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Guide

Questions to ask when choosing a community pharmacy

A plain-language checklist to help patients and caregivers find a pharmacy that fits their needs, schedule and preferences.

Free resourceCommunity Health
A customer wearing a face mask speaks with a pharmacist through a protective screen at the counter.

The right pharmacy is one that fits your life. Before you transfer prescriptions or choose a pharmacy for a family member, it can help to ask a few practical questions. Every pharmacy is different, so ask the pharmacy directly — and use the NPHLA locator to see what listings say about services and accessibility.

Access and convenience

  • What are your hours, including weekends and holidays?
  • Do you offer delivery, drive-through pickup or curbside service?
  • Is the entrance step-free, and is there accessible parking?
  • Can you coordinate refills so they are ready on the same day?

Communication

  • Is there a private area where I can talk with the pharmacist?
  • Do you have staff or services for languages other than English?
  • Can labels or information be provided in large print?
  • How do you let me know when a prescription is ready or delayed?

Coverage and cost

  • Do you accept my insurance plan?
  • If a medication is expensive, can you tell me about lower-cost options to discuss with my prescriber?

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your pharmacist and prescriber are the best sources of advice about your own medications.

General information

This resource is educational and general. It is not medical, legal or financial advice for your specific situation.