Independent or Chain Pharmacy what's the difference?

Independent Pharmacy?  

Chain Pharmacy? 

Is one better than the other? 

Most cities have the option of one or the other.  I've used Chain Pharmacies, as well as, an independent outpatient pharmacy that is part of our hospital.  

Of course, my opinion of the independent pharmacy as a customer doesn't count because I was also a pharmacy technician working there at the time.  When I started working as a pharmacy technician for the inpatient side of our hospital at an offsite mental facility I moved my family prescriptions for convenience.

I think smaller chain style pharmacies probably get to know their patients better.  This results in personalized service.  One service small pharmacies offer is a newsletter to their patients.  If your pharmacy doesn't have this newsletter ask them to subscribe.  It is a short read, packed with educational information. Here is a website they can use to sign  up for it.  https://thepharmacynewsletter.com

As an added bonus 5% of the net profits from the pharmacy newsletter subscribers will be donated to NCPA ( National Community Pharmacist Association ) & FPA ( Florida Pharmacy Association) by subscribing to this newsletter pharmacies are helping 2 great organizations, advertising their pharmacy, and helping their patients all the same time. :-) 

 

 

What is your preference for pharmacies and why? 

Big chain?

Smaller independent style? 

Share your experiences with us. 

We would love to hear your story.