Rick Gates: The ECAPS Potential for Walgreens

Kevin Houlihan sits down with Walgreens Chief Pharmacy Officer Rick Gates to discuss the evolving role of pharmacies in expanding access to care. They explore how reimbursement, federal reform, and industry alignment will shape the future of clinical services in pharmacy. The conversation covers why pharmacists are uniquely positioned to fill healthcare gaps, especially in rural communities, and how the profession can move beyond dispensing medications toward preventative and care-based services. Rick also shares practical advice for pharmacy leaders on advocating for reform, negotiating reimbursement, and advancing the profession together. Learn how to be reimbursement-ready on day 1 for ECAPS at our knowledge hub for pharmacy industry professionals: https://www.workflowservices.com/ecaps Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Pharmacy’s Expanding Role 02:27 Services Today vs ECAPS 05:22 State vs National Models 08:06 Pharmacy Filling Care Gaps 10:33 Reimbursement Challenges 13:34 COVID Changed Expectations 15:33 Expanding Clinical Services 19:19 Industry Alignment 23:32 Where Pharmacy Should Focus