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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 11:39:09
I don't know if this really belongs on this board or the other one, but I just have to indulge myself in a little rant!
Why is it so hard to find a decent pharmacy?
Background: After several years of trying out different pharmacies, and finding some incompetent--major mistakes, etc.--and some with lousy customer service, I had found one that was adequate (not wonderful, but adequate)--and tried to use it when I knew the more comptetent, well at least the more *communicative* pharmacist was on duty. I liked it mostly because it was nearby and open 24 hours a day (CVS). Then, they curtailed their hours with NO notice. I found out by arriving early am, on my way to work, only to discover they were closed. So, I went back the next day at the opening time, and stood around with two other customers for about 15 minutes waiting for the pharmacist to get there. Then, we had to wait another 15 minutes for the store's manager, the one who could open the store safe, to get there so they could retrieve the pharmacy key! During this 15 minutes, we did not actually know that the pharmacist was there. We SAW her, but she acted as though she were just a customer, looking around the store. She said nothing to us. We had to ask a stockperson to explain what was going on. Even after she opened up, she said nothing about the late opening. I find that incomprehensible.
So, I found a different pharmacy--in a supermarket near work. They have been fine, except that they close at 2 on Sundays, and besides, they are more convenient to work than to home.
Today: I have to fill my adderall. It is the weekend, so I figure I would go to the closer one (CVS)--the one with the lousy customer service, because I am not working and this one is close to home. I dropped off the scrip last evening. Today, I arrive to pick it up, and find that it isn't filled. Why? They don't have any adderall in stock. Well, why did they bother taking my phone number when I dropped it off yesterday? They certainly didn't use it to call me! I find this incomprehensible, too.
So, I go to another somewhat nearby independent pharmacy only to discover they are closed---out of business. Sure enough, on the next block--a CVS. Well, I am desperate, having already missed my first dose, so I brought it in. They seem better staffed, at least, but they are crowded. I have to go back and pick it up soon.
I know I can start using mail order or internet for my other meds, but for adderall, I think I have to get it filled in person. Is this correct?
Why is it so hard to find a decent pharmacy?????
Posted by Joy on January 13, 2001, at 12:02:13
In reply to Phrustrating Pharmacies, posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 11:39:09
Hi. I live in South Florida and use Walgreens. I can call in for a refill. The medication is always ready quickly for pick up. I am on the computer with my insurance co. and I.D. number. They have been pretty good. I've even brought in a few new prescriptions and they say 20 to 30 minute wait, but it's usually ready in 15 minutes. I hope you find a good one. It's a real business now, not enough compassion in a lot of pharmacies. Good luck finding a real the best one for you.
> I don't know if this really belongs on this board or the other one, but I just have to indulge myself in a little rant!
>
> Why is it so hard to find a decent pharmacy?
>
> Background: After several years of trying out different pharmacies, and finding some incompetent--major mistakes, etc.--and some with lousy customer service, I had found one that was adequate (not wonderful, but adequate)--and tried to use it when I knew the more comptetent, well at least the more *communicative* pharmacist was on duty. I liked it mostly because it was nearby and open 24 hours a day (CVS). Then, they curtailed their hours with NO notice. I found out by arriving early am, on my way to work, only to discover they were closed. So, I went back the next day at the opening time, and stood around with two other customers for about 15 minutes waiting for the pharmacist to get there. Then, we had to wait another 15 minutes for the store's manager, the one who could open the store safe, to get there so they could retrieve the pharmacy key! During this 15 minutes, we did not actually know that the pharmacist was there. We SAW her, but she acted as though she were just a customer, looking around the store. She said nothing to us. We had to ask a stockperson to explain what was going on. Even after she opened up, she said nothing about the late opening. I find that incomprehensible.
>
> So, I found a different pharmacy--in a supermarket near work. They have been fine, except that they close at 2 on Sundays, and besides, they are more convenient to work than to home.
>
> Today: I have to fill my adderall. It is the weekend, so I figure I would go to the closer one (CVS)--the one with the lousy customer service, because I am not working and this one is close to home. I dropped off the scrip last evening. Today, I arrive to pick it up, and find that it isn't filled. Why? They don't have any adderall in stock. Well, why did they bother taking my phone number when I dropped it off yesterday? They certainly didn't use it to call me! I find this incomprehensible, too.
>
> So, I go to another somewhat nearby independent pharmacy only to discover they are closed---out of business. Sure enough, on the next block--a CVS. Well, I am desperate, having already missed my first dose, so I brought it in. They seem better staffed, at least, but they are crowded. I have to go back and pick it up soon.
>
> I know I can start using mail order or internet for my other meds, but for adderall, I think I have to get it filled in person. Is this correct?
>
> Why is it so hard to find a decent pharmacy?????
Posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 13:14:29
In reply to Re: Phrustrating Pharmacies, posted by Joy on January 13, 2001, at 12:02:13
OK, I dropped the scrip off at the 2nd CVS at 12 noon. They said, come back in 30 minutes. I came back over an hour later. Still not ready. They tell me to wait another 5 minutes. I sit down to wait. Big line, and as each customer approaches the counter, each encounters a major glich in picking up thier scrip--called it in 5 days ago, not ready. Called it in yesterday, sorry we don't have any in stock, etc. etc.
After 20 minutes, I go up to ask if mine is ready. They say, oh, she is counting it out right now. I wait another 20, finally go up and ask again. After about 5 minutes, I am able to get someone to look for it. They find it, I buy it, I go to leave, opening the vial to take my dose.
Lo and Behold! The vial says adderall, 10 mg., 60 tablets, but inside--no blue pills. Instead--a whole lot of little white ones---definitely more than 60.
With smoke coming out of my ears, I go back and show the tech, saying "this is the wrong medicine". She says, well maybe it is just a different company." I say, "there is no generic for this, so there should only be one company." She says, "well maam, I am not going to argue with you, but just because the pills are a different color, doesn't mean it is the wrong medicine." I wait for her to get off a very long telephone call (in which she is arguing with a cab company about the address of the store!), to show this to the pharmacist.
Pharmacist refills it, comes and apologizes. "I'm sorry," she says. I ask what the medicine was that was in there, she tells me, says, "I'm sorry", and I respond "You should be."
Get this: what was the incorrect meds I had gotten? OXYCONTIN!!!!!! otherwise known as oxycodone!!!Could you imagine if this was the first time I had filled an adderall scrip and hadn't known what it looked like?! Oxycodone is an addictive pain killer!!
Posted by judy1 on January 13, 2001, at 14:52:13
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!!, posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 13:14:29
Oxycontin!! How come that never happened to me? I would feel like I hit the lottery! I'm sorry you had to go through that, Noa, I feel so fortunate that I have such a great pharmacist. One of the things I did was establish a personal relationship with him because I go through so many different meds. Is that something you can do when you have some extra time? This group sounds really busy- is there a pharmacy close to home that isn't so busy? I know people have had success with the mail in companies, in fact my insurance plan gives a discount if you do it that way. Can you speak to your dr. about getting a 3 month script? They will just dispense it 1 month at a time probably, but at least you know it's coming. You might want to write the chain a letter detailing your experience (especially with the narcotic mix-up). I hope everything works out for you. Take care, Judy
Posted by Joy on January 13, 2001, at 16:26:21
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!! » Noa, posted by judy1 on January 13, 2001, at 14:52:13
My medical insurance just started mail order. 90 days' supply for the same co-payment of a normal one month supply if we order through the mail. It's a good deal. Merck-Medco is our new prescription-by-mail company. We can go to a pharmacy [more money] or mail order. And we can have our doctors or pdocs write a prescription for 90 days with 3 refills [in most cases]. It's very cost effective. I'm so grateful to have this insuance. I have asthma also so it's very cost effective. Oh, the thought never having to go to the pharmacy again!!!!!
> Oxycontin!! How come that never happened to me? I would feel like I hit the lottery! I'm sorry you had to go through that, Noa, I feel so fortunate that I have such a great pharmacist. One of the things I did was establish a personal relationship with him because I go through so many different meds. Is that something you can do when you have some extra time? This group sounds really busy- is there a pharmacy close to home that isn't so busy? I know people have had success with the mail in companies, in fact my insurance plan gives a discount if you do it that way. Can you speak to your dr. about getting a 3 month script? They will just dispense it 1 month at a time probably, but at least you know it's coming. You might want to write the chain a letter detailing your experience (especially with the narcotic mix-up). I hope everything works out for you. Take care, Judy
Posted by Cam W. on January 13, 2001, at 16:37:01
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!!, posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 13:14:29
Noa - Report this to the manager of the store, the Pharmacy's head office, the Better Business Bureau, AND (most importantly) the pharmacy licencing body of the state. The last one IS A MUST! Shit like this CANNOT happen!
I realize that there is a shortage of pharmacists in North America, but that is no excuse for a narcotic to be mislabeled. Pharmacies is Alberta must implement a double-check (I use triple-check) system, but even then I do make mistakes (human nature - usually mistakes are in the strength or placement of the medication in the blister pack). This situation is a lttle different, involving controlled drugs. The narcotics inspector of the state would also probably be very interested in this situation.
The back-talk from the tech is also inexcuseable. A letter to the editor of your local paper may be in order. Especially if the store does not contact you with an explanation of the behavior (misleading waiting period AND the technicians's attitude). People need to be warned of the "service" that this particular store provides, especially before they kill someone.
I am visiting the US in a few weeks and I will tell you that I will not be buying any shampoo or shave cream from a CVS. I know that any CVS store that I would be visiting would have little to do with the one where you had your problems, but your store does represent the company, as a whole, and in doing so reduces the reputation of the chain, as a whole. I am sure the CEO (and major shareholders) would lbe extremely interested to hear the entire story that you have related to us. If you don't help to bring to light the problems with one of their stores, it will be business as usual.
This pharmacist shortage is going to result in pharmacy wages increasing dramatically and will allow imcompetent pharmacists the ablility to have full time jobs (instead of being run off, as they should be). As wages rise, "mom & pop" pharmacies will not be able to compete and this will leave these large, impersonal chains as the only choice, thus resulting in an oligopolgy(?) or monopoly of pharmacy services. The pharmacists at these stores will not have time to spend with their patients (customers buy shampoos) and more mistakes and problems, like you have faced, will become commonplace (especially when they are doing 400 - 500 prescriptions per day).
Noa - Find yourself a pharmacist that cares about his patients. Go into several stores (nighttime is the best) and talk to the pharmacist on duty. Bluntly ask what he/she will offer and what kind of service you can expect (this will catch them off guard, and you should be able to tell from their reaction the kind of service that you can expect). Ask if there are times in the day when you could make an appointment to talk about medication concerns, allowing perhaps a day for them to reseach your problems. This sounds idealistic, but it shouldn't be. It should be standard practice. Unfortunately, most pharmacists aren't mindreaders (except me) and you will have to state your questions or concerns directly and succinctly, but after this the pharmacist should provide you with answers with which you are satisfied.
I hope this helps - Cam
P.S. - Anyone know of a community mental health pharmacy job. My boss (store boss, not MHS COO, is starting to really get on my nerves). I feel he thinks that because I spend too much time counseling and not enough time soliciting prescriptions (which makes me feel like a whore), that other stores, who bring in more money, have priority when it come to relief pharmacists. I will have a relief pharmacist yanked from my store, to fill in at another store, because I am only sitting at a desk at mental health listening to CDs. It makes me think that the lives that I have saved (one more yesterday) are not that important to him. Also, he has never told me what he gets for my consulting services; but I did see a cheque 3 years ago and there was a $10/hr gap (they have had raises since then and are allowed to bill for 3 extra days for questions that I answer while working in the store). I am definitely no businessman, but I do think that they are taking advantage of me. Sorry for that rant, but you started it Noa ;^) - C.
Posted by Joy on January 13, 2001, at 17:12:10
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!! » Noa, posted by Cam W. on January 13, 2001, at 16:37:01
Unfortunately, the mom and pop pharmacies are almost extinct. People don't have enough time to run around to a special place for prescriptions with so many other things to do. I really miss the small town type phamacies when I was a little girl. I miss the family owned hardware stores, and little stationary stores replaced by Walgreens/Eckerds/CVS/Walmart and Office Depot respectively where nobody knows what service means. It is big business now to be a pharmacist, and they have no time to explain and counsel the customers. I guess we can thank the HMO's for that. Trying to find a compounding med pharmacy is really difficult.
Joy> Noa - Report this to the manager of the store, the Pharmacy's head office, the Better Business Bureau, AND (most importantly) the pharmacy licencing body of the state. The last one IS A MUST! Shit like this CANNOT happen!
>
> I realize that there is a shortage of pharmacists in North America, but that is no excuse for a narcotic to be mislabeled. Pharmacies is Alberta must implement a double-check (I use triple-check) system, but even then I do make mistakes (human nature - usually mistakes are in the strength or placement of the medication in the blister pack). This situation is a lttle different, involving controlled drugs. The narcotics inspector of the state would also probably be very interested in this situation.
>
> The back-talk from the tech is also inexcuseable. A letter to the editor of your local paper may be in order. Especially if the store does not contact you with an explanation of the behavior (misleading waiting period AND the technicians's attitude). People need to be warned of the "service" that this particular store provides, especially before they kill someone.
>
> I am visiting the US in a few weeks and I will tell you that I will not be buying any shampoo or shave cream from a CVS. I know that any CVS store that I would be visiting would have little to do with the one where you had your problems, but your store does represent the company, as a whole, and in doing so reduces the reputation of the chain, as a whole. I am sure the CEO (and major shareholders) would lbe extremely interested to hear the entire story that you have related to us. If you don't help to bring to light the problems with one of their stores, it will be business as usual.
>
> This pharmacist shortage is going to result in pharmacy wages increasing dramatically and will allow imcompetent pharmacists the ablility to have full time jobs (instead of being run off, as they should be). As wages rise, "mom & pop" pharmacies will not be able to compete and this will leave these large, impersonal chains as the only choice, thus resulting in an oligopolgy(?) or monopoly of pharmacy services. The pharmacists at these stores will not have time to spend with their patients (customers buy shampoos) and more mistakes and problems, like you have faced, will become commonplace (especially when they are doing 400 - 500 prescriptions per day).
>
> Noa - Find yourself a pharmacist that cares about his patients. Go into several stores (nighttime is the best) and talk to the pharmacist on duty. Bluntly ask what he/she will offer and what kind of service you can expect (this will catch them off guard, and you should be able to tell from their reaction the kind of service that you can expect). Ask if there are times in the day when you could make an appointment to talk about medication concerns, allowing perhaps a day for them to reseach your problems. This sounds idealistic, but it shouldn't be. It should be standard practice. Unfortunately, most pharmacists aren't mindreaders (except me) and you will have to state your questions or concerns directly and succinctly, but after this the pharmacist should provide you with answers with which you are satisfied.
>
> I hope this helps - Cam
>
> P.S. - Anyone know of a community mental health pharmacy job. My boss (store boss, not MHS COO, is starting to really get on my nerves). I feel he thinks that because I spend too much time counseling and not enough time soliciting prescriptions (which makes me feel like a whore), that other stores, who bring in more money, have priority when it come to relief pharmacists. I will have a relief pharmacist yanked from my store, to fill in at another store, because I am only sitting at a desk at mental health listening to CDs. It makes me think that the lives that I have saved (one more yesterday) are not that important to him. Also, he has never told me what he gets for my consulting services; but I did see a cheque 3 years ago and there was a $10/hr gap (they have had raises since then and are allowed to bill for 3 extra days for questions that I answer while working in the store). I am definitely no businessman, but I do think that they are taking advantage of me. Sorry for that rant, but you started it Noa ;^) - C.
Posted by Janice1 on January 13, 2001, at 18:40:24
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!!, posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 13:14:29
and you should do what Cam said (or at least a part of it - I'm lazy).
By the way, hi Noa! I haven't responded to one of your posts for God knows how long but I've been reading some of your postings and am glad to hear you are making slow but steady progress.
and Cam I hope you're looking for that job in Canada, and your not going to let all that sunshine and better money lure you away :+) We need you here!
Janice
Posted by Greg on January 13, 2001, at 21:52:36
In reply to totally, bloody frustrating Noa..., posted by Janice1 on January 13, 2001, at 18:40:24
I don't know, personally I think it would be nice to have Cam working here in the Bay Area where I could bug him on a more personal level.... :)
> and you should do what Cam said (or at least a part of it - I'm lazy).
>
> By the way, hi Noa! I haven't responded to one of your posts for God knows how long but I've been reading some of your postings and am glad to hear you are making slow but steady progress.
>
> and Cam I hope you're looking for that job in Canada, and your not going to let all that sunshine and better money lure you away :+) We need you here!
>
> Janice
Posted by ChrisK on January 14, 2001, at 6:30:16
In reply to Re: More Phrustrations--and a BIG ERROR!!, posted by Noa on January 13, 2001, at 13:14:29
Noa,
Sorry to hear of your phrustrations. I live in a small town north of Albany, NY and the only pharmacy in town is a CVS. They have always given me excellent service. They know be by name when I come in (they should I go there enough). If the head pharmacist sees I am getting something completely different he always asks about it when I come back in. They also ask when I'm just there to pick up shaving cream and they see me walk by.
If something new (this month it's Mirapex) is not in stock they always have it by the next day at 2PM. I use their online site (www.cvs.com) for refills. When I know it's time for a refill I just go there at any time. They say that the script will be ready within 2 hrs. I've never tried them on that because I usually just enter it in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.
Maybe It's the small town and they aren't as busy as some of the bigger stores but there are still some good ones out there. Don't give up.
Chris
Posted by Ted on January 14, 2001, at 20:40:32
In reply to Re: Phrustrating Pharmacies, posted by Joy on January 13, 2001, at 12:02:13
Like Joy, I also use Walgreens. They are fast, efficient, and accurate. Never had a problem. I use their online service to order prescriptions so the are eready when I need them.
I used to use Long's Drugs (I think they are west US only), but they were terrible. They always had a LONG line, they treated me like a crook (checking & double-checking ID, etc.), and they got prescriptions wrong anyway, though only by wrong count.
BTW: I live near San Francisco.
Ted
> Hi. I live in South Florida and use Walgreens. I can call in for a refill. The medication is always ready quickly for pick up. I am on the computer with my insurance co. and I.D. number. They have been pretty good. I've even brought in a few new prescriptions and they say 20 to 30 minute wait, but it's usually ready in 15 minutes.
Posted by Noa on January 15, 2001, at 11:46:45
In reply to Re: Phrustrating Pharmacies, posted by Ted on January 14, 2001, at 20:40:32
Thanks, all.
Cam, I will do some speaking out--first to the regulating agency. I never thought of a letter to the paper. Hmmm....
I'll keep you posted...
Mail order could be good for me for my other meds, but not for Adderall, which, being a controlled substance, cannot be purchased by mail. ARRGGHHH.
I haven't used the mail order in recent years, because I had so many med changes going on. The insurance I have now actually doesn't provide an incentive to use their mail order. You can get 90 days supply for the cost of 60 days supply, either by mail or at the local pharmacy.
I think I am going to try to be better about the timing of filling the scrips, and stick with the supermarket pharm near work, where the pharmacists is very communicative, and so far, no major problems.
As it turns out, the place where the Mom and Pop pharm just went out of business was bought by another Mom and Pop (an asian family) and their pharmacy will open in February. When they open, I'll check them out, too. I like to support independents.
Near my previous job there was a great independent pharmacist. A CVS opened nearby, but he is still around because the locals are very loyal, and because he had also developed a specialty in vitamins, supplements, etc.
This is the end of the thread.
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