Tony King, PharmD
Director of Pharmacy Programs, Mountain-Pacific Quality Health
A lot has changed in the pharmacy world in the past few years, but nothing has spurred as much change as the past few weeks. However, one of the most respected and accessible health care professionals continues to be available to assist you in your times of need.
Many retail locations have implemented new procedures to protect customers, and so have pharmacies. I have seen pharmacies install plastic sheeting around spaces that used to be open for the public to protect both staff and customers. Some pharmacies have attempted to funnel patients through specific lanes inside the store or made more frequent use of their drive-thru. I have also heard some pharmacies are asking patients to call when they arrive in the parking lot for curbside deliveries.
As you continue to take advantage of your pharmacists’ services and expertise during these tough times, here are some tips to keep in mind:
As we adjust to the “new normal” taking shape, pharmacists continue to adjust to safety guidelines and patients’ needs. An often forgotten piece of the health care puzzle, pharmacists are essential health care workers and critical in combatting this pandemic. Many states are authorizing pharmacists to work between states, similar to when natural disasters occur. I have heard of pharmacies participating in “drive-by testing” for COVID-19, and as with the H1N1 (swine flu) scare a few years ago, pharmacies will be ready to administer a vaccine, if one becomes available.
Your pharmacist is doing everything he or she can to be available to you. Whether you live in a city with 15 pharmacies or in a town with just one, please know they are most likely taking precautions to protect you, their other patients and themselves. By allowing pharmacies a little extra time and space right now, you will get the medications and services you need, while supporting essential frontline staff.
Read our other COVID-19-related articles for more information on this topic:
Developed by Mountain-Pacific Quality Health, the Medicare Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific Territories of Guam and American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 12SOW-MPQHF-AS-CC-20-24
Glad to see pharmacies continuing to support the community during these times!