Pharmacies – Can’t live with ’em, Can’t live without ’em

We are a family who does not get sick. Seriously, my kids didn’t go to the doctor once in 2010. So, because it is rare we have to go to the doctor, it is rare we deal with a pharmacy.

Well, last week my son was sick and was prescribed antibiotics. When I went to the pharmacy (I won’t name it), I got there at 7 P.M. The prescription had been faxed over at 4 P.M. but it wasn’t ready yet. The tech asked me, “Do you need the prescription tonight?” and I said yes. Then I was informed they would try to fill it in half an hour and to check back.

PUMP THE BRAKES! First of all, it’s been 3 hours since I left the doctor. I wouldn’t be here to pick it up if I didn’t need it tonight. AND I’m a mother driving in the cold weather with her sick son and I need to get him home and in bed. I can’t keep running back across town to see if you’ve done your job.

I didn’t say this but I was thinking it.

My husband picks up the prescription at 9:45 P.M. and they have put two bottles of the antibiotic in the bag. At this point, it’s late and we are in for the night.

Well, this week my daughter had an ear infection. Again the prescription was sent over about 4 in the afternoon. I arrived at the pharmacy at 7:45 P.M. After about 45 minutes of sitting in the car line I get to the window. I’m told it will be 5 minutes and could I drive around to let the other cars through or just “come inside”.

PUMP THE BRAKES AGAIN! Really? You want me to “drive around” – it’s only 5 minutes and I had to wait 45 minutes to get here – the other cars didn’t “drive around” and I don’t want to come in because it’s really cold outside and there’s a bunch of sick people waiting in there for their prescriptions.

I didn’t say that but I was thinking it.

Instead, I went to the gas station because my gas light came on in line (took more than 5 minutes). When I got back there were 5 cars in line. So, I went inside. Luckily there were no people in line. I see the tech that helped me and ask if the prescription is ready. He tells me he just needs to mix it.

This is where it dawns on me – what’s the point of getting frustrated? What’s the point in getting mad? You are at their mercy. You need the prescription and the truth is they are human. But the concerning thing is – I don’t go very often so it’s pretty bad that this year 100% of my pharmacy dealings have been negative. Time to change pharmacies or would it matter?

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