Residents may not know that Danville Regional Medical Center operates a retail pharmacy open for business to everyone.
Lisa Eanes of Danville didn’t until she lost her health insurance and began researching prices at different local pharmacies. A friend recommended the hospital’s pharmacy and Eanes couldn’t believe how inexpensive the drugs were compared to other stores.
“You save a ton of money,” Eanes said.
The hospital has a pharmacy for patients there, yet it also offers a retail one, said Paul O’Brien, DRMC director of pharmacy services. The retail pharmacy has been operating about 18 years and O’Brien calls it a local “hidden little gem.”
The Danville Regional pharmacy is just one of two LifePoint hospitals that offer a retail pharmacy.
It has a full selection just like other retail pharmacies and can order medications to come in the next day. DRMC’s pharmacy bills for just about all insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Yet, if the pharmacy can get a better price than by billing insurance, it makes sure to bill for the cheaper price, said pharmacist Frank Lucas.
Pharmacists make sure to let people know about cheaper options, like generics. They keep a list of hundreds of $4 drugs available and make sure to keep all the drug company discount cards on hand for customers. Customers can also buy over-the-counter meds, vitamins and other supplements.
For low-income customers struggling to buy medications, the pharmacy either gives a good price or finds somewhere in town to help get those prescriptions filled, Lucas said.
DRMC pharmacists made sure Eanes didn’t do without when she was without insurance temporarily. Every one of her medications was cheaper there, including one that was $160 cheaper per prescription, she said.
The reason it can often beat competitors’ prices is that it doesn’t have the additional mark-up that corporate chains do to maintain profits, O’Brien said.
This also helps patients listen to their doctors and take medicines properly, as opposed to taking less to save money, he added.
Eanes also liked how DRMC pharmacists explained the use of her medications and how taking certain drugs in combination could be a “deadly cocktail.” They also pass on information like how different foods can affect the effectiveness of drugs.
“It wasn’t just the price that drew me as much as the knowledge,” Eanes said.
The pharmacy, which employs two pharmacists and two pharmacy technicians, also takes education out into the community at events and is working on offering clinics to check blood pressure, cholesterol and drug interaction. There is reserved parking at the hospital for pharmacy customers.
Usually, for colds, the flu or other minor ailments, the retail pharmacy is the No. 1 place the public seeks information, as they have direct access to a pharmacist more so than any other health care professional, Lucas said.
“I just like the fact that I’m in the health care field and I can make a difference in people’s lives sometimes,” he added.
Eanes loves the customer service and pharmacy flexibility, as one technician came into work after the pharmacy closed on a Friday to make sure she got her medicine for vacation.
“If you don’t think you can afford your medicine, there is one more place you need to call before you give up,” Eanes said. “Because of them, I am able to afford all of my medicines. I don’t have to pick and choose anymore.”
