How your Community Health Pharmacist can help you
By Stefanie BuffumPharmD
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional specializing in medications and patients’ safe and effective use of those medications. They not only dispense medication, but also provide patient education, including advice on side effects, storage, and medication interactions. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare providers and can counsel patients on their medications and provide information on disease states, and over-the-counter products.
Community Health pharmacists develop direct relationships with our patients who look to us for our expertise. One example is a 53-year-old woman who was prescribed Ozempic, and her dose was increased. She didn’t think her pen was working properly so we asked her to bring it in. She was grateful that we were able to show her how to properly dial up her dose and inject it correctly.
Trusted medication experts
Pharmacists are highly skilled and trusted medication experts. They are available to help and counsel patients about their medications. Pharmacy combines science, healthcare, direct patient contact, technology, ethics, and business.
Pharmacists complete at least six years of higher education and earn a doctorate. They complete continuing education courses throughout their career to maintain their licensure. Pharmacists at Community Pharmacy have also taken certificate courses in Medication Therapy Management and diabetes management.
Pharmacists work with doctors, nurses, and pharmacy technicians. Common tasks and duties include:
- Dispensing medication per the prescription, or doctor’s orders
- Consulting patients on prescribed medication usage
- Communicating with physicians to dispense medication correctly
- Directing patients toward over-the-counter medications to treat their ailments  Â
If you have questions about your medications, talk to your pharmacist, or call us at Community Pharmacy.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians do not require a degree but most complete training and take an exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Certified Pharmacy Technicians complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification.
What services does the pharmacy offer?
Community Pharmacy offers dispensing services, disease management services, and Medication Therapy Management.
Why is Community Pharmacy different than one of the large chains?
Being an independent pharmacy allows us to provide our patients with more personalized care and service. The pharmacists know their customers by name. There is greater flexibility to address individual needs, often resulting in shorter wait times compared to large chains that use a more standardized approach.
Do you administer vaccines?
Vaccines are administered by the nursing staff at Community Health locations.
What are some reasons why somebody would want to come to Community Pharmacy?
Community Pharmacy is not a franchise, which means patients can typically receive faster service. Our knowledgeable staff is familiar with many of our customers, creating a friendly and personal environment.
What are the convenience factors at Community Pharmacy?
We are able to spend more time with the patients and make sure they understand their medications and have a positive encounter with us.
Good questions to ask your pharmacist
- What are the potential side effects of their medications?
- What are the best over-the-counter products to use for various conditions?
- How should their medication be stored?
- What is the best time of day to take their medication?
- Are there any interactions between their medications?
- Do I need to eat when I take this medication?
- How do I properly dispose of medications I am no longer taking?
We will gladly answer these and any other questions you might have.
