Are Filling Your Prescriptions A Nightmare?

Many of the 66% of Americans who require prescription medication can attest that the process is sometimes challenging. From understanding the medication to navigating healthcare providers and insurance, the process can be stressful. Patients are looking for ways to take control of prescriptions to have a smoother experience. After all, the focus should be on achieving optimal health. A local pharmacy is the ideal solution, providing a space and services that patients can trust. With more control, patients can fill prescriptions and achieve better adherence.

More than your friendly neighborhood pharmacy

While there are tens of thousands of pharmacies in the US, the big box options are more well-known. Yet, local pharmacies are serving millions with the level of comfort and ease that is needed when navigating complex medical needs. A local pharmacy is situated in towns or communities and has a close-knit relationship with the people. The relationship goes beyond dispensing medication. Local pharmacies are invested in the community and provide additional services to support patients. As a result, patients can build unique health relationships with pharmacists that are often difficult with other medical teams. The patient can then get prescriptions and medical attention for long-term results.

Building strong patient relationships

A local pharmacy builds strong relationships with patients. Most spend additional time explaining the prescription process side effects and pointing out food or drug interactions. Patients can ask additional questions when the primary healthcare provider is out of reach. The local pharmacy eventually builds a relationship with this provider and even navigates communication between all parties. This additional step improves medication adherence and leads to a better experience.

Local pharmacies review your medication

Prescription medicine, while effective, can have some additional hurdles that make the drug more dangerous. For instance, combining medications with supplements can lead to unwanted side effects. Some persons partake in polypharmacy, using multiple prescription drugs at once that can be harmful to health. A local pharmacy can encourage patients to perform a medication review. By presenting all medicines, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs, the pharmacist can perform a detailed review. This assessment removes duplicates, addresses side effects, and finds more effective alternatives. The pharmacist can also coach the patient on effective use to increase adherence. Patients, therefore, receive a better return on the medicines and can customize treatment in support of the doctor.

Providing additional services for your convenience

Local pharmacies go the extra mile to provide additional services that contribute to optimal health. Some can do basic screenings such as blood pressure testing, glucose monitoring, and cholesterol screening. Patients can get vaccines or create solutions for certain ailments without seeing a doctor. These options give the patient more control over health issues without the stress or inconvenience of lengthy doctor visits.

Keeping affordability top of mind

Prescription drugs can be expensive, and the high costs are a major reason for poor medication adherence. For patients with insurance, determining co-pays, deductibles, and prior authorizations can be complex. Some local pharmacies can help patients navigate insurance challenges, answer basic questions, and suggest alternatives. Others can provide access to services that reduce the cost of medication. Where applicable, and upon consultation with the doctor, the pharmacist can recommend a generic alternative to a drug, reducing cost and making treatment available.

Creating custom solutions with compounding

Local pharmacies may have compounding as a solution for prescription support. Compounding creates a custom drug from raw ingredients or combining multiple medicines into a single-use form. This solution is specific to the patient and significantly increases the patient’s control over the process. Compounding can create the medicine in a different form, change the dosage, or reduce the need for polypharmacy. If a drug is unavailable or no longer on the market, a custom solution is possible through compounding. With compounding, adherence increases, and filling prescriptions becomes more enjoyable.

Factors when choosing your pharmacy

A local pharmacy can address many of the challenges encountered with prescriptions. More importantly, the pharmacy gives the patient more control over the prescription process. There are more detailed conversations and medication reviews. Patients can get more support, improve affordability, and create custom solutions. While larger pharmacies can effectively dispense prescriptions, those who want a personalized experience and custom options should seek out a local option.