What pharmacy do you use?

[Sara]

We have to use a mail-order for maintenance meds, because of our insurance, but for starter prescriptions and short-term stuff we've been using Wal-mart pharmacy just because we're in there all the time and it's within walking distance of our house.  I hate it there.  Wal-mart stores are always dirty, it takes FOREVER to get it filled, the Pharm Cashier is a major bi-atch and always mis-spells or mis-pronounces our last name, even though we're probably in there every week or so.  I'm thinking of switching to Walgreens because from my limited experiences with them, it seemed like they took more time actually explaining the meds, and I think they automatically cross-check all your meds for interactions.  Wal-mart probably barely looks at who they're filling it for. 

[Epoman]

We have to use a mail-order for maintenance meds, because of our insurance, but for starter prescriptions and short-term stuff we've been using Wal-mart pharmacy just because we're in there all the time and it's within walking distance of our house.  I hate it there.  Wal-mart stores are always dirty, it takes FOREVER to get it filled, the Pharm Cashier is a major bi-atch and always mis-spells or mis-pronounces our last name, even though we're probably in there every week or so.  I'm thinking of switching to Walgreens because from my limited experiences with them, it seemed like they took more time actually explaining the meds, and I think they automatically cross-check all your meds for interactions.  Wal-mart probably barely looks at who they're filling it for. 

Nah, that's nothing since I have Kaiser I can ONLY go to Kaiser to get my meds filled. And since I go to a DAVITA it is always a pain to get my meds filled. At least you can choose to go some where else I can't.  I am really thinking of changing insurance in December. With my wifes job I have many insurers to choose from.

[Sara]

That's great she has so many choices available to her and you.  We only have the one.  I actually didn't know there were employers out there that offered more than one choice.

[Epoman]

That's great she has so many choices available to her and you.  We only have the one.  I actually didn't know there were employers out there that offered more than one choice.

Well my wife has a "special" job that I can't really talk about but we can choose from like 7 or 8 different insurance plans.

[kitkatz]

Which Kaiser you at?

[ulrika]

My daughter is lucky. As we live in British Columbia, Canada, most of her meds., incl. Tums, and Aspirin are covered by the Kidney foundation. In the city we live in, the kidney patients are referred to one pharmacy where the pharmasist is specialised in kidney care.
Whenever she needs any new meds., her Nephrologist calls the pharmacy, and they will deliver it to her door. Sometimes, she has not even made it home from the Neph. before the meds are delivered.

[Epoman]

Which Kaiser you at?

Oops, just now saw this. 

I go to the Bellflower, CA location.

[Rerun]

My daughter is lucky. As we live in British Columbia, Canada, most of her meds., incl. Tums, and Aspirin are covered by the Kidney foundation. In the city we live in, the kidney patients are referred to one pharmacy where the pharmasist is specialised in kidney care.
Whenever she needs any new meds., her Nephrologist calls the pharmacy, and they will deliver it to her door. Sometimes, she has not even made it home from the Neph. before the meds are delivered.

I'm moving to Canada!!

[susie q]

Hey, no fair... I'm in Ontario Canada and I have to buy my own Tums and non script vitamins and minerals....  Hmpfffff... I'm moving to BC!!!!   

[kevno]

Can go to any pharmacy. Just phone in. Then the prescription is delivered the next day. Pay nothing, well say pay nothing, I paid NI (National Insurance for near 20 years) I suppose I am lucky living in the UK. No hassle with insurance companies. I know what a pain they can be! ( I used to work for one!)

Kevno

[Black]

We have to use a mail-order for maintenance meds, because of our insurance, but for starter prescriptions and short-term stuff we've been using Wal-mart pharmacy just because we're in there all the time and it's within walking distance of our house.  I hate it there.  Wal-mart stores are always dirty, it takes FOREVER to get it filled, the Pharm Cashier is a major bi-atch and always mis-spells or mis-pronounces our last name, even though we're probably in there every week or so.  I'm thinking of switching to Walgreens because from my limited experiences with them, it seemed like they took more time actually explaining the meds, and I think they automatically cross-check all your meds for interactions.  Wal-mart probably barely looks at who they're filling it for. 

PLEASE write to Wal-Mart headquarters and tell them about this!!    (Send a copy to the store manager.) I have two relatives who work for Wal-Mart in another state.  No matter where you live, that kind of store is totally unacceptable.  There is no excuse for any Wal-Mart to ever be DIRTY; they pay a huge amount of money to contractors to do the cleaning.  As far as the service --  call the store manager and take advantage of the "consultation" area to complain directly to the pharmacist on duty.  Tell them both why you want to continue to use that pharmacy and where you intend to go if things don't change quickly.  If they don't change, follow up w/ a post card that says "goodbye" so they know you left.  BTW, we use Wal-Mart pharmacy because they give good service and are always the cheapest.

[kitkatz]

Epoman I asked what Kaiser because I am at Fontana Kaiser quite a bit.  Isn't the runaround fun at the Kaiser facilities? I grit my teeth a lot and yell for appointments!

Katherine

[Tracy Lynn]

I've been using Rite Aid for about ten years.

I have a bunch of meds to take: a cocktail of meds for the manic depression, renal stuff, migraine stuff and ALL of it interacts with EVERYTHING. The Rite Aid pharmacists have always been very helpful and courteous, even when I'm calling and need something immediately if not sooner.

They talk to me about possible interactions, explain side effects, suggest OTC that will not conflict with my ESRD and even when they are busy make time for me in a professional, courteous and thourough manner. I love them.

[Sara]

Tracy, that sounds really nice.

[kitkatz]

Rite aid is pretty good, but God do you have to wait for them to fill prescriptions when you drop them off.  I been using WalGreens lately and Kaiser pharmacy.  You know about THAT wait!

[Tracy Lynn]

It really is a blessing. I don't notice a time lag in filling my scripts, but then I live around the corner, literally, from the pharmacy, and so usually drop them off and pick them up later.

With my regular scripts, I'm on a weekly dosing schedule. I lay them out a week in advance, so I have time to fill them again before I run out. The nice part of living alone and not having a lot of distractions.