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Craven County approves $250,000 to launch second public pharmacy in Havelock; health department adds ultrasound services
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Summary
The county approved a $250,000 amendment to fund a second county-run pharmacy site in Havelock and agreed to fee changes for limited obstetric ultrasounds in the maternity clinic; Health Department Director Scott Harrelson said the pharmacy will increase convenience and the ultrasound fees will mirror acquisition/Medicaid rates.
Scott Harrelson of the Craven County Health Department asked the board for action to support two items: startup and operating funds for a second county pharmacy in Havelock and approval of new or adjusted clinic fees, including billing for limited obstetric ultrasounds in the maternity clinic.
Harrelson said year-end funds had been set aside for the project and staff are moving to renovate and license a second pharmacy site; he described the pharmacy as a way for patients to complete visits locally and obtain medications more cheaply and quickly. A commissioner moved to amend the budget to provide $250,000 “to keep the drugs flowing,” and the board approved the amendment by roll call.
On fees, Harrelson explained the health department aims to set ultrasound fees at acquisition or Medicaid-comparable rates so the service can be provided in the family-planning and maternity clinics without a large subsidy. "If the Medicaid rate is $59.41, we'll just round up and make an even $60," Harrelson said, describing the department’s approach to aligning charges with federal/state reimbursement levels.
Commissioners voted to approve the fee adjustments and the pharmacy funding; the record shows affirmative roll-call responses on the motions.
Harrelson said the pharmacy will be staffed and licensed before opening and that the fee policy intends only to keep services solvent and compliant with program standards.
