Honestly, I didn't even know what a compounding pharmacy was until I got my most recent…read moreprescription. I was used to getting my prescription filled at pharmacies that most folks use like Rite Aid, Walgreens, QVC, and the like.
My primary doctor prescribed a medicine that would have taken some serious hoop jumping in order to get my insurance to cover it. And the odds of it being denied were pretty high anyway. So they recommended Cascade Specialty Pharmacy because they would fill the prescription without the need for an insurance "prior authorization ", and the formula would be affordable. That kind of made me nervous until I arrived and got my questions answered.
By happenstance, I was met in the parking lot by the owner of the pharmacy, Michelle. I was trying to get my walker out of my car, and she asked if I needed help. Normally I don't, but for some reason I said yes, not even knowing who she was.
Michelle, and I chatted it up on my way into the pharmacy. As I slowly pushed my walker, she was completely patient with the time it was taking me to get to the door. That's when I knew I was in good hands.
I asked Michelle to explain the difference between her compounding pharmacy versus a "regular " pharmacy. She explained that in their sterile environment they make/mix the product ingredients. Kind of like the old fashioned way that meds were concocted. Essentially, they make generic brands on site of the pharmaceuticals. They may add an additional complex/drug to enhance a particular prescription but essentially it is the hand mixing on site that make the difference mostly. Well, I think that's how I understand it.
I have to say Michelle was absolutely awesome! She made sure that every step of my process was impeccable and that I was super comfortable.
Michelle introduced me to the line of employees that we're working behind the counter. Each and every one of them greeted me with an amazing smile and a warm hello and welcome.
The interior of the pharmacy was immaculate. I mean impeccable. Super clean, spacious, and welcoming. Everyone was friendly.
Michelle helped me with my paperwork. She explained every step of the process, including that the pharmacist would sit down with me to go over my new prescription.
It's kind of strange, but I actually felt honored to be so well taken care of from the "get go".
I paid for my prescription. I sat down for just a few minutes until the pharmacist, Asia, came over and talked to me. She too was very sweet, very knowledgeable, and adroit at explaining what I was to do to effectively use my new medication.
And then Michelle found me again as I was on my way out. She walked me back to my car! She took the time to make sure that me and my walker got safely back to my car. I'm still impressed and this experience was a few days ago.
On the way to my car, there was a woman walking up the street with her dog. Michelle, call out her name and waved at her. She came over with her dog to say hi. Michelle took the time to introduce me to this woman.
I learned that Michelle and her husband own another pharmacy up the street for pets. As a dog rescue mama myself, I was beyond impressed.
Anyway, I'm so far, I'm quite happy with this pharmacy and will be going there each month for my prescription. It's not likely that I'm going to have Michelle there to handhold me through again, but this experience was an amazing start to my relationship with "my new pharmacy".
Just to underscore my point: I usually go to the pharmacys elsewhere. Just like everyone else, I stand in line either in person or at a drive through window wishing at times the employee were even a wee bit kinder. I get my prescriptions and keep on stepping. Not giving much thought to the experience.
At Cascade Specialty Pharmacy, I already know that I'll be greeted with a smile. And I will feel good about having to take my medicine.
What a difference caring individuals make in the lives of others. In my opinion, those people deserve amazing success. I wish Cascade Specialty Pharmacy the very best in it's business ventures for the next many years to come!