Top 10 Reasons to Use An Independent Pharmacy
The decline in numbers of Independent Pharmacies has been a problem since the introduction of mail order and chain pharmacies. However, Independent Pharmacies offer more to their customers than many people know! Keep reading to discover the benefits of independent pharmacies. 😃
1. Support Your Local Economy!! |
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Independent Pharmacies keep communities' revenues within themselves. Additionally, they also contribute to many local causes. When you support your local businesses, you are supporting your community as a whole and creating a better environment for you and your family. Local independent pharmacies often sell products from the surrounding community increasing the range of products available to local consumers. Supporting the local business provides jobs for the people of the surrounding area, which enhances the overall well being of the community.
2. Do You Know Your Pharmacist?
The most rewarding aspect of independent pharmacies is the readily available patient interaction. Building a strong personal relationship with your pharmacist will increase your health care dramatically. Pharmacists at independent pharmacies have more time to assist patients with any questions or concerns they may have. Unlike your retail pharmacy, which might have a different pharmacist with each visit, independent pharmacies typically have the same faces there to greet you. Seeing the same pharmacists will lead to a more personal visit with everyone being on a name to name basis.
3. Why Wait??
K. Bromberg once said “Time is precious. Waste it wisely.” We do not think she meant to waste your time waiting at the pharmacy to get your prescriptions refilled. Luckily, independent pharmacies often have a much shorter wait time than retail chain pharmacies. Independent pharmacies have just the right amount employees working at all times, maximizing the happiness of all customers and patients. A 2014 Consumer Report stated that only 7% of customers at independent pharmacies had a prescription not ready on time and only 4% had complained of long wait times. Compare that to the 19% that complained of medications that weren’t ready and 21% about long waiting times for chain pharmacies. Why wait 15-20 minutes at a retail pharmacy when you can wait only 5-10 minutes at an independent pharmacy? Make the most of your time, do not spend it waiting in line for your prescriptions.
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4. Pill boxes
Do you forget to take your medication? Are you on a complicated medication regimen? If so, pill boxes will help you keep track of your medication. Pill boxes, conveniently offered at most independent pharmacies, keep you healthier by decreasing the chance of error by showing you if the medication was took that day. These are extremely useful for prednisone regimens and blister packs. Furthermore, pill boxes are able to organize medications by the days of the week, morning, afternoon, evening, and/or before bedtime. Do your health a favor by stop stressing over remembering if you took your medication, and let the pill box remember for you!
5. Diabetic Shoe/Sock Fitting
Why are boring shoes and socks so important? Well, there are millions of people in the United States with diabetes. While they can get their medications filled wherever they want, many independent pharmacies provide the unique service of Diabetic shoe/sock fittings. Diabetics have poor circulation and often need special shoes/socks in order to prevent toe and foot amputations! It’s so much more convenient to have access to these in the same place people pick up their medications every month.
6. FREE Deliveries
Are you sick or can't drive anymore? Do you have an elderly mom or dad that needs their prescriptions delivered? Most independent pharmacies will drop of your prescriptions off at your house! Yes, you read that right! An independent pharmacy will drop your prescription off for free of charge. This helps patients that can't get transportation to the pharmacy get their medications on time. A pharmacist’s main goal is for patients to take their medications correctly and on time!
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7. Corporate Who?
Unlike other pharmacies, independent pharmacies aren’t run by a corporation telling them how much money they need to make or how many scripts they need to fill in a day. This allows them to take the time to make sure you are getting the highest quality of health care you deserve. Independent pharmacies treat healthcare as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
8. In House Compounding
Is your pharmacy capable of dealing with medication shortages from the manufactures? Independent pharmacies are! They can compound (make) the medication, given the right ingredients, right in store!! Compounding is not offered at most big-chain retail pharmacies, making independent pharmacies unique. Recently, the Swine Flu caused a shortage of Tamiflu (the medication), causing many people to panic. However, the next time a major epidemic happens, your independent pharmacist can compound the out of stock medication for you!
9. Saves You $$$$$
Independent pharmacies have a much more of an array of products and more control of the prices of their products than larger, corporate pharmacies do. Independents offer all the same over-the-counter products as larger pharmacies but have the ability to change their prices. Independent pharmacies can choose what products go on sale at what times. If your local pharmacy does not have a product you are looking for, they can make a custom,specialty order just for you! Investigators at Modern Medicine Network stated that customers had better success asking and receiving lower prices at independent pharmacies than at chain pharmacies. An example they gave was a woman who was quoted a $150 charge at a CVS, but when she asked her local pharmacy for a discount the price dropped to $23! Lastly, independent pharmacies carry products local to their community. They help support the local economy and make an easy one-stop-shop for all!
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10. The Staff Is Like Family
Do you want to have a friendly experience with people who genuinely care about you as a person and your health? If the answer is yes, then you definitely want to go to an independent pharmacy! The staff members at independent pharmacies are usually residents of the community the pharmacy resides in. The staff members create a tight-knit, close, family-like experience, allowing you, as a patient, to form strong personal relationships. Their main goal is to care for you as a patient to improve your overall health.
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Written Collaboratively by: Nathan Hunter, Sidney Wilson, Maria Torsiello, Sarah Metzinger, Casondra Smicherko, and Meghan Muretta
Wilkes University School of Pharmacy
Class 2020
