9 reasons to choose your independent pharmacy over mail order prescriptions

Your prescriptions delivered through the mail right to your door? Sounds convenient, especially when a pharmacy is miles away and you may not have transportation, need regular refills on prescriptions, or are just busy. But when it comes to your health, it’s important to know that mail order drugs aren’t always what they seem.

According to a nationwide survey of 1,390 adults by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), 85% of American adults who rely on prescription medications prefer getting their drugs from a local independent pharmacist versus through the mail. And their preference is with good reason. It can be risky to rely on the unknown to ship something that is so vital to your health.

“Most Americans clearly are not willing to substitute personal care for the perception of convenience,” said pharmacist and NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, MBA. “When they need medicine, they want to talk to a health care provider who knows them.”

An alternative to mail order, of course, is getting your prescriptions through your local independent pharmacy. For adults who opt for independent pharmacies over mail order services, the trust factor plays a big role. Prescriptions can be complicated, and it’s a good bet to stick with pharmacists who know your healthcare needs and understand your conditions.

“Ultimately, we know our patents better than any mail order service, and can answer their questions and be a trusted counsel. There’s just no replacement for that personal trust.” — Chirag Patel, PharmD, M.B.A.,Chief Operating Officer, Carolina Pharmacy Group.