Poll Finds High Satisfaction with Independent Community Pharmacies

PRESS RELEASE

Alexandria, Va. (Sept. 30, 2013) — National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) President and Anniston, Ala. pharmacy owner Donnie Calhoun, RPh, issued the following statement in response to the J.D. Power 2013 Pharmacy Study™ released today:

“Congratulations to America’s independent community pharmacists on achieving the highest customer satisfaction scores in the J.D. Power 2013 Pharmacy Study. It is gratifying to see that the extra care and personalized service that epitomizes so many independent community pharmacies is recognized by patients.

“Community pharmacists provide expert medication counseling and other essential health services. They can help promote proper medication adherence and reduce the estimated $290 billion in medical costs stemming from non-adherence, as well as promote the appropriate use of lower-cost generic drugs.

“This survey also reinforces the fact that mail order is not for everyone. There is a growing gap between the satisfaction patients feel at community pharmacies and the experience they get from mail order.

“Health plans, plan sponsors and policymakers should take note of these findings and support plan designs that give patients the ability to choose a pharmacy provider that best fits their health needs.”