About our new telepharmacy in Bunker Hill

We've been fielding questions about our new remote telepharmacy opening October 3rd in Bunker Hill, so it's time now for a little discussion about what a telepharmacy actually is.

 According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, telepharmacies have been authorized in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming and the District of Columbia. In 2010, the Illinois legislature telepharmacy regulations were included in a rewrite of the state’s pharmacy laws that is done every decade. Economic conditions usually dictate the placement and numbers of independent pharmacies, often resulting in a loss of much needed services. Since some patients who might have to travel long distances on the day they receive their prescriptions from their physicians, they may hold off on filling those scrips until they can travel again to a town with a pharmacy.

Enter the concept of telepharmacies, through which pharmaceutical care is delivered via telecommunications by a pharmacist working away from the clinic. Telepharmacies began to be formed in the United States shortly after the turn of the century. The Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis said in a 2011 paper that the growth of telepharmacies corresponded with changes in Medicare reimbursement and the recession of 2007-08.

Let's take a look at how this works.
A telepharmacy, or remote-dispensing site, operates like a traditional pharmacy except the pharmacist reviews and verifies prescriptions from a remote location. In our case, patients who come in can speak to our pharmacists in either Carlinville or Gillespie (depending on which location is available for the quickest response).
 
1) A prescription arrives at the pharmacy.
After arriving at the pharmacy, prescriptions will enter through the pharmacy management system (PMS) in our Bunker Hill store. Our highly advanced software integrates with our PMS for a seamless, real-time experience. Our licensed technicians prepare it for dispensing by the pharmacist.

2) The prescription is filled.
For the prescription to be verified, our technicians send images of the script, medication labels, pills, and the medication bottle with the lot number and expiration date in view to the remote pharmacist. These images, along with the patient’s profile, are securely stored for review before, during or after verification.

3) The pharmacist verifies the prescription.
Pharmacists will review the patient’s medication profile for drug interactions and other potential problems. After the pharmacist reviews the images they can either approve or reject the submission. If rejected, the pharmacist leaves notes for the technician regarding the discrepancy. If approved, the technician is notified and the medication is packaged.

4) Live video patient counseling. 
 When you pick up your medications, you’re presented with an option to speak to a pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. The remote pharmacist has all necessary patient information, including medication history, readily available during counseling. Our consultation room is a private area where you can discuss any concerns with the responding pharmacist over a live, technologically secure HIPAA-compliant video connection.

So, Bunker Hill, to wrap up, you can expect the same high-quality service you've come to know with us. In a more convenient location. Open 6 days each week. We may be popping in from time-to-time before our opening on October 3rd, so if the door is open, stop in and say Hi!

Hey Bunker Hill! Our doors are opening on October 3rd!

Things are finally coming together (following some unanticipated delays) for the opening of our telepharmacy at 809 Franklin St. (next to Meehan's IGA.). Barring any further disruptions, we will open up on Monday, October 3rd. We'll get back to you with our operating hours in the next couple weeks. 

We are very excited to have an opportunity to  serve you, and are looking forward to introducing you to our range of services and programs including Simplify My Meds, Simple Savers, free diabetic test strips, home care services, Dr. Comfort diabetic shoes, compounding, and free delivery. Watch this blog for the announcement of our Grand Opening Celebration. We thank you for your patience - we're looking forward to making new friends and continuing our service to our current friends! Next week we'll be back here with everything you want to know about what this "telepharmacy" is all about!

Getting closer every day...

Following some unforeseen problems with a service provider which caused a delay, things are getting back on track with the construction at our new store in Bunker Hill. Most of the advanced high-speed internet/video/audio services, designed with regard to the highest security standards, is in place and operational. Last weekend, Wally got the new signage installed and some exterior painting completed. We'll have some new pics for you early next week. 

 

One More Time!

We realize we did not give you much notice the last time our Dr. Comfort Sandals were on sale last month, so we're doing it again. And, yes again at the last minute (sorry). Anyway, today, Friday and Saturday Aug 11-13, our DC flip-flops and slides are 50% OFF! Normally $60, during this sale they are $30. 
 
And at an even bigger savings, all our DC sandals are $40... normally $98. All in-stock styles, colors, and sizes for women and men are included.
 

A look at two of our new compounds

As you know, Ashley has been hard at work for several months preparing compounded prescriptions at the direction of your physicians. Some of the most popular compounds are Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) for both women and men, dermatology & wound compounds, and pain compounds. We are pleased to now announce that Ashley has developed two new compounds to aid in the treatment of those suffering with poison ivy or hemorrhoids.

Our Poison Ivy Compound Gel is an effective  treatment for the inflammation and itching associated with poison ivy and sumac. This prescription-only compound contains an anti-inflammatory, two local anesthetics, and an antihistamine. It is applied topically and works at the surface very quickly. The gel formation provides a cooling sensation, feels smooth without a sticky finish, and is affordably priced at $20 for 30 grams.

Our Compounded Hemorrhoid Treatment Suppositories can help heal stubborn hemorrhoids. It is designed to treat inflammation, redness, pain and spasms that are caused by the hemorrhoids. Containing a local anesthetic, this formula is effective and well tolerated. It typically shows results within 2 weeks, and may be used 2 to 3 times daily. Available by prescription only, this is very affordable at $35 for 36 suppositories (compare to prescription Anusol HC at $150 for 12 suppositories).

 If you're suffering with poison ivy or hemorrhoids, ask your doctor about these two new compounds. Many area physicians have been provided samples of these compounds, and will likely be aware of the effectiveness of the ingredients. As always, feel free to call us anytime with questions. 

At the parade in Bunker Hill

We had a great time at the parade in Bunker Hill on Saturday, and really appreciate all the expressions of support! We're very excited to be serving you full time very soon. Watch for our Grand Opening announcement coming in August.

Hello Bunker Hill! We'll be there soon!