How to launch a central pharmacy

Health systems interested in building a central pharmacy should prioritize personalization and preparation, according to Melanie Massiah-White, vice president and chief pharmacy officer of Fairfax, Va.-based Inova Health System. 

“[Spend] time initially scoping services you hope to provide from your pharmacy service center,” Ms. Massiah-White told Becker’s. “Then do your homework by connecting with and visiting several other sites. No two PSCs are exactly alike — needs are based off your health system pharmacy priorities.”

Inova Health System recently opened Virginia’s largest central pharmacy center, which spans 75,000 square feet and houses a warehouse and specialty, retail and mail-order pharmacy operations. 

Ms. Massiah-White, who oversees a $250 million medication spend and more than 450 employees, also recommends a “soft opening” to test the space before beginning pharmacy services. This phased approach can help identify mechanical issues or security concerns before the center becomes fully operational.

At Inova’s pharmacy services center, success will be measured through multiple metrics, including meds-to-beds capture rates, dispensing volumes, medication adherence, revenue and savings related to acquisition costs, fewer expired medications and reduced workload at individual sites.

Central pharmacy centers are becoming more common across the U.S., with organizations such as Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke’s Health and Morgantown, W.Va.-based WVU Medicine making similar investments. A 2024 report found that at least one-third of U.S. hospitals now operate a central pharmacy.

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