If you have ever been to the doctor for an illness or an injury, you are probably experienced with the pharmacy process. Your doctor listened to your symptoms, probably wrote you a prescription and then sent it over to your pharmacy of choice. You drove to the pharmacy and requested a pick up. The pharmacist asked if you had any questions regarding your new prescription and then you were charged for it. You have probably also noticed multiple pharmacies located all over your city. You probably notice multiple ones in just a short mile of a drive. How then, do you choose your preferred pharmacy? What if you have never been to one of your local pharmacies? What if you are unhappy with your local pharmacy? How do you answer that question then from the doctor of, where would you like your prescription sent to?
Choosing a pharmacy is often done by chance. Most patients simply choose a pharmacy that is closest to them. However, closeness should not be the only factor when choosing your preferred pharmacy. A pharmacy is responsible for providing you with the medications that will make you feel better. They may be responsible for very important and very time sensitive prescriptions. They may the person that you request an over the counter medicine recommendation from when you are not feeling well. A lot of thought and consideration should go into this decision.
About 54% of all prescriptions are filled at retail pharmacies. This is done out of convenience. People visit retail stores for a variety of reasons, including grocery shopping and clothing item shopping. It is extremely convenient to simply pick up your needed prescriptions while doing your regular shopping. However, the specific medications that you use should be taken into thought. If you are on constant medication, for example, for a chronic health condition, this convenience may be ideal. However, if you only pick up prescriptions when you are ill or injured, it may not be ideal to go into a retail store, just for your medication.
You may also not want to go into a retail location for medical advice from the pharmacist when you are feeling ill. You are likely to not want to engage in any shopping and the retail trip will then be a waste.
You should also consider the members of your family when choosing your preferred pharmacy. If you have young children in your family, you will want to choose a pharmacy that is helpful and can provide advice during times of illness. You will also want someone who is familiar with pediatrics. You may be looking for over the counter medicine recommendations in the middle of the night for your child. An Outer Banks pharmacy that has a regular or full time pharmacist that you trust and enjoy may be helpful in these cases.
It may be important to you also, to choose a pharmacist that provides other health services as well. For example, some pharmacies offer things like vaccinations and blood pressure testing. Some may even have urgent care centers that are on location. Vaccinations are important. The CDC has reported a 99% reduction in the incidence of bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenza since the introduction of the vaccination against the disease in 1988. You may want to receive your vaccinations when picking up your prescription.
Extended hours and overnight hours may also be important in your pharmacy decision. You cannot always time when you will be injured or ill. You also may want to pick up your prescription during non ideal business hours. A 24 hour pharmacy may be beneficial to you.
Most people choose their preferred pharmacy based on location. However, this should not be the only factor in this decision. You should look for a pharmacy that you trust and is convenient. You should also find one that is able to provide you with recommendations to over the counter medicines. Other things might be important to you also, like a 24 hour pharmacy or a place that you can get your vaccinations while picking up your prescription.