How to Choose a Pharmacy If you're like most people, you did not choose a pharmacist, you chose a pharmacy for your medication needs. Your pharmacist is a very important part of your health care team and should be chosen carefully. In between doctor visits, your pharmacist can be an important resource for you. This is especially true if you are using multiple medications or need help with products such as blood glucose meters, asthma inhalers, or other special care items. Some key questions to ask when choosing a pharmacist include: • Does the pharmacist take time to answer your questions in a manner that you understand? • Does the pharmacist tell you about each new medication and explain such things has how and when to take the medication and what you can and cannot take with it? • Does the pharmacist show concern for you and your family? • Does the pharmacist recommend vitamins or supplements to take or tell you which one you should NOT take with your prescriptions? If your current pharmacist does not meet your needs or does not take the necessary time to make sure that you understand your medications, visit other pharmacies and ask if the pharmacist has any special certifications or training. Find out if the pharmacy has any special services that they can offer you such as demonstrating a new inhaler. See if you can find a pharmacist that is easy to talk to, yet shows concern and is able to explain what you need to know as a consumer of both prescription medications and vitamin supplements. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHARMACY: Where your family pharmacist works should also be an important consideration when deciding how to meet your medication needs. Most people taking medications visit a pharmacy to patronize. Convenience is an important issue with all of the time pressures that people feel this days. The pharmacy should be in a convenient location with convenient parking nearby. If you March 2011 are unable to get to the pharmacy, the pharmacy should make sure that your prescriptions are mailed to your home or delivered to your home or work. Having the ability to open a charge account or have a credit card kept on file for charging prescriptions is a convenient feature, especially when you are on a trip or someone else is picking up the prescription for you. The pharmacy may offer special services that set them apart from the other pharmacies. You might be interested in special packaging to make it easier to remember to take your medications. If you have diabetes, finding a pharmacy that can demonstrate several glucose monitors to find which one works best for you can make testing you blood sugar easier. It is a good idea to get all of your medications (prescription and over-the-counter) filled at a single pharmacy. The pharmacy keeps a complete list of medications that you are currently taking, any health problems you may have, and drug allergies that you have told the pharmacist about. By having a single pharmacy, your pharmacist will be able to continuously update your patient profile-making sure it is always accurate. This allows your pharmacist to avoid any problems or drug interactions in the future. With a little effort, you should be able to find a pharmacy that will be your partner in your goal of living a healthful life. How to choose a Medicare Part D plan: There are several things to consider when choosing a plan. First, the price of the plans vary. People with limited income may be eligible for extra help; they should contact the Social Security Office nearest them. Second, all plans have a formulary (a list of medications covered under that plan). Make sure the plan you pick covers the medications you take. Third, all plans have some limitations. The plan you choose should allow you to continue to go to the pharmacy of your choice. Some plans require mail order service or limit the days supply, be sure to pick the plan that is convenient for you. Some plans have a yearly deductible while others do not. If you already have credible coverage from your current insurance you do not have to enroll in Medicare part D. People with credible coverage should have already received notice of credibility from their insurance. Make sure you check all of the fine details when choosing the plan that fits you best. Always ask questions, your pharmacist should be able to help. Your knowledgeable pharmacy staff should be able to assist you with: • Injury rehabilitation • Durable Medical Supplies • Diabetes • Allergy • Blood Pressure • Flu • Cough and Cold • Incontinence • Fertility and Ovulation • Baby and child www.havredailynews.com 4