I was pleasantly surprised today when filling new prescriptions at Walgreens. I have been a customer for years. In the past, actively avoiding filling scripts here because of historically slow, stressful, and overall frustrating experiences. Today was different.
First I called to find out if the prescriptions that had been faxed were available. A pleasant associate informed me they were available and the pharmacy was open till 10 o'clock. I had an additional script to fill and she said the wait time would be around 15 to 20 minutes. I arrived around 6.30 pm, likely a peak time. At the pharmacy I was greeted immediately and there was no wait! The tech reviewed the new Rx & updated some information, and gave a 20 minute promise time.
There are several clean fairly comfortable chairs in a waiting area. Most people I imagine, browse the store or maybe dash to Dairy Queen while waiting. My order was ready quickly, definitely under the 20 minutes. The tech knew I was waiting and called me as soon as my Rx was available.
The customer service today was pleasant, attentive, knowledgeable, helpful, prompt, professional, and efficient. WOW! What a turnaround. Thank you to all the staff for providing a hassle-free, efficient, enjoyable experience. I won't dread filling my scripts here anymore and anticipate further improvements.
Waiting inside seems a lot nicer than waiting in the car. Historically I have truged the gauntlet of the drive-through lane three cars deep in two lanes. That just isn't fun. Waiting in your car if you're super sick or injured or have 4 kids and a puppy is SMART, but waiting in a cool clean and comfortable store is an efficient way to avoid the line!
We all know filling prescriptions can be a hassle and a blow to the budget when you have to you have to pay expensive copays and out of pocket cost for medications. For many years, even with insurance I went without medication because it was so expensive. For some reason it seems like out of pocket cost for my medications are shockingly high at Walgreens.
There are many tools you can use to shop around such as an app I use to compare prices. Arizona offers the Copper State Prescription Discount Card to any citizen of the State. It is accepted by select pharmacies. Sign up through the Office of the Governor for the legit card. Unfortunately, I do not think Walgreens accepts this state sponsored program. you can compare prices. I've had to pay out of pocket here in the cost has been outrageous!
tl;dr - Pharmacy has stepped up their game and the wait is not torture. Clean store and pleasant associates.
Pro tip: avoid peak hours like right after work. If conditions permit, it is a more pleasant experience to walk into the pharmacy vs waiting in the drive thru. read more