Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Recently, a big announcement was made by Rite Aid Pharmacy. In case you did not know, Rite Aid Pharmacies are closing across the entire state of Michigan.
Stores close for a variety of reasons, and the economy absorbs and adjusts to the change. But when pharmacies close, especially multiple pharmacies at the same time, chaos in health care is at risk.
Rite Aid Pharmacies closings will continue through the year.
There are two things to highlight here with the story of Rite Aid Pharmacies closing. One is that understanding the health system and the role of pharmacies of is important. The second thing is recognizing the signs and characteristics of a good pharmacy.
This is not to say that Rite Aid Pharmacies were not good. But more to shine a light on the opportunity to reflect on what pharmacies do and what they can do to play a vital role in how people utilize and navigate the heath system.
Pharmacies are places that people get their medications and medical supplies.
People are either getting medications or supplies “over the counter” without a prescription from a medical doctor, or getting medications and supplies through the pharmacist through a prescription from their doctor.
Pharmacies play a critical role in people starting and continuing treatment plans for various medical problems.
Rite Aid Pharmacies closing presents a hiccup in our local health system because there are so many Rite Aids in our community.
So, what are people expected to do? Well, the short answer is switch pharmacies, but that is not as easy as it may sound for everyone. Many people will allow Rite Aid to transfer their prescriptions to the local Walgreens by default.
However, some people will choose to be more proactive in their pharmacy choices and pick for themselves.
The sooner you decide what to do with your medications, the better – as you can help prevent medication delays and confusion.
Here are some tips for choosing the right pharmacy for you;
1 – Consider local pharmacies. There are a good number of local pharmacies in Flint and Genesee County that have the capacity and skills to complete your pharmacy needs. Like many small businesses, they may not have brand recognition, but local pharmacies are in your community and value relationships. T
here is a relationship that can be built with pharmacies because of the personal nature of health care and the frequency of medication needs. Building relationships with health providers, including pharmacists, can help patients navigate the health system better and improve their health outcomes.
2 – Consider location. No one wants to travel a long distance to their pharmacy if they can help it. It is recommended that your pharmacy be within a few miles of where you live or work so that you can conveniently get your medications without delay or hesitation.
3 – Consider delivery options. Many pharmacies take off the hassle of going in person to the pharmacy by offering home delivery and sometimes same-day home delivery. Home delivery is often thought to mostly be available with big corporations, but there are a lot of local pharmacies that offer this service, which can be quick because you talk to a local person quickly about your needs.
4 – Consider communication options. Medication delays can have consequences. So, think about how you like to receive information and see if your pharmacy offers that as a communication service. Whether you call, text, or email, good communication with a pharmacy can help prevent medication delays.
Additionally, a pharmacy that communicates effectively and efficiently with medical offices can help advocate for patients and close care gaps.
5 – Consider capacity. Pharmacies need patients in order to function and achieve their goals.
Understanding the capacity of your pharmacy can help when determining if they will be able to fill chronic medications on time and if they will be efficient in filling same-day or acute urgent medications quickly.
Know your pharmacy and what they can do effectively.
6 – Consider medication costs. Not every medication is fully covered by health insurance. Understanding what pricing options a pharmacy has can help when you have a copay or an uncovered medication that needs a coupon or cash pricing. It is helpful to know what pharmacies take medication coupons, as well as which pharmacies have discounted medications that may help you save money.
Many local non-franchised pharmacies have the ability to negotiate pricing and deals more than franchised pharmacies that may have a denser team of decision makers.
Whether you are currently looking for a new pharmacy because of the Rite Aid closures, or you just feel like you need a new pharmacy, there are many things to consider to find the right pharmacy for you. Whatever your choice, make sure you get your medications timely so you don’t delay medical care.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children.
Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
