In an effort to transform itself into a more clinically oriented brand, Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) CEO Tim Wentworth is undertaking a major overhaul of the retail pharmacy chain's operations. Wentworth aims to prioritize clinical services while streamlining the company's verticals, although without the clinics.

Speaking to Yahoo Finance on Thursday, Wentworth emphasized the need for work redesign and removing lower-value tasks from the table. He views hiring pharmacists alone as insufficient and believes that a seismic shift in the company's operations is necessary.

Wentworth, a seasoned healthcare executive and former CEO of pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts, announced the closure of 60 VillageMD locations. These co-located clinics and pharmacies were established through a $5 billion partnership in 2020 prior to Wentworth's arrival. The closures were part of the broader strategy to focus more on health services, similar to competitors such as CVS's Minute Clinic.

Despite the closures, Walgreens managed to surpass earnings expectations, reporting earnings per share of $1.20 compared to the estimated $0.82. As a result, the company's stock rose nearly 4% during Thursday's trading.

During the post-results earnings call, Wentworth highlighted how the National Health Service in the UK has allowed pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe medication for certain common health conditions. Walgreens, through its Boots locations in the UK, has access to firsthand data on the effectiveness of this program, which may inform its future operations in the US.

Wentworth expressed a desire to achieve provider status for Walgreens pharmacists, enabling them to be reimbursed for providing select services to patients. He emphasized the expertise of these highly trained clinical professionals, whose capabilities extend beyond simply dispensing medications. However, achieving this goal presents a challenge amid the nationwide shortage of pharmacists and ongoing consumer headwinds.

Walgreens is currently lobbying Congress to pass a bill that would allow Medicare Part B reimbursement for pharmacists providing tests, vaccines, and treatments. Importantly, the company aims to navigate this legislation without contradicting state laws.

As part of his strategic vision, Wentworth is focusing on a return to basics and addressing old problems. This includes tackling weak demand for front-of-store consumer items in an era of e-commerce and inflationary pressures. To counter these challenges, Walgreens plans to give store managers more control over their locations and incentivize them to drive growth. Additionally, the company is aiming to create a more community-based pharmacy setting, adapting each store to its specific location and empowering pharmacists to operate at the highest clinical level.

By embracing a more clinical approach and fostering trust with patients, Walgreens aims to weather the downward pressure it has experienced in recent years. Wentworth's ambitious plans reflect the company's determination to evolve and adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.

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