Top Five Things To Look For In A Pharmacy

Not all pharmacies are created equal. Since its inception, most drugstores were owned and operated by pharmacists. They consisted of small local stores providing very specialized services, mostly customized or compounded medicines. With the corporatization of pharmacies, the little stores became warehouses selling all kinds of goods while the pharmacy section got delegated to a small corner inside the giant retail space. Competition among pharmacy chains and other retailers, led most pharmacies to became “jack of all trades” making them indistinguishable from one to another. Few others, however, saw an opportunity and became small and very specialized carving a space where the big chains could not fill. For example, they started offering professional pharmacy services such as compounding ( the art of creating customized medicine), diabetes care and products, and providing a more intimate customer service that was clearly lacking in the big box stores.

With access to more than one local pharmacy and multiple online pharmacies, customers now have more options than ever. However, no two pharmacies are the same. To help you narrow down your list, here’s a list of the top five things to look for in a pharmacy. 

1. The Pharmacist
The pharmacist is the person that prepares your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Once a prescription is received, the pharmacist will make sure that the new drug will not adversely interact with your other medications or trigger an allergic reaction while also making sure that it is the most appropriate drug for the condition you have. If any discrepancies are found, the pharmacist will contact your doctor to verify or recommend the best course of action.

The ideal pharmacist would be experienced, knowledgeable and approachable. For example, a pharmacist with many years of practice compared to a new graduate, would have the confidence and practical knowledge to better help solve your problems related to medications. And with constant new advances in modern medicine, specialization becomes a necessity. Some pharmacists undergo training in rigorous programs and obtain professional designations and certifications providing them with expert knowledge in a given therapeutic area. But above all, a pharmacist should have good “bedside manners”. A pharmacist with great communication skills and a helping attitude can easily connect with patients leading to better outcomes.

2. Professional Services
Pharmacists are highly trained, university educated professionals and their scope of practice has greatly expanded over the last few years. Though the provision of medications is still an important role of pharmacists, nowadays many of them provide professional services to better manage your health. Many tasks that would have required a trip to the doctor or clinic, can now be done at the pharmacy. For example, vaccinations, travel consultations, medication reviews, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes education and many more can now be performed by pharmacists. In some provinces in Canada, a pharmacist can even treat and prescribe minor ailments such as urinary tract infections. All these services are offered not just for your convenience, but also to improve your overall health.

3.Customer Service
Most big box pharmacies fill large volumes of prescriptions resulting in less than ideal customer service. For example, waiting times are long and there is no continuity of care since the staff is always changing. On the other hand, smaller pharmacies have smaller volumes and staff translating into a more intimate relationship with staff, shorter waiting times and better continuity of care. Similar to having your own doctor or dentist, establishing a close relationship with one pharmacist is very important. A pharmacist who knows your medical history and unique needs will be better able to catch any drug interactions and make better recommendations when it comes to medications. When you get your prescriptions in most big stores, the experience is rushed. As a patient, you deserve time with the pharmacist who will go over your prescriptions and provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns. When choosing a pharmacy, you need to look for one that shows a particular interest in offering the best personalized services.

4. Expertise
Depending on your needs and medical condition, you may want to choose a pharmacy that specializes in the area where you can help you the most. For example, if you are diabetic, you may want to choose a pharmacy where they carry all kinds of diabetic supplies. Furthermore, their staff should be knowledgeable to provide useful advice and make the best recommendations on products that you need.

5. Accessibility
Pharmacy location and accessibility are two things that become very handy in times of need. A local pharmacy is not only part of your neighborhood but also can become essential in case of an emergency. For example, during the pandemic, you can avoid unnecessary travel by getting your medications locally and should you have an emergency, like running out of an essential medication, your pharmacy will always be a few steps away from your door. 

Accessibility means not only physical aspects, like handicap access and decluttered isles, but also how easy it is to access pharmacy services. Is it easy to talk to a staff? How long does it take to book for vaccinations? Can you refill your prescriptions by phone, email or fax? We all been getting used to those automated attendants, but wouldn’t it be nice to hear a human when you need to.

If you’re looking for a pharmacy in Toronto, ON, reach out to Remedy’s Rx Duke Pharmacy.

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