Wellness Corner Archives

Health Information Safety: Keeping Your Personal Health Information Safe and Secure

04/01/2024

As a patient at our pharmacy, your health is our priority. Another priority of ours? The privacy and security of our patients’ health information.

The Importance of Health Information Safety

Keeping personal information secure is no longer as simple as keeping your files in a lock box. With technology being a go-to way to store and access information, it is easier than ever before for your data to be stolen, leaked, and misused. This can lead to negative consequences like:

Medical identity theft. Identity thieves can try to use your personal and/or insurance information to get things like medical treatments, prescription drugs, or surgery.¹
Job discrimination. Employers having access to health information can influence hiring and firing decisions.¹
Legal disputes. Some health information can affect the outcome of a legal dispute.¹
Victim targeting. Certain types of patients can be targeted by scammers based on their medical diagnosis.¹

Because of these potential consequences, our government put in place the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This includes Privacy and Security Rules to protect individually identifiable health information. Entities subject to the Privacy Rule include:

Healthcare providers. Every healthcare provider, regardless of size of practice, who electronically transmits health information in connection with certain transactions.²
Health plans. Including health, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurers.²
Healthcare clearinghouses. An institution that electronically transmits different types of medical claims data to insurance carriers.²
Business associates: Organizations using or disclosing individually identifiable health information to perform or provide functions, activities, or services for a covered entity.²

It is important to note that not all organizations are covered by HIPAA. For example, when you store health information in a mobile app, on a mobile device, or in a personal health record that is not offered through a healthcare provider or plan, your health information is not protected by HIPAA.³ This can look like wearable technology like FitBit or Apple Watch and Health apps like Noom.

What Health Information is Protected by HIPAA?

The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects your health information by placing some limits on how it may be used and shared. Individually identifiable health information is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This is information that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition; to the provision of health care to you; or to past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to you.⁴ This also includes information that identifies you or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify you. Examples of individually identifiable health information include:

Information your doctors, nurses, and other health care providers put in your medical record⁴
Conversations your doctor has about your care or treatment with nurses and others⁴
Information about you in your health insurer’s computer system⁴
Billing information about you at your clinic⁴
Information used by companies or individuals that provide data, billing, or other services to doctors, hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare care organizations.⁴

Protect Your Health Information: Dos and Don’ts

While HIPAA exists to protect health information held by health care providers, health insurers, and more, it is important to take precautions to protect the health information that you control.

DO secure your information with passwords. Use a strong password and update it often. A strong password should be at least sixteen characters, random, and unique from other account passwords.⁵

DON’T post health information online. Never post anything online that you do not want to be made public and never assume that an online public platform is private or secure. Information posted online is permanent.

DO use multi-factor authentication. Passwords can be vulnerable to hackers, so further protect your accounts by setting up multi-factor authentication. Common methods of authentication include a one-time passcode sent via text message, email, or authenticator app, security questions, face ID, and more.⁶

DON’T give your personal information to unverified callers. There are identity thieves who try to use personal health information to receive medical treatment, prescription drugs, and more. Verify the legitimacy of the caller before sharing your information.⁷

DO avoid using public wi-fi networks. Most free public wi-fi networks lack security measures, meaning, others using the same network could easily access your online activity. Avoid using public networks when accessing personal information or entering payment information.

DON’T fall for phishing attempts. Never click on unfamiliar links sent via email or text. Clicking on phishing links can result in your device being infected with malware and make your information vulnerable.

DO shred paper documents that contain personal health information. Shredding not only frees up space and helps the environment, it can also prevent unwanted parties from getting a look at your personal information.

DON’T use apps and websites without doing research. Use known and reputable apps and websites, especially those that involve sharing personal information. Read the terms of service and privacy notice to verify that the app/website will only perform the functions you approve.⁷

Privacy and security of our patients’ health information is a top priority. If you believe your information was used or shared in a way that is not allowed under the HIPAA Rules, or if you were not able to exercise your rights, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or your State’s Attorneys General Office.

Sources:

1. https://www.jotform.com/what-is-hipaa-compliance/

2. https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/hipaa.html

3. https://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/how_to_keep_your_health_information_private_and_secure.pdf

4. https://www.healthit.gov/topic/your-health-information-security

5. https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords

6. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/use-two-factor-authentication-protect-your-accounts

7. https://www.healthit.gov/topic/privacy-security-and-hipaa/what-you-can-do-protect-your-health-information

Drugs and Alcohol: A Bad Combination

03/01/2024

It’s been a long day, you’re ready to go home and have some drinks to unwind when you remember you’re taking an antibiotic. The bottle says, “Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication,” but a few drinks should be fine, right? Wrong – here’s why!

Why is combining drugs and alcohol a bad idea?

It may come as a surprise for some, but drinking alcohol while taking medications (prescription or over-the-counter) can lead to potentially severe side effects and even death. We often forget that alcohol is in fact a drug, and if mixed with other drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, headaches, fainting, loss of coordination, and more. ¹

Not only can mixing drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on your body, but it can also interfere with how the medication works. Alcohol can cause your medication to have several different effects: ²

The medication may become less effective.
The concentration of the medication may reach toxic levels.
Side effects may worsen.
New symptoms may arise.

Talk to your pharmacist about the potential side effects of mixing your medication with alcohol, even if the label does not come with a warning. It’s important to be honest with your pharmacist about your drinking habits so they can accurately judge any risks.

What can happen if I mix drugs and alcohol?

Mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medications can have serious side effects. Some common symptoms include: ²

Blood pressure changes
Mood and behavior changes
Dizziness and fainting
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Seizures

More serious complications caused by mixing alcohol with medications are liver damage, heart problems, internal bleeding, and could lead to an overdose or alcohol poisoning. ³

Drug and alcohol interactions may depend on the type of medicine, the amount of alcohol, and your genetics, sex, and overall health. ³ Often, older adults, women, and children and teens may experience more severe side effects of alcohol and drug interactions for a number of reasons. ⁴

Older Adults

Alcohol does not break down as quickly in older adults and their body’s water to fat ratio is decreased. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 78% of surveyed adults over the age of 65 were current drinkers and also taking a medication that could interact with alcohol. ⁴ This can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and a greater risk of falls and injury.

Women

Women may be at greater risk of side effects from mixing alcohol and drugs than men due to having a lower percent of body water compared to body fat. This causes alcohol to break down slower, resulting in a higher blood alcohol level after drinking the same amount as a man. This increases the risk of experiencing negative side effects.

Children and Teens

While seemingly at a lower risk for drug interactions with alcohol, it is still a concern. Alcohol abuse in youth can cause life-long complications and can especially be a risk when mixing alcohol with ADHD medications.

Another concern is how the younger population is consuming their alcohol. Energy drinks are a common alcohol mixer among college students, which can lower the feeling of intoxication resulting in excessive drinking and alcohol-related injuries. ⁴

What medications can interact with alcohol?

Many medications, including over-the-counter products, can vary in severity of symptoms. The most common medicines that react with alcohol include: ³

Opioids
Antidepressants
Antipsychotic medicines
Sleeping aids
Cold and flu medicines
Antibiotics
Pain medicines

Sedative medications, including those that help you sleep, can cause your breathing to slow or stop when consumed with alcohol. This can be extremely dangerous and is a common cause of death. ² Certain medications including painkillers, allergy relief, and cold medicine may contain multiple ingredients that can react with alcohol. ¹ Some medications can even contain up to 10 percent alcohol, such as cough syrup and laxatives.

If you are unsure of your medication ingredients, talk to your pharmacist to get a better understanding of what your medicine contains. Most over-the-counter medications will have sections on the label listing various things such as active ingredients, purpose, uses, warnings, directions, other information, inactive ingredients, and can even include a phone number to call with questions. ⁵

Below are symptoms or disorders that are commonly remedied with medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) and the possible drug alcohol interaction side effects. ¹

Allergies, cold and flu. Common side effects of consuming alcohol while taking these medications may include drowsiness, dizziness, and increased risk for overdose. Many cold medications already have alcohol in them, so combining that with drinking alcohol can induce severe drowsiness.
Anxiety. Taking anxiety medications may heighten your anxiety symptoms if mixed with alcohol. Some side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, unusual behavior, memory problems, and impaired motor control.
ADHD. When mixed with alcohol, many ADHD medications can have contradicting side effects including impaired concentration, increased risk for heart problems, liver damage, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Heartburn. Rapid heartbeat, increased alcohol effect, and sudden changes in blood pressure are just a few side effects of consuming alcohol while taking heartburn medications.
High cholesterol. A few side effects of mixing alcohol with high cholesterol medications include liver damage, increased flushing and itching, and increased stomach bleeding.
Infection. Alcohol should not be consumed if you are taking an antibiotic. Not only can the alcohol reduce the effect of the antibiotic, but it can also result in a fast heartbeat, stomach pain, vomiting, liver damage, and more.
Pain. Common painkillers, when mixed with alcohol, may result in upset stomach, ulcers, liver damage, and rapid heartbeat.
Sleep issues. Mixing alcohol with sleeping aids can result in increased drowsiness, slow breathing, impaired motor control, memory problems, and much more.

If you are currently taking any type of medication, even an over-the-counter cold medicine, talk with your pharmacist about the potential interactions your medication may have with alcohol. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, please call the SAMHSA National Helpline for free, confidential help at 1-800-662-4357, or visit samhsa.gov for more information on how to get help.

Sources:

¹ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines

² https://www.verywellmind.com/mixing-alcohol-and-medication-harmful-interactions-67888

³ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines-and-alcohol

⁴ https://www.drugs.com/article/medications-and-alcohol.html

⁵ https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-drugs/drug-interactions-what-you-should-know

Give Your Heart Some Love

02/01/2024

February is American Heart Month and a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. People who are most at risk for heart disease are those with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and those who smoke. Several other conditions and lifestyle choices can put you at a higher risk of heart disease, such as: (1)

Diabetes
Overweight and obesity
Unhealthy diet
Lack of physical activity
Excessive alcohol use

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. Symptoms may include: (2)

Heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath
Arrhythmia: fluttering feelings in the chest or palpitations
Heart failure: shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins

What Behaviors Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

Lifestyle choices can greatly increase your risk for heart disease. Things like:

Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and related conditions.
Too much sodium in your diet can raise your blood pressure which increases your risk for heart disease.
Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease and increase the risk for other conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Drinking too much alcohol can also raise blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease, and any tobacco use increases your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Genetic factors likely play some role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other related conditions as well. However, it is also likely that people with a family history of heart disease often share common environmental factors that may increase their risk. (3)

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for Heart Health

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, along with many other conditions. It doesn’t have to be hard! Even just small changes can make a big difference if you are consistent. Don’t think of these changes as a temporary diet but as a change in your overall pattern. Make some of these simple steps below for long-term benefits to your overall health and your heart: (4)

Know how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain a healthy weight. This will account for several factors such as your age, gender, and level of activity. A good starting point could be a calorie calculator online, but it is best to speak with your provider so they can help you take your personal factors into account.

Increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. Not only will it help you keep your weight under control, but it strengthens the heart muscle and wards off any artery damage. Here’s how different exercises can benefit your heart health: (5)

Aerobic Exercise improves circulation which results in lowered blood pressure and heart rate. It also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Ideally, you should perform some type of aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Examples of this type of exercise include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis.
Resistance Training (Strength Work) can help reduce fat and create leaner muscle mass. Research shows that a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance work may help your good cholesterol and lower the bad. You should aim for at least two nonconsecutive days per week of strength training. Examples include working with free weights such as dumbbells or hand weights, weight machines, resistance bands, or body-weight exercises like push-ups and squats.
Stretching, Flexibility and Balance don’t directly contribute to heart health but they allow you to stay flexible and free from joint pain, cramping, and other muscle issues which in turn helps you maintain your aerobic exercise and resistance training. You should stretch every day before and after every other exercise.

Eat an overall heart-healthy diet such as: (6)

Vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, cabbage), broccoli, and carrots
Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, and prunes
Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole-grain bread
Protein-rich foods:
- Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and trout
- Lean meats such as 95% lean ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans
Foods high in healthy fats:
- Olive oil
- Walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts
- Nut and seed butters
- Sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, or flax seeds
- Avocados
- Tofu

Foods and drinks to limit include processed foods, added sugars, high-sodium items, soda, and alcohol.

Live tobacco-free. Cigarette smoking and using other tobacco products greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you currently smoke but would like to quit, you can follow the below five steps: (7)

Set your “Quit Day” within the next 7 days and make a pledge in front of people who will support you.
Choose your method whether it’s “cold turkey”, or cutting down the number of cigarettes per day until you reach zero.
Talk with your healthcare professional to decide if you’ll need medicines or other help to successfully quit.
Make a plan for your quit day and afterward such as having healthy snacks available, keeping yourself busy with activities you enjoy, etc.
And finally, quit tobacco on your quit day!

As always, you can and should consult a healthcare professional such as your physician or pharmacist who can also help you take the proper steps to quit for good.

Work with your healthcare team. You and your healthcare team, like your physician and pharmacist, can work together to prevent or treat any conditions that may lead to heart disease. Discuss this treatment plan regularly, and bring any questions you have to all your appointments. If you’ve already had a heart attack, your healthcare team will work with you to prevent another one. If your treatment plan includes medications, be sure to take any medications as directed and tell your pharmacist if you are experiencing any side effects.

Sources

1. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm

2. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm

3. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/risk_factors.htm

4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations

5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health#:~:text=Aerobic%20Exercise,-What%20it%20does&text=How%20much%3A%20Ideally%2C%20at%20least,per%20week%20of%20moderate%20activity.

6. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/healthy-foods

7. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/5-steps-to-quit-smoking

Healthy Habits for the New Year

01/01/2024

For many, the new year marks an opportunity to reflect on the past year and start fresh. We make New Year’s resolutions to change for the better, whether that be getting in shape, eating healthier, saving money, or getting organized. However, sometimes we make resolutions we cannot keep up with. Say goodbye to unrealistic goals and the pressure that comes with them! Let’s embrace setting attainable resolutions that make room for healthier habits for 2024 and beyond.

healthy living tips for 2024

Goal: Eat a Healthy Diet

Fueling your body with healthy nutrients is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to help manage weight and improve overall health. Instead of trying an unrealistic fad diet, opt for slowly incorporating healthier options into your diet to develop life-long healthy eating habits. Not sure where to start? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, a healthy eating plan includes:¹

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
Protein-rich foods like seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds
Low amounts of added sugar, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol
Staying within your daily calorie needs. Not sure what your daily calorie needs are? Try Mayo Clinic’s Calorie Calculator!

Goal: Improve Physical Health

Taking care of your body is one of the most important things you can do to be your healthiest self in 2024. Maintaining adequate physical activity, being proactive in your health, and getting a good night’s rest are all key to ensuring your body looks, feels, and works its best.

Get Active

Physical activity benefits everyone. No matter your age, ability, race, ethnicity, shape, or size, physical activity can provide immediate health benefits like improved sleep, reduced stress, improved weight management, and lowered risks for many chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.²

According to the CDC, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate activity.² Not sure where to start? Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine like walking your dog, parking further away, or opting to take the stairs. You can also schedule time into your week to do physical activities you enjoy like going on a walk, dancing, swimming, or riding a bike.

Get Better Sleep

While sleep is vital for a person’s well-being, many of us struggle to fall asleep when our head hits the pillow or wake up without getting any quality sleep. This struggle can leave us feeling tired during the day and lead to physical and mental health problems; chronic health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity; and interfere with daily functions.³ Not sure how you can start implementing better sleep in 2024? Try the following:

Wake up at the same time every day. Being consistent reinforces the body’s sleep-wake cycle, and waking up at different times every day will throw off that cycle.⁴
Get enough sleep. The recommended amount of sleep is 7-8 hours per night. Allow for that time in your sleep schedule by going to bed early enough to still wake up at your chosen wake-up time.⁴
Ease into your target sleep schedule. If you are making larger changes to your sleep schedule, make small adjustments over time. This will help your sleep schedule be more sustainable in the long run.

Be Preventative

Improving overall physical health is easier when you feel your best. Prevent disease and falling ill by staying proactive with your health.

Go to your annual check-ups. Scheduling an annual exam with your doctor and screening for diseases can help you find problems early when your chances for treatment are better.
Stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines not only protect you from preventable diseases—they keep your community safe, too! We offer a variety of vaccines including flu, shingles, pneumonia, and more. Not sure if you’re current on your vaccines? Check out the CDC’s vaccine schedule.
Wash your hands. Say no to pesky germs and prevent the spread of infection and illness by washing your hands frequently. Remember: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry!
Review your medications. Whether your regimen includes a short-term prescription or has multiple maintenance medications, making sense of it all can be challenging. Review your medications with your pharmacist to simplify your regimen, decrease side effects, check for drug interactions, and more.

Goal: Improve Mental Health

Mental illness is among the most common health concerns in the United States affecting more than 1 in 5 adults and over 1 in 5 youth and it can affect your overall well-being.⁵ Take better care of your mental health and boost your mood in 2024 by investing in self-care:

Manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness activities like yoga.
Build healthy support systems by spending time with loved ones, participating in group activities, and participating in your community.
Make time for you. Whether it’s going for a walk or carving time out of your schedule to take a relaxing bath, take time to focus on you and only you.

Make Your Resolutions Stick

In 2024, we are embracing attainable resolutions that stick. No more unrealistic goals that we forget about by February. Sticking with New Year’s Resolutions is easier said than done, but still very possible. Try these tips in tricks to stick with your resolutions in 2024 and beyond:⁶

Set realistic goals. Start small. Setting a huge goal can be overwhelming, so try taking baby steps to start. For example, set a goal to lose 5 pounds instead of 30 pounds. You can always expand the goal later.
Plan for obstacles. Obstacles are often unavoidable, but you can overcome them. Don’t give up!
Track your progress. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress. Keep track in a journal or take photos of your progress. This will help you stay motivated.
Get help. Lean on your support system when times get tough.
Reward yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments when you achieve small goals or milestones. Splurge on a treat or something you have been wanting.
Keep things interesting. Doing the same things can get boring. Keep things interesting by changing up activities or expanding goals.

Healthy habits are not something we can only implement in the new year. Practice healthy habits all year long with changes that are attainable and sustainable for you. And don’t forget that people are rooting for you and happy to offer you support.

Sources:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/

2. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/activepeoplehealthynation/moving-matters.html

3. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation

4. https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/

5. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

6. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/12/making-your-resolutions-stick

5 Reasons to Choose Your Local Community Pharmacy

12/01/2023

Your medications are personal – and having your prescriptions filled from a warehouse across the country by strangers is the opposite of personal. Choosing the right pharmacy for you and your family is as important as choosing the right doctor, and you should trust your health to someone who gets to know you.

National chain pharmacies often seem like the most convenient option for pharmacy care, and insurance companies may indicate they are the best or only choice for patients to use. In fact, they are owned and operated by billion-dollar conglomerates that prioritize their shareholders over their patients.¹

Patients deserve to be their pharmacy’s priority. Be the priority by choosing your local, community pharmacy. Looking for more reasons? Here’s five more.

Accurate and Reliable Care

When it comes to your health, it’s a priority that your medications are handled with accuracy and the utmost care. As chain pharmacies are often understaffed with overworked employees and have an increased number of medications to fill, more mistakes like miscalculations and misfiled information are likely to be made.

Mail-order pharmacy also comes with their fair share of risks with late refills, outdated information, and destroyed medications during shipment. On the other hand, independent community pharmacies with smaller, experienced staff are much less likely to make these mistakes, so you can order and pick up your medications with confidence.

According to a 2018 Consumer Reports Survey, “Independent pharmacies earned high scores on such measures as courtesy, helpfulness, and speed of checkout and filling prescriptions, as well as pharmacists’ knowledge and accuracy. At the bottom, large national chain pharmacies.”²

Affordable Care

A common misconception is that chain pharmacies offer the lowest available prices on medications. False! A 2018 Consumer Reports Survey reported that 21% of consumers reported that independent pharmacies recommended lower-cost medication solutions while only 9% reported chain pharmacies offered lower-priced options. In that same survey, consumers reported that chain pharmacies tended to have higher out-of-pocket prices.³

Community pharmacies know the struggles that their patients face, such as lack of insurance options and fixed income. In order to stay open, independent pharmacies strive to offer options that they know patients need.

Convenience

Often patients report that convenience is their top reason for choosing a chain pharmacy over an independent, but did you know independent community pharmacies can take convenience to the next level? Independent pharmacies have the flexibility to serve patients at the individual level by customizing each patient’s service to what they need.

Need a last-minute emergency refill? Community pharmacies are more likely to go out of their way to fill prescriptions faster.

Don’t have time to wait in pharmacy lines? Only 3% of independent pharmacy patients reported long wait times compared to 18% of chain pharmacy patients reporting the same. ³

Do you prefer the convenience of your medication being delivered to your home? This isn’t a service unique to chain pharmacies. Many independent pharmacies offer more convenient delivery options like home delivery, mail order, curbside, and drive-through—and they’ve been doing it for years.

Enhanced Services and Patient Education

Chain and mail-order pharmacies are often only able to provide you with your prescribed medications. Local, independent pharmacies take service to the next level by offering services to address your health as a whole. You can count on your local independent pharmacy to provide personalized supplement recommendations, access to a pharmacist who can answer any questions and address any issues you may have, and regular follow-ups to ensure you get the quality care that you deserve.

Need medication adherence help? Non-adherence to a medication regimen has been found to have significant financial costs (Cutler, Rachelle Louise et al. “Economic impact of medication non-adherence by disease groups: a systematic review.” BMJ open vol. 8,1 e016982. 21 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016982)—and beyond that, it can have a significant impact on treatment failures that are costly in other ways. (Kim, Jennifer, et al. “Medication Adherence: The Elephant in the Room.” US Pharmacist, vol. 1 (2018), 19 Jan. 2018, pp. 30–34., www.uspharmacist.com/) While chain pharmacies are providing medication packaging as an online-only service or phasing the service out entirely, independent pharmacies often step up to offer the medication packaging services their patients need.

Need customized medication? Most independent pharmacies offer some compounding services to tailor your medications to your specific needs or have a connection to another community pharmacy that can assist. Whether you have allergies to certain ingredients in your medication or need a different dosage form or strength, you can often count on an independent pharmacy to help.³

Need extra one-on-one guidance? Community pharmacists prioritize patient education by working one-on-one with their patients to explain the “why” and “how” of their prescriptions, simplifying medication regimens, checking for drug interactions, creating wellness plans to ensure each patient reaches their health goals, and more. Independent pharmacists also work closely with patients’ providers to have the most up-to-date information on both sides so that patients receive the best possible care.

If you think you would benefit from a medication review, ask our local pharmacy team about scheduling a consultation today.

Support Your Community

Choosing your local independent pharmacy means directly supporting your local community. While making quality care accessible to their communities, independent pharmacies also help their communities thrive economically by generating jobs and tax revenue and playing a major role through civic contributions.⁴

Not only do independent pharmacies support their local communities, the money you spend at the pharmacy stays in the community.

From accurate and reliable care to enhanced services and affordability, choosing a community pharmacy is the obvious choice. As an independent pharmacy patient, you can rest assured know you are the priority — not a script number without a name. Choose local by supporting an independent pharmacy.

Sources

1. https://www.truthrx.org/patientinformation

2. https://www.consumerreports.org/pharmacies/consumers-still-prefer-independent-pharmacies-consumer-reports-ratings-show/)

3. https://www.consumerreports.org/money/pharmacies/buying-guide/

4. 2021 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health