Picking up prescriptions may become a bit more complicated soon because the nation’s largest pharmacy chains are trimming back their hours.
CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Rite Aid have each revealed plans to reduce the hours their dispensaries are open due to an ongoing scarcity of pharmacists.
Depending on where you live and how flexible your schedule is for collecting medications, this could present a challenge. If it affects you, keep in mind there are other avenues available.
Internet-based pharmacies are growing in popularity, and many will mail your medications directly to your door — though this choice isn’t appropriate for everyone. Below is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of online pharmacies and a comparison of six of the most-used services. We’ll distill the key points further down.
What’s Happening With Pharmacies?
The large physical drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens are struggling to keep pharmacy counters open for as long as they once did. Here’s a summary of the current situation.
- CVS, the country’s largest drugstore chain by revenue, intends to reduce hours at roughly two-thirds of its 9,000 locations by March. The adjusted pharmacy hours will vary by store.
- Walgreens, which operates Duane Reade as well, announced in December that it was trimming hours due to staffing shortages. (Rite Aid has made similar announcements.)
- Walmartplans to move pharmacy closing times from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m. at most of its roughly 4,600 stores starting in March.
These three retailers run nearly 24,000 pharmacy counters nationwide, so changes of this magnitude are significant.
The root cause is a shortage of pharmacists. A cycle is developing where the lack of staff creates stressful working conditions for those on the job, contributing to burnout and prompting more pharmacists to leave.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects around 13,600 pharmacist job openings annually over the next decade, largely to replace pharmacists who retire or change careers.
This issue isn’t limited to big chains. About three in four independent pharmacies are having trouble filling vacancies, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.
The Upsides and Downsides of Online Pharmacies
So what does this mean for you? It could make retrieving medications when you need them more difficult.
If you’re considering switching from a physical pharmacy to an online service, here’s what to consider. A detailed analysis is available, and here’s a concise summary:
Advantages of Online Pharmacies
Price and home delivery are the primary perks.
Price comparison: It’s simple to shop around for the best rate. With choices from providers such as Walgreens, Amazon and Express Scripts, you can quickly compare costs and availability for your prescriptions.
Cost savings: Online pharmacies can sometimes be less expensive than in-person options.
Home delivery: Prescriptions can be mailed directly to your home. Many online pharmacies even offer free shipping and automatic refills with a prescription from your doctor.
Disadvantages of Online Pharmacies
Although online pharmacies have many benefits, there are drawbacks to be aware of.
Consultations: You may not have the opportunity to speak with a pharmacist face-to-face about your medication in real time. Some online services provide live chat or phone access to trained pharmacy staff, while others do not.
Generic substitutions: They might replace a brand-name drug with a generic version without your immediate knowledge. Brick-and-mortar pharmacies do this too, but it can be easier to address in person if you prefer the brand-name product.
Insurance requirements: Certain online pharmacies may require you to carry particular insurance plans that are partnered with them.
Here’s a comparison of six commonly used online pharmacy services.
Before moving your prescriptions online, consider these factors. At the very least, you won’t have to worry about whether a physical pharmacy will be open when you need your medications.
Jordan Hale ( [email protected] ) is a senior writer at Savinly.
