What Should I Look for When Choosing a Pharmacy?

A: Caring and attentive service goes a long way when attracting customers-and it's also the best way to avoid a Houston pharmacy error. Don't be afraid to shop around until you find the pharmacy that's right for you; your savvy shopping could end up saving your life.

A few things to consider when looking for a pharmacy:

• Hours and Location. Having a pharmacy near your work may be convenient for picking up regular medications, but you may not be able to get there in an emergency. Try to find a pharmacy within a mile or two of your home. A 24-hour window is also a plus, in case you need a prescription filled in the middle of the night.
  

• Staff and Pharmacists. Is there a pharmacist on staff at all times? When you drop off your prescription, notice how many people are working. If you can, pick up your prescription five or six hours from when you dropped it off. If the same employees are still working, the pharmacy may be understaffed-a leading cause of Texas dispensing errors.
• Personal Service. Don't be afraid to watch the pharmacy staff at work. Are they focused on the task at hand? Are they engaging in conversations while filling scripts? Did the person filling your prescription verify your identity and ask you if you had any questions? Watch for telltale signs of customer neglect, such as leaving callers on hold or keeping people waiting in the drive-thru line.

For more advice from a Texas medication error attorney, order our free book, "How to Make Pharmacies Pay for your Injuries Caused by Medication Errors," or call Kennedy Hodges at 888-526-7616 for a free consultation.