Dispensing Trusted Care: The Benefits of Cone Health Community Pharmacy Locations

Instead of simply dispensing medication, community pharmacists are knowledgeable healthcare experts helping to improve medication safety, access to care and health outcomes for millions of Americans. In fact, recent research finds that people interact with their pharmacists up to two times more often than they see their medical providers.

"When people pick up new prescriptions, they may not know much about the medication or may not have thought of a concern during their office visit," shares Molly Schneider, PharmD, MHA, CSP, director of Cone Health retail and specialty pharmacy services. "As a pharmacist, one of my most important roles is to counsel patients and answer questions to make sure they are informed."

"It is important for everyone to be educated on the basics about the medications they are taking," continues Schneider. "Patients should understand why a medication has been prescribed, how and when to take it safely and be aware of potential interactions with other medications, foods or drinks, and supplements."

Pharmacies, like Cone Health Community Pharmacy, offer many other benefits as well:

• Medication Disposal: Some expired drugs, like tetracyclines, may cause harm in the body while others lose their effectiveness. Most expired or unused medications can be properly disposed of using convenient pharmacy or police station drop-off bins. Due to environmental contamination concerns, medication should never be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet. In addition, people should not take medications prescribed for others.
• Over-the-Counter Medication: Medicine cabinets should be periodically restocked with over-the-counter drugs, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment and a steroid cream, along with child-friendly versions, if needed. Generic options, like those offered at Cone Health Community Pharmacy locations, are inexpensive yet effective, according to Schneider.
• Cost Considerations: Pharmacists can be a great resource for helping patients access prescription medications they need without breaking the bank. Be sure to ask about generic or other branded alternatives, copay and pharmaceutical assistance programs and discount prescription cards.
• Other Services: Cone Health Community Pharmacy offers home delivery, routine seasonal vaccinations, Covid test kits, and specialty pharmacy services.

"Our community pharmacies are integrated with MyChart, that patient's electronic medical record, which improves continuity of care as well," concludes Schneider. 

To learn more about the full range of employee and occupational health services offered through Cone Health Employee Health & Wellness, contact Jacqueline Heyward at (336) 586-3972. 

Visit conehealth.com/pharmacy to learn more about Cone Health Community Pharmacy locations and services.