The community pharmacist is considered to be the most accessible healthcare professional to the general public, as they are available to anyone on a walk-in basis.
[4] The primary role of pharmacies in the US is to safely and accurately fill prescriptions ordered by healthcare providers for patients.
The prescription details typically consisting of the medication name, dosage form, instructions, quantity, day supply, refills, etc.
Depending on the pharmacy's computer system, the claim is either submitted for payment to the insurance, discount card, or filled for the cash price either after the prescription is entered or after the pharmacist checks the order.
Common issues analyzed are appropriate prescription medications dosage, drug interactions, duplications or contraindications with the patient’s disease state or condition.
The retrospective review helps detect patterns in prescribing, dispensing or administering drugs, or following with any post-therapy issues.
This generally includes annual or routine continuing education on eligibility criteria for specific immunizations, administration techniques, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
[7] Community pharmacies contribute significantly to immunization rates as they offer expanded business hours, convenient locations, and lower costs compared to other healthcare providers.
[8] Vaccinations may be given in community pharmacies either by a non-patient specific standing order or protocol from a licensed prescriber or a patient-specific prescription.