Independent pharmacies top the charts when it comes to customer opinion in categories such as "speed and accuracy," "courtesy and helpfulness," and "pharmacists' knowledge," according to a Consumer Reports pharmacy survey.
Based on consumer responses, the survey recommended those who value personal service choose independent drugstores, while those who put a premium on rewards programs, one-stop shopping or price look toward chain pharmacies of several varieties.
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- 94 percent of customers at independent pharmacies said their pharmacist had "very good" or "excellent" knowledge of pharmacy.
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- At independent pharmacies, only 7 percent of customers reported a prescription that was not ready for pickup on time and only 4 percent complained of long waits over a one-year period. For commercial pharmacy chains, 19 percent of patients experienced delayed prescriptions and 21 percent experienced long wait times.
- Independent pharmacies were more likely to re-stock a drug that was out the same day or early the next day, avoiding the problem of drug shortages.
Based on consumer responses, the survey recommended those who value personal service choose independent drugstores, while those who put a premium on rewards programs, one-stop shopping or price look toward chain pharmacies of several varieties.
