Health care providers

As medication experts, independent community pharmacists provide counsel on a variety of health-related concerns and reduce overall costs by helping to ensure that patients consistently take their medications and by referring them for further treatment options when appropriate.

The top services offered include same-day home delivery; medication therapy management; immunizations; compounding; and durable medical goods. In addition, these community pharmacies are often located in underserved areas where access to care is a challenge.

There are over 21,000 small business community pharmacies. Approximately 1,800 rural independent pharmacies serve as the only pharmacy provider in their community, with the next closest pharmacy many miles away.

Consumer preference

Consumers credit independent community pharmacies with providing sterling customer service, according to. surveys conducted by J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and others. Patients are a name, even family, at these pharmacies — not a number.

Challenges

To learn about the challenges facing neighborhood pharmacies today and solutions to address them, please visit our Advocacy web page.