Javid Javdani Explains How Pharmacists Go Beyond Filling Prescriptions to Help You
Pharmacists are best known for their primary job function, which is filling prescriptions for medications. Half of the U.S. population takes prescription medications, so pharmacists have a unique reach across the country.
While filling prescriptions is highly important, it is not the only function of the community pharmacist. Javid Javdani, a pharmacist and entrepreneur, explores the many ways in which pharmacists can help people and the community every day.
Superior Medication Services
Pharmacists who work in large chain stores and independent stores can provide excellent service in filling medications accurately and on time. Pharmacists physically fill prescriptions and consult with patients to let them know about any possible drug interactions and side effects that may occur.
A pharmacist closely works with physicians in the community, helping doctors decide what medications are best for their patients and formulating them. For example, some drugs may be best when taken to a compounding pharmacy, where the drug can be changed to make it easier for the patient to take. This is especially helpful for children and seniors who may have difficulty swallowing traditional pills.
Working with Insurance Companies
Pharmacists are generally on the front lines when it comes to dealing with patients’ drug benefits. When claims are rejected or when the choices are too expensive for the patient, a good pharmacist will step in and try to make the patient’s options affordable and effective. For example, some medications like epinephrine injectors are costly in their prescription form, while there are little-known generics that can fill the same function at a fraction of the price.
Pharmacists are also familiar with many of the non-insurance discount programs that are available across the United States. While some patients may feel that these programs are too good to be true, pharmacists can show them how these programs can legitimately save money.
Healthcare Information
A pharmacist is the most accessible member of a patient’s healthcare team. Pharmacists are easy to reach by phone and in person, unlike other healthcare professionals who require appointments. Pharmacists can help people find ways to soothe minor ailments using over-the-counter remedies. They can also help patients understand their medication regimens and how their over-the-counter medications might interact with prescriptions.
Pharmacists advise patients about topics related to general health, including diet, exercise, and stress management. They can also advise patients on durable medical equipment purchases, and some community pharmacies sell these items as well. Some community pharmacists can also help patients deal with conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or smoking cessation.
Community Vaccine Solutions
Most pharmacists are licensed to provide vaccine services. Patients find that visiting their local pharmacy for a vaccine is much more efficient than going to a large vaccination site. It is also more convenient than going to the doctor’s office. Pharmacists are fully trained in the side effects of each vaccination.
This function of the community pharmacist is especially important today, during the coronavirus pandemic. The best way to reach a broad segment of the population is to ensure that their pharmacists have a good supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacists can use their expertise to manage vaccination campaigns like influenza, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines.
Outside the Pharmacy
Not all pharmacists work in retail settings. Some pharmacists work in hospitals, where they have close contact with surgeons, doctors, and nurses. They are responsible for the accuracy of their prescriptions.
Some pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies, where they help these companies develop life-saving drugs. They can also work in pharmaceutical marketing or sales. They can work for health insurance companies, where they help decide which medications are covered under which tiers of service.
Understanding the Impact of the Pharmacist
Pharmacists are well-known for filling medications accurately and for providing safe medicines to their patients. They frequently consult with doctors and insurance companies to make sure that patients have everything they need.
However, filling prescriptions is just the beginning of the pharmacist’s job description. Helping patients manage minor ailments using over-the-counter medications is one of their special capabilities. They frequently recommend products that are tested for effectiveness.
Compounding pharmacists can change a given drug’s format and make it easier for a patient to take or swallow. These specialty pharmacists provide services that are difficult to find anywhere else.
Pharmacists do their part for public health by managing vaccination campaigns. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists can use their deep knowledge of the vaccines and how they work to create vaccination programs that are best for their communities.
Becoming a Pharmacist
Javid Javdani encourages people who are interested in the field of pharmacy to study math and science. Chemistry and biology skills are required. Pharmacy school is generally a four-year program after achieving an undergraduate degree. Caring, compassionate people are needed to become pharmacists and share their knowledge of life-saving drugs and other public therapies.
