CIO Bulletin

Valor: Specialized compounding pharmacy that customizes medications to fit the unique needs of every individual

While pharmaceutical compounding has been around for a long time, it continues to grow in popularity and availability as people learn more and more about the benefits and capabilities of compounding. Simply stated, pharmacy compounding blends a little bit of both art and science to create individualized, custom medications for patients.

Valor is different from others; its mission is to revitalize compounding pharmacy. It associates with a network of providers, patients, health systems, institutions, and research scientists across the United States. The common phrase of the belief within the compounding industry, is that “it’s always been done that way.” Valor strives to change how you think about and view compounding pharmacy.

The mission and vision for the company

Licensed in 24 states and growing, Valor Compounding Pharmacy makes custom prescription medications for patients with unique healthcare needs. Housing both sterile and non-sterile laboratories, Valor holds multiple accreditations to attest to its quality, competency, and service levels.

Being a compounding pharmacy isn’t in itself unique. Valor is different in how they do business with doctors and medical providers, particularly telehealth companies and physician practices around the country. Every order for medication requires a prescription from a licensed physician in good standing. Valor has streamlined the processes in working with prescribers and patients to make the steps fast and easy, with the goal in mind to revamp and pioneer a new and better doctor and patient experience. Their mission is to create a better overall customer experience in compounding pharmacy, and their vision is to see that Valor provides service to every state in the U.S. by

the end of 2021.

The significance of compounded prescription medications

Compounded prescriptions aren’t commonly known nor accessible in your local retail pharmacy. They are not something the public is generally aware of as Big Pharma does not commercially make compounded medications. People may become aware of compounds when their doctor or veterinarian indicates they need a custom medication made for themselves or their house pet.

Unless introduced to a compounded medication earlier on in life for other health indications, more often than not, people discover alternative options to take care of their health as they naturally age and are ready to fight the aging process. For example, patients and physicians consider compounded BHRT, otherwise known as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, to slow the aging process and balance their hormone levels, which in turn may improve their overall health and quality of life.

In other situations, a patient may be seeking an alternative treatment for an illness or condition. For instance, a person experiencing acute or chronic muscle or neurologic pain may be a candidate for topical pain creams or gels instead of being prescribed drugs containing opioids that have addictive properties. Patients can apply the compounded medication for relief where they need it, without the potential adverse side effects of most opioid prescriptions. Patients can avoid side effects like constipation and the potential for addiction. Additionally, patients who use Valor’s topical pain medications may be more likely to return to their everyday lives, including safely driving a car, returning to work, and be physically active again, all with less overall pain.

The Valor Difference

Valor distinguishes itself and is set apart from other compounding pharmacies around the country in many ways. It’s making the process of ordering and obtaining compounds faster, easier, and less complicated. For starters, they accomplish this by offering the ability to do everything online. On Valor’s website, patients and physicians can order refills, transfers, or new prescriptions, where the Valor staff follow up accordingly. Telehealth companies interested in working with Valor can also complete a Telehealth Affiliate inquiry form to get started. More and more people around the country are taking their health matters more seriously and treating their immune systems with greater care. Valor assists the efforts of those who are on a journey to improved health and wellness by offering at-home hormone testing kits. These kits can be ordered online on Valor’s website and shipped directly to the patients home. Upon completing the tests, the patients return them by mail to ZRT Laboratories. Once the results are available, Valor Compounding Pharmacy is notified. A pharmacist follows up with the patient to recommend possible treatment options. With the patient’s permission, coordinates the prescription with their doctor. The medication is then custom-made and shipped to the patient’s doorstep.

Finally, Valor pioneered the industry’s first-ever flat-rate pricing in popular medication categories, thereby reducing patient’s and provider’s anxiety around pricing. Compound medications are a mix of various ingredients with certain strengths and doses. The typical pricing model always includes a combination of these variables. In Valor’s case, they’ve thought through the process and simplified the model to flat rates.

The impact of COVID on the business and the pharmaceutical industry

Like all businesses, COVID also impacted Valor. Specialty doctors had to pivot to assist in respiratory clinics and COVID-related areas, while patients were required to shelter in place. This naturally resulted in a decrease in prescriptions and refills. As a new normal took place for patients and prescribers, Valor decided to make some permanent changes to coincide with these changes. Revamping their website to simple workflows with their “Get Started” button made a significant difference. Turning their focus to making things easier, mobile phone and laptop accessibility was the key to success. And transforming the business into a customer-centric focused company has provided a path for Valor’s successful national expansion.

The impact of Valor on Telemedicine and Telehealth practices

Not surprisingly, Valor has become the compounding pharmacy of choice for telemedicine and telehealth practices throughout the United States. The telemedicine entities they make medicine for, serve a myriad of patients with conditions ranging from anti-aging, pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Valor worked closely with legal experts in their field to position itself securely as a trusted compounding partner. It would only take a conversation with them to know why they are a provider of choice in this market.

Meet the leader of Valor

Rick Niemi is the Founder, owner, and President/CEO of Valor. He has experience of 26 years in the industry and is a leader in his field. Rick’s journey included 7-years with Parata Systems as a top sales director. He consulted with pharmacy owners and key decision-makers on the use of robotics and technology as a method to grow the business of pharmacy and profitability. Rick prides himself on the attitude and effort required to make the most positive difference in the lives of others. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life,” Rick says; this is what motivates and drives him.