PRESCRIPTION
There is little debate that the Rx-to-OTC switch movement (when a prescription drug is reclassified to nonprescription or OTC status) has caused major changes in the pharmacy marketplace. When the patent on a prescription medication expires, the manufacturer typically experiences a dip in profits due to emerging competition from generics.
For many seasoned pharmacists, the days of typing prescription labels on a typewriter, filling out patient profiles by hand, submitting paper insurance claims, and handling many other manual administrative chores are distant memories.
The retail pharmacy industry currently encounters significant changes--prescription fulfillment costs are increasing, while pharmacies lose revenue because of a competitive market and medication noncompliance.
Pharmacies have an ever-growing number of generic suppliers that provide product selection and variety.
The New Hampshire Legislature enacted a law that bans pharmacies, insurance companies, and similar entities from transferring or using prescriber-identifiable data for certain commercial purposes.
It seems a day doesn't go by that I don't ask myself "Whatever happened to customer service?" During the winter holidays when telephone, Internet, and store traffic was at an all-time high, a drop-off in customer service may be unacceptable, but it is understandable.