Don't be shy

I was disappointed to learn that my own mother thinks that pharmacists do not have to make any decisions as part of their job. That pharmacists would not take the time to ask a patient why they are taking a particular medication. That doctors would never call a pharmacist to ask about a particular drug. In essence, they just read the prescription, fill it, and dispense it.

After a long and heated discussion, I realized that it's not her fault for having these misconceptions. I thought back to the times when I helped her bring and pick up prescriptions at the local pharmacy that she uses. When you walk in you see a row of chairs facing the counter. There are at least 3 people behind the wall of shelves (you can barely see the tops of their heads) and 3 people in the front behind the register. When you drop off the prescription, they give you a number. You can sit and wait 20+ minutes, or go back. Picking up the prescription involves handing them the number, the cashier reaching for the tray with your number, then handing you the goods. Sometimes you are advised about the medications, but by the clerk, not the pharmacist. When does the pharmacist step down from his workspace? If you have a question about why the drug isn't covered by your insurance or if you have a specific question that the clerk cannot answer.

True, this is not that different from other pharmacies, but patients have the right to ask questions. The pharmacy experience shouldn't feel like being in a factory. Do not feel that you are bothering the pharmacist. The role of a pharmacist has been much expanded to include more direct interaction with patients (face-to-face counseling) and more involvement in the design and execution of drug therapy plans for chronic disease states, like asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. There are pharmacists who specialize in certain areas, like pediatrics. In fact, most states allow trained pharmacists to immunize adult patients. And yes, pharmacists can be interactive with patients in the hospital setting, too.

Your pharmacist is really a great source of information and is willing to talk to you. If you sense differently, seek better care elsewhere from another pharmacist. Don't be shy about your child's, or your own, health care.