INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: ScriptPro
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Michael E. Coughlin
President and CEO
ScriptPro
Mike Coughlin is the president and CEO of ScriptPro, a pharmacy robotics and automation company which he founded in 1994. ScriptPro is dedicated to helping pharmacies deliver the maximum value to the health care system, while operating profitably.
He attended St. Louis University where he received a Bachelor of Science in physics and Ohio State University where he received a Master of Science in physics and a Masters of Business Administration. He is also a certified public accountant Prior to forming ScriptPro, his career included management positions with Hewlett-Packard, consulting with an international public accounting firm and business development services through his own company.
Coughlin serves on various pharmacy industry advisory boards and leadership programs. He speaks to industry groups and is frequently quoted in the press on subjects ranging from pharmacy automation to business development.
Q: Can we start with a little background on the company?
A: ScriptPro develops, provides and supports state-of-the-art, robotics-based management and workflow systems for pharmacies. We are dedicated to helping pharmacies lower operating costs, reduce dispensing errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
Our technology helps pharmacies operate efficiently, safely, and profitably so they can make the maximum contribution to the health care system. By reducing manual dispensing tasks, our technology allows pharmacists to assume more active roles in medication therapy management.
Q: What are your main product lines?
A: ScriptPro provides integrated workflow systems to promote efficient and accurate ambulatory pharmacy operations. The systems incorporate robotic dispensing machines of various sizes for both countable and unit-of-use medications. The standard platform can be enabled to provide telepharmacy support for remote sites.
Q: What do you think makes Script- Pro and its technologies standout and identifiable in your market sectors?
A: We implement on a turnkey basis, 24/7 support is standard, downtime is negligible, and scalability is built in. The counting robots are absolutely free of drug cross-contamination and use dispensing cells that can be adjusted by users on-site to handle all tablets and capsules.
The workflow system, including the telepharmacy extension, is very easy to learn and use.
Q: From the beginning in 1994 until today, how would you describe Script- Pro’s position in the marketplace?
A: We introduced the first tablet/ capsule counting robots for community pharmacy in 1997. The installed base has received continuous technology upgrades and improvements and remains the market leading solution. The Veterans Administration and Public Health sectors have standardized around ScriptPro’s robotic, workflow and telepharmacy applications.
Q: How long have you been doing business with the military health care system?
A: We have been providing technology to Department of Defense for over 10 years with a very high level of user satisfaction. Some of the largest military hospitals use ScriptPro robotics, workflow and telepharmacy.
Q: Ten years is a strong track record. What are some examples of your business with the military and are there any near-term expectations?
A: We have implemented a very successful telepharmacy system at Bremerton Naval Hospital. This is now being expanded to the Naval Hospital Pensacola and its satellites.
We believe that ScriptPro telepharmacy will soon become the DoD best practice for serving its extended patient population.
Q: Based on your relationship with the military do you expect to continue doing business with the Department of Defense?
A: We have an excellent working relationship at all levels within the military branches. The products ScriptPro has designed are well suited for health systems with large scale, distributed service demands. ♦