The role of pharmacy Sydney is changing. It is no longer just a place where you get prescriptions filled or to pick up a bottle of aspirin. Big chain pharmacies are now offering other health services as well, which is good news for busy people. However, big chain pharmacies are scoring no better in customer service than independent drugstores, or even big-box supermarket chains. Consumers have a choice of where they should bring their business. Here are the qualities a pharmacy Sydney should have for maximum customer benefit and satisfaction and how you can make the switch if you don’t like how your current pharmacy is handling your health needs.
Knowledgeable staff
You need to have complete confidence in the knowledge of your pharmacist. Most people will want to ask questions about their prescriptions or over-the-counter preparations with their pharmacist, and they expect them to know all about them. Pharmacists from smaller drugstores tend to exhibit more knowledge than those from big chain drugstores, but this may not actually be the case. It may have something to do with the next quality your pharmacists should have.
Friendly and accessible
You need to be comfortable about talking to your pharmacist about your health concerns. It may seem silly to say you have to like your pharmacist, but the fact is, if you don’t like your pharmacist, you won’t talk to them in the same way as a pharmacist you do like. You should go to a pharmacy where the staff is friendly and accessible in-store and on the phone when you need to talk. You should also be able to make an appointment with them if you want a private consultation.
Reliable service
Your pharmacy should be able to give you the prescriptions you need when promised. You should not have to wait for it. Your pharmacy should also always have a ready supply of needed medications. An occasional glitch is excusable, but it should be more an exception than a rule.
Reasonable prices
Cost is a major consideration in choosing your pharmacy. If you have health insurance, you probably have the same co-payment no matter what pharmacy you choose. However, some insurance companies have preferred providers where you can probably get discounts. You can get a list from your insurer. If you have no health insurance then you should know that independent pharmacies do tend to cost more than big chain pharmacies. You could ask for a discount, and maybe they can give it to you.
Transferring your business
The main concern about switching pharmacy is transferring your prescription information. Yyou can ask your new pharmacist to handle the transfer from your former pharmacy. This is usually done electronically, anyway. In some cases, you may not be able to get a transfer for refills of controlled substances, in which case you should ask your doctor for new prescriptions. Provide the new pharmacist with your insurance and medical profile of each family member, and inform your doctor, too. This can help reduce confusion and alert your pharmacist about potentially risky drug interactions.
Your choice of pharmacy Sydney is an important one. It is your health, after all. Don’t be afraid to make a change when you are not satisfied with your pharmacy. Give this aspect of your health maintenance as much consideration as choosing your doctor, and you should be fine.