When I was freshman in college, the freshman english class was called "bonehead" english 101. The class was designed for students needing the most basic english skill set. It was a good place to start for those of us grammitically challenged.
With that thought in mind, I would like to be of some assistance to those of you destined to visit your local pharmacy in the next few days. Shall we start with the "Top 5 List" of things NOT to do when your waiting for that all important prescription. Now, please don't dismiss this idea. I know what I am talking about and did some extensive research on the process. I simply asked my pharmacy colleagues what most annoys them about their patients. So here goes!
1. Please promptly identify yourself at the counter (or on the phone if you call in). "Is my prescription ready?" is not going to cut it. My local Costco does around 800 prescriptions on any given Monday. Go figure the odds on how well Mr. Pharmacist can guess your name!
2. Please bring your insurance card. I am betting that you had it with you at the doctor's office prior to visiting the drugstore. The trip from the drop-off window to the pick-up window will be much nicer.
3. Oh...and speaking of insurance, did you know if you have prescription benefits, that the price you pay for your prescription is dictated by your insurance company. The final key stroke made by that overworked pharmacy technician is"bill now." Out comes a label with your copay! If you don't like the price, my suggestion is to look at the back of your insurance card and call the 1-800 customer service number. Tell em your ticked!
4. Communication is vital in the pharmacy, so please lose the cell phone when you pick up your medicine. Would you be talking to your realtor while your doctor explains that odd looking rash on the back of your knee? Give those guys behind the glass a break. If your walking up with the phone up to your ear, your being rude and it could be hazardous to your health.
5. Finally, your favorite pharmacy is not McDonald's. In fact, one item on my "top 10 list" of thing Blake hates (which I may visit later on an upcoming blog) is drive thru pharmacies. Other things are mimes and plastic kitchen wrap. Sorry...I digress. My point is, do you want your medicine fast or do you want it correct? We have come a long way in the technology department since the typewriter. However, at the end of the day, mistakes are usually made when someone is in too big of a hurry. And, despite what you think about your favorite pharmacist, they do make mistakes. I will tackle that subject in an upcoming blog episode.
Many thanks to all those that offered their input. I negotiated the terms. They could be in my blog if they would check my blog out! I am not going to lie, I really would to welcome many more visitors to my virtual pharmacy in the blogosphere! May the word spread like the swine flu virus! Who knows, leave a few of your expert comments and I will...take as directed!
Blake
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Hey I got your link from Rachel's blog. This is Sommer Moon (used to be Spinelli) and I think your blog is great. My older brother Nathan is finishing up pharmacy residencies and would get a kick out of this. I will have to let him know of your insight and fun opinions on his chosen profession. Tell Suzanne hi for me and that Erik is doing great....we are planning to be sealed in the LA temple at the end of the month!
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