In America today, many people who used to like going to a combination pharmacy-grocery-miscellaneous goods store are rediscovering the benefits of a focused pharmacy right in their hometown. They have spent years trying to be more efficient by filling prescriptions at the combination stores, but now they go to a “pharmacy” pharmacy. Why? These people appreciate the quick, quality, personal service, low prices and wide health inventory they find at a pharmacy focused on its duties as a pharmacy.
No Waiting
One of the major benefits of a smaller, focused pharmacy is the speed of service. These smaller pharmacies still work like the larger stores, but at a quicker pace. Your doctor can call the pharmacy with your prescription, and the pharmacist will fill it and have it ready for you in a short time; or you can take a written prescription to the pharmacist and many times, he or she will have it ready for you within 10-15 minutes.
Unfortunately, many people feel the frustration that comes from waiting hours for prescriptions at the combo stores. A common scenario plays out like this: You have a sick child and want to get in and out of the pharmacy as quickly as possible. You go to a combo store to pick up the prescription and end up waiting at the end of a line six people long at the pharmacy counter, only to find out the prescription is not filled yet. They suggest you “go shopping” while you are there. Right now is NOT when you want to shop. You only want to get the prescription and get home with your sick child.
Price
You don’t pay for better service at smaller pharmacies. You will find the same “low prices” on prescriptions at the pharmacy around the corner or at the pharmacy-grocery store-hardware store-miscellaneous merchandise store. And if you have insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or a prescription card, it makes the prices even lower.
Most pharmacies accept insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, and many accept prescription cards. This will make the prices of your prescriptions exactly the same (and much lower than if you did not have the coverage) no matter where you choose to fill them.
What the Big Stores Don’t Have
Both the small around-the-corner pharmacies and the large combination stores have the essentials for your heath: prescriptions, vitamins, first aid, basic hygiene, etc. Of course, you could probably never buy a computer or get your oil changed at a small pharmacy, but you can find special health needs at these pharmacies that are not carried by the large stores.
If you need a custom-made cane, or need your cane fitted, you should head over to a small pharmacy. Many smaller pharmacies have someone on staff that can fit canes to the proper size and length for your body. A small pharmacy is also a good place to go for other special orthopedic and physical therapy needs, such as motorized carts, electric chairs, walkers and more. These are too specialized for the stores that try to cover every need.
By D. Blair Thompson