The Pill Box Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy located in Decatur, Alabama, has been serving its community since 1973. With 48 years of experience, pharmacy owner Sam Costello, believes that it is important to stand out in a competitive pharmacy industry.
Lee Henderson, pharmacist in charge and manager at The Pill Box Pharmacy, understands first-hand the challenges facing independent pharmacies.
“We were really looking to keep our own patients because they were getting cold calls from other pharmacies offering strip packaging solutions,” says Henderson.
After seeing the RapidPakRx at a tradeshow, Costello and Henderson realized they were ready to invest in their own strip packaging automation.
“We were already bubble packing for patients, but we had problems with the packaging, and it just wasn't right for us,” says Henderson. “The RapidPakRx makes us feel empowered because we offer patients the ability to take their medication more readily.”
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“We realized there are other huge companies out there who are nowhere near us that have the ability to offer strip packaging,” says Henderson.
Companies, such as Amazon’s PillPack, know that strip packaging is a growing market. With more patients expressing interest in strip packaging, there is an opportunity for independent pharmacies to offer strip packaging, along with better service in their communities.
“We wanted to be the first pharmacy in our community that offered strip packaging,” says Henderson.
“We don't want to be third and fifth down the line, because if everybody gets it before we do, we won’t have anything special that sets us apart,” adds Henderson.
Pharmacy owners know that medication non-adherence is a problem among some patients. Patients with higher volumes of medication usually struggle to manage their prescription regimen, because it is too complicated and/or stressful. Strip packaging can help ease the frustration of managing multiple medications for patients.
“One of the impacts that we have seen is increased adherence of patients taking their medications,” says Henderson. “Patients do a better job of staying on top of taking their medications.”
With the RapidPakRx, each pouch is labeled with the time and date that the medications need to be taken. Patients can easily check if they have taken their medications for the day and eliminate the worry of missing or duplicating their doses.
“The patients love our adherence packaging. Every patient that we've talked to absolutely loves using it,” says Henderson. “It's just so simple and easy to use.”
“You can tear off what you need to take with you for the day or if you're going on vacation, you can tear off your seven-day supply,” adds Henderson. Strip packaging can transform the lives of patients, allowing them to take control of their time and feel more confident about their medications.
“We've gained so many new customers per month on strip packaging, than we did with our bubble pack because of the attractive packaging that the RapidPakRx offers,” says Henderson.
The RapidPakRx can complete packaging for up to 50 patients, using only one technician in an 8-hour shift. It is easy to add new patients to the pharmacy workflow, without increasing labor costs.
If a new patient comes in and inquires about receiving their medication packaged in the same day, Henderson knows they can accommodate their request.
“With the speed of the RapidPakRx, we can actually finish a box under five minutes,” says Henderson.
"We've had patients come from other parts of the community who are needing a packaging system in order to remember to take their medication,” says Henderson. With the RapidPakRx, The Pill Box Pharmacy can fill a 31-day, 60-day or 90-day medication supply.
“We give patients the ability to feel more secure in taking their medication,” says Henderson. There are no more bottles, and patients do not have to worry about keeping track of their medications.
To watch the full testimonial, please watch the video above. If you would like more information regarding the RapidPakRx, please visit our product page or call (877) 797-2332.