How Should I Choose a Pharmacist?
A pharmacist dispenses drugs as required by a physician. In the olden days, a pharmacist would compound the drugs from their ingredients, but now prescription drugs come straight from the drug companies in pill or liquid form ready to be measured out and bottled. So how hard is it to be a pharmacist? It seems like anyone would do, right? Not so fast… The pharmacist you pick to dispense your prescriptions ought to be convenient and have hours that complement your schedule. You should also pick one pharmacist and have all your prescriptions at the same place. This is particularly key if you have a number of different doctors, as happens when we get older and have to see a variety of specialists for our various ailments. There needs to be one central location that knows everything – and I mean everything – you have been prescribed, to monitor for possible drug interactions. If your general practitioner doesn’t know what your orthopedic surgeon has prescribed for you, and vice versa, you
It’s important to establish a relationship with one pharmacy so that your pharmacist has a complete history of your family’s prescribed medications. A pharmacist is an important resource when it comes to making sure you and your family are getting the right medications. If you move, you might want to consider staying within the same chain of pharmacy stores to ensure that your patient profiles and records are available in a common computer database. Or you could request that your most recent pharmacist give you a copy of your family’s patient profiles and pharmaceutical history to take with you and share with your new pharmacist. Do all pharmacies provide the same services? All pharmacies are required to meet minimum standards. Most, however, offer services and conveniences beyond the minimum requirements. When choosing a pharmacist, you should evaluate your needs and make a selection to meet those needs. Once you choose a pharmacy, it is strongly recommended that you use this pharmacy
It’s important to establish a relationship with one pharmacy so that your pharmacist has a complete history of your family’s prescribed medications. A pharmacist is an important resource when it comes to making sure your child is getting the right medicine. If you move, you might want to consider staying within the same chain of pharmacy stores to ensure that your patient profiles and records are available in a common computer database. Or you could request that your most recent pharmacist give you a copy of your family’s patient profiles and pharmaceutical history to take with you and share with your new pharmacist. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD Date reviewed: July 2006 Originally reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. ©1995-2006 KidsHealth. All rights reserved.
It’s important to establish a relationship with one pharmacy so that your pharmacist has a complete history of your family’s prescribed medications. A pharmacist is an important resource when it comes to making sure your child is getting the right medicine. If you move, you might want to consider staying within the same chain of pharmacy stores to ensure that your patient profiles and records are available in a common computer database. Or you could request that your most recent pharmacist give you a copy of your family’s patient profiles and pharmaceutical history to take with you and share with your new pharmacist. Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD Date reviewed: July 2006 Originally reviewed by: Mary L.
