That's fine. I'm just responding with my own personal opinion. Every situation has at least 2 sides (and sometimes more). I try to see things from all sides (though I don't always succeed) and from a broader perspective. Sometimes I even play devil's advocate for the sake of examining an issue from different perspectives.

In this case, I truly believe that more people - mostly honest patients - would be hurt, and have more to lose, by a public witch-hunt of a pharmacy, just as they do in a witch-hunt of a pain clinic. The "bad guys" are a small minority compared to the large majority of honest patients in need who will suffer as a result of a pharmacy being shut down for even a day.

I wouldn't want cops storming my pharmacy (terrifying the bejeebers out of sick people) and digging into peoples' personal private medical records because they're "looking for evidence of a crime".

The system in place (as I understand it) is to notify the state or corporate as MrsD has stated. IMO, give that system a chance to work as it's intended. Granted, "the system" doesn't always work, so if it doesn't, try to find out why, and proceed from there.

That's my nickel. (2¢ adjusted for inflation)

Doc

It is good that you have had knowledge with this stuff. Thanks for the informaiton. I know for myself, I am going to be very careful. I am glad I know my pharmacy and have been with them for 15 years, same guys. I consider that a blessing! I would never switch thats for sure. ginnie

This story rang a bell when I read it, then I reviewed this thread. The story speaks for itself.

Ex-pharmacist accuses CVS of risking patient safety
http://www.abc27.com/story/18668662/...patient-safety

Doc

Just take a look at the new Walgreen's TV commercial!

It is a typical attitude of chains and their idea of professionalism.
I wonder how they think pharmacists can even leave the counter, when
there is no way to even fill all the RXs in each day safely.

In a typical pharmacy today, there are no breaks, no lunch time, no sitting down for the whole day (which can be 13hrs), reduced or no tech or clerk help, (cutting payroll costs). Target is a lone wolf, today, in that they close the pharmacy for 1/2 hr each day, so their employees, can have at least that short break to eat and rest a bit.

I find it ironic that this article comes from Harrisburg, Pa. Home of RiteAid.

One should always check their prescriptions! Always. In fact you should photocopy your RX before taking it into the drugstore, in case your doctor has made an error, and that error is not identified. It will serve as a record for your quantity ordered and refills.

As a pharmacist, I'm sorry you were not treated respectfully. Could have been a really bad day there at the store, and let me tell you, those are frequent! Standing all day, people yelling at you, people complaining about prices, dealing with technicians, phone ringing off the hook, and God forbid you work a store with a drive-through like it's fast food....more goes on there than most people realize.

With CIIs, most stores have a double-count policy. However, when you're taking large quantities, it's hard to count accurately--I mean, some cancer patients are getting quantities of #270. Try to count those without interruptions!

So, it was never an insult to me when a patient asked for another count. Just realize that that takes more time, so be willing to sit down and wait a bit and the response to you will probably be more positive. It's all in how you position the situation. We know who the abusers are, and we also know who the truly sick people are.

You job is most difficult. I appreciate what you do. My own pharmasists have been my friends for over 15 years. Not only do they care about me, they are willing to show me how to give injections, and really look out for me. When I was looking for new pain management. He took me aside, and actually told me privately who NOT to go see. I was so every grateful. In fact both of them hugged me when I told him who I picked. They do know who are the legitamat docs. and who are docs. that may have some bad behaviors. Even if I move 40 miles away, I will travel back here, just to have them in my corner. They have been a blessing in my life. ginnie

My doc writes me a one month supply of painkiller. This month, with a lot of guests in and out I was not wanting that much in the house. I paid for the o
Lot and asked the pharmacist to keep half of them until today. I guess he filled them and put them on the shelf in the ready area, because when I went get them they were gone.

It is a good independent, he gave me a weeks worth and will check with the other pharmacists to figure out what happened to them. Al least he knows me. It would be difficulty to go back to the doc,w explain what happened, and try to get a refill. Maybe even impossible.

I shudder to think if I had to go to a big bid pharmacy where you are nothing but a number.

Chains have a scan procedure and would show if the item waiting to be picked up was actually picked up. All that is logged.

Independents don't typically do that. However, if you paid in full with insurance? After a week most pharmacies put the RX back in stock every 7-10 days, to avoid billing when not picked up.
They would credit your RX however in the computer.

You need to find out more details on how things are done there.
Who would pick it up? Who would know it was there even?

Perhaps someone in the pharmacy? Or the record keeping was not done correctly.

It would be best to get your whole RX and lock it up or hide it, in your home, when visitors come and go. And don't talk about your medications to ANYONE. Even friends. They may tell others that you have desirable drugs in your home.

Not everyone cares to do this, but I invested in a small safe. Out of site out of mind, and worries are gone when you have company. ginnie

I go to a small family run drug store for all of my prescriptions. Maybe they gave you the 3 they shorted you last month? I always count my pills, my husband thinks I am crazy...maybe I am!