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Expanding Clinical Services: How Independent Pharmacies Can Drive New Revenue in 2025

A hand holding a variety of pills and supplements, symbolizing expanding clinical services in independent pharmacies and their role in personalized patient care.

Independent pharmacies have always played a vital role in community healthcare. But today, the opportunities go far beyond filling prescriptions. Patients are looking for accessible, affordable healthcare services close to home—and pharmacies are perfectly positioned to meet that demand.

By expanding clinical services, independent pharmacies can strengthen patient relationships, enhance community impact, and unlock valuable new revenue streams. In this blog, we’ll explore why now is the right time to expand, which services offer the greatest potential, and how to start building a clinical service model that supports growth in 2025 and beyond.

1. The Growing Demand for Clinical Services

Healthcare delivery is shifting rapidly. Rising costs, provider shortages, and a focus on preventative care mean that patients are increasingly turning to pharmacies for services traditionally handled in clinics. According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), more than 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy—a convenience that positions pharmacies as a first-line resource for care.

Expanding clinical services can help independent pharmacies:

  • Boost revenue without relying solely on prescription volume.

  • Strengthen patient loyalty and attract new customers.

  • Support public health initiatives in their communities.

  • Differentiate themselves from chain competitors.

By focusing on expanding clinical services, pharmacies become healthcare hubs—trusted, accessible, and essential to their communities.

2. Which Services Offer the Best Opportunities?

Not all clinical services are created equal. Choosing the right mix depends on your pharmacy’s size, patient base, and local healthcare needs. Here are some high-potential areas for expanding clinical services in 2025:

Immunizations

Demand for vaccines extends well beyond flu shots. Pharmacies can offer immunizations for COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia, HPV, travel-related illnesses, and more. Expanded immunization programs are consistently one of the highest-impact clinical services in terms of revenue and public health value.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

MTM programs allow pharmacists to conduct comprehensive medication reviews, resolve medication-related problems, and improve adherence. MTM services not only improve patient outcomes but can also generate billable revenue through Medicare and insurance plans. Pharmacists who offer MTM demonstrate a strong commitment to patient-centered care.

Health Screenings and Wellness Services

Simple services like blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, and weight management counseling can attract patients and add value to pharmacy visits. These services offer easy entry points for patients looking for convenient healthcare access, while also opening opportunities for complementary product sales like supplements and wellness aids.

By choosing a combination of these services, pharmacies can design a flexible, profitable clinical care model that meets evolving patient needs.

3. How to Start Expanding Your Services

Launching new clinical services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Successful implementation comes down to planning, training, and communication.

Step 1: Assess Your Community’s Needs

Look at your patient demographics, local health trends, and service gaps. Are travel vaccines in demand? Is there a shortage of primary care providers? Understanding what your patients need will help you prioritize which services to launch first.

Step 2: Train and Certify Your Staff

Ensure your pharmacists and technicians are properly certified to offer immunizations, screenings, or MTM services. Many training programs are available through pharmacy associations and healthcare organizations.

Step 3: Update Your Workflow

Incorporate clinical services into your pharmacy’s daily routine. Create clear processes for scheduling appointments, billing insurance, documenting patient encounters, and following up.

Step 4: Promote Your New Services

Use in-store signage, digital marketing, patient handouts, and physician outreach to raise awareness. Don’t assume patients know what you offer—proactively communicating your expanded capabilities is key to building demand.

Investing time into a structured rollout ensures that expanding clinical services adds value without disrupting your existing operations.

4. How GPO Support Can Help

Expanding services doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Working with a trusted Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) like PharmaTrust gives independent pharmacies access to:

  • Supplier contracts for vaccines, medical equipment, and screening supplies.

  • Operational resources to streamline purchasing and manage new service lines.

  • Compliance support to help navigate regulatory requirements for expanded services.

  • Data insights that can guide purchasing and service offerings.

By leveraging GPO relationships, pharmacies can grow their clinical services efficiently, controlling costs while enhancing patient care.

In today’s competitive healthcare environment, expanding clinical services isn’t just a growth strategy—it’s a necessity. By offering immunizations, MTM programs, and health screenings, independent pharmacies can boost revenue, deepen patient loyalty, and strengthen their role in community health.

As you plan for the rest of 2025, take this opportunity to evolve your pharmacy into a true healthcare destination. With the right services, operational support, and a patient-first mindset, the future of your independent pharmacy is full of possibility.