any other chain pharmacy,” says Fred Gebhart, Drug Topics contributing editor. “The combination of flexibility and pharmacy experience helps Kerr focus on professional services and healthcare for patients and not just on prescription volume and front end sales to maximize profits. That’s what caught our attention.”

About Kerr Drug
Kerr Drug is one of the most recognized and respected names in the chain drug industry. With its roots in the Carolinas and headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Kerr Drug's strategic direction is founded in its unique ability to provide patients, the medical community, and health plans access to the most comprehensive and convenient health and wellness offering in the industry. With a mission to be the most comprehensive provider of pharmacy and related healthcare services, while continuing to be the most reliable provider of health-related and convenience items, Kerr is currently providing services that far exceed the traditional drug store mix. For more information, please visit http://www.kerrdrug.com.