Drug treatment center products

Unfortunately, the relative costs and benefits of buying drugs from various sources remain largely unknown to most people. Contrary to common perception, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates independent pharmacies, not Wal-Mart or other chains, offer the greatest value. In 2003, the state of Maine researched prices of 15 common prescription drugs at independent and chain pharmacies of all kinds statewide. The 10 lowest-priced pharmacies all were independents, beating all five Wal-Marts in the study. Around the same time, studies by New York City and by Senior Action Council in Albany, NY, also affirmed lower overall drug pricing at independent pharmacies than chain competitors. While it�s natural to assume the buying power of drug chains or mass merchants translates into lower prices, independent pharmacies now compete quite well through group purchasing efforts and, in many cases, much lower markups. And independents not only compete on price, they do it while offering more than just pills. In 2003, the venerable Consumer Reports magazine surveyed 32,000 readers about their experiences at thousands of pharmacies, including independents, chains and those within supermarkets and mass merchants. Though mass merchants had a small edge on price alone, independents trounced the chains in overall value by "an eye-popping margin." The survey found independents were more likely than all chain stores to have a needed medication, got out-of-stock drugs faster, and provided more personal attention. And personal service from your neighborhood drugstore means more than asking �how�s the family?� For anyone taking multiple medications, their pharmacist�s attention can be crucial to avoiding dangerous drug combinations. Unfortunately, the credulous coverage of Wal-Mart�s drug promotion is typical, not exceptional. Last November, Wal-Mart released a study it commissioned from the consulting firm Global Insight, asserting that Wal-Mart saved $2,329 fo

Unfortunately, the relative costs and benefits of buying drugs from various sources remain largely unknown to most people.

Unfortunately, the relative costs and benefits of buying drugs from various sources remain largely unknown to most people. Contrary to common perception, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates independent pharmacies, not Wal-Mart or other chains, offer the greatest value. In 2003, the state of Maine researched prices of 15 common prescription drugs at independent and chain pharmacies of all kinds statewide. The 10 lowest-priced pharmacies all were independents, beating all five Wal-Marts in the study. Around the same time, studies by New York City and by Senior Action Council in Albany, NY, also affirmed lower overall drug pricing at independent pharmacies than chain competitors. While it�s natural to assume the buying power of drug chains or mass merchants translates into lower prices, independent pharmacies now compete quite well through group purchasing efforts and, in many cases, much lower markups. And independents not only compete on price, they do it while offering more than just pills. In 2003, the venerable Consumer Reports magazine surveyed 32,000 readers about their experiences at thousands of pharmacies, including independents, chains and those within supermarkets and mass merchants. Though mass merchants had a small edge on price alone, independents trounced the chains in overall value by "an eye-popping margin." The survey found independents were more likely than all chain stores to have a needed medication, got out-of-stock drugs faster, and provided more personal attention. And personal service from your neighborhood drugstore means more than asking �how�s the family?� For anyone taking multiple medications, their pharmacist�s attention can be crucial to avoiding dangerous drug combinations. Unfortunately, the credulous coverage of Wal-Mart�s drug promotion is typical, not exceptional. Last November, Wal-Mart released a study it commissioned from the consulting firm Global Insight, asserting that Wal-Mart saved $2,329 fo