10 Reasons to Love Your Local Independent Pharmacy
- Taylor Gregory
- Jun 4, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 11
With chain pharmacies on almost every corner, it can be easy to overlook the little guys.
The presence of big-box chains may make it seem like they're the best (if not the only) option to get quality pharmacy care.
Tucked within your community, though, are independently-owned pharmacies that have the knowledge and expertise to get you the services you need, at a fraction of the cost.
When you need your next prescription filled, your next vaccine administered, or more personalized care that the big chains can’t offer you, think local.
Here are the top 10 reasons to choose an independent pharmacy in your area:
Reliability
One of the most important factors in picking a pharmacy is reliability. When weighing your options, ask yourself if you can depend on your pharmacy to do the job right.
With national chains, who often face staffing shortages and increased burnout rates, reliability can be an issue.
Take, for example, chain pharmacies’ mishandling of the COVID-19 vaccine. Between January and March of 2021, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens lost nearly 180,000 doses of the vaccine.
Independent pharmacies, on the other hand, employ smaller staffs of experienced pharmacists and technicians. Because they have the extra time and resources that chains don’t, you can feel confident that independents do it right.
Whether it be filling a routine prescription or offering personal guidance and support, independents put in the time and effort to be there for you when you need them.
This is because reliability is at the heart of their business.
Accuracy and Precision
As a demonstration of this reliability, independent pharmacies give precise patient care.
A Consumer Reports survey found that 90% of patients rated independent pharmacies to be “excellent” or “very good” in categories like speed, accuracy, courtesy, helpfulness, and knowledge.
Compared to chain pharmacies, independents are less likely to make miscalculations, mix up prescriptions, or wrongly file patient information.
Shorter Wait Times
When considering wait times, independent pharmacies come out on top.
In the same Consumer Reports study, it was also reported that only 3% of patients who shopped at local pharmacies said they had to wait “a long time” to get service.
This is compared to the 18% of patients at chain pharmacies who said they had to wait a long time.
In effect, shorter wait times mean faster service and easier access to your pharmacist. Less time in line also means more time doing the things that you enjoy, with the health that you deserve.
Greater Convenience
Independent pharmacies work to provide convenient care with modified services and pick-up options for patients.
Because they’re owned by individuals or families rather than large corporations, independents have the flexibility to coordinate when, where, and how their patients get the service they need.
For dispensing prescriptions, this can mean shipping medications and OTC products directly to patients’ homes or providing curbside and drive-through options.
For vaccinations, it can mean setting up on-site clinics and scheduling patient appointments.
For health consultations, it may mean scheduling a meeting in-person or via a telehealth service.
Whichever way you choose to get it, independents’ variety of treatment and delivery options makes healthcare more convenient for you.
Enhanced Services
In addition to dispensing prescriptions, local independent pharmacies offer a variety of products and services, including same-day home delivery, prescription compounding, preventive care, and most importantly, personalized care for you and your loved ones.
Unlike their competitors, independent pharmacies aren’t focused solely on dispensing medications and making a sale.
Rather, they provide clinical care that goes beyond prescriptions and makes a lasting impact on your health journey.
More Affordable
Because chain pharmacies order in bulk, it may seem that they’re the more cost-efficient option.
In reality, though, independent pharmacies are still significantly cheaper than chains.
While national chains continue to charge some of the highest out-of-pocket prices, independent pharmacies offer a variety of payment options and discount programs to make care accessible to everyone.
Independent pharmacies are more than twice as likely to suggest, and dispense, a less expensive prescription option to patients than chain pharmacies.
If you’re looking to spend less and save more, look to an independent.
Better Patient Education
Independent pharmacies care about educating their communities on health-related topics of all kinds.
Whether it be teaching you how to properly use your medication, helping you navigate your illnesses, or working with you to create a plan to reach your health goals, pharmacists prioritize patient education.
To facilitate this, some pharmacies offer online and in-person events, classes, and workshops. Others use social media to promote important information and keep you up-to-date with news and current events.
Almost all can schedule you a one-on-one consultation with a pharmacist who can answer your questions, hear your concerns, and help get you on the path to wellness.
Stronger Relationships
Your local pharmacy knows you’re more than just a number. As members of your community, they know your name, your face, and your unique health journey.
This type of relationship may be why independents are statistically favored over chain pharmacies.
As a patient, a stronger relationship with your pharmacist should give you the confidence to speak up and play an active role in your own health.
In addition to patients, local pharmacies also maintain strong relationships with nearby physicians, community leaders, and other service providers.
Their network allows them to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, identify problems or gaps in care, and work together to solve them.
A Sense of Community
Local pharmacies, pharmacists, and technicians are integrated in your community and your world. They understand your culture, share your values, and want to see your community succeed.
According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), independent pharmacy owners and employees make significant contributions to their communities.
65% of owners/employees support at least 5 community organizations
32% support more than 10 community organizations
50% provide more than $4,000 in financial support to local organizations
58% of owners/employees are members of their local Chamber of Commerce
16% are members of a local business association
3% hold an elected position in local or state office.
Just as independent pharmacies support your community, you should return the favor and support them. Not only does purchasing from an independent benefit the pharmacy directly, but it also returns three times more revenue to the local economy than a dollar spent at a chain does.
If you want to see meaningful change in your hometown, shop local and support independent pharmacies and businesses alike.
Highest in Customer Satisfaction
From the speed and ease of shopping at local pharmacies to the comprehensive care they provide to the sense of community they build, it’s no surprise that people still prefer “mom and pop” shops to big chains.
In fact, a survey from J.D. Power and Associates found that independents received the highest overall score in overall customer satisfaction among pharmacies, with 914 out of a possible 1,000 points.
Clearly, independent pharmacies are continuing to see success in a big-box market.
Conclusion
Ready to show some love to your local independent pharmacy?
Bring your business and support your community by consulting our Pharmacy Finder to find the best pharmacies near you that best fit your unique health needs.
Shop small, shop local, and shop independent pharmacy. You’ll be glad you did.
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