Why Independent Pharmacies Are More Innovative Than You Think

The past several years have been marked by a number of bankruptcies and closures within the pharmacy industry. Big chains and retailers have shuttered their doors and this has left some nervous about the future of pharmacy in America.

‍

While large retailers have pulled out of certain areas, we don’t need to expect national businesses to fill the gap in care — there’s a much simpler, more effective answer to the growing number of ‘pharmacy deserts’. 

‍

The answer is independent pharmacies. You may think of a small, technology-adverse practice that can’t keep up with modern realities when you think of independents, but that’s simply not based in reality.

‍

Let’s explore why independent pharmacies are more well-equipped with technology to meet modern demands than you may think.

‍

Independent Pharmacies Have the Tech to Deliver Modern Healthcare Experiences

‍

There’s a common misconception that independent pharmacies don’t have the resources or technology to keep up with the big chains. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In many respects, they’re doing more and providing more value than national chains.

‍

Think of what value retailers like Amazon provide — independent pharmacies can match it.

‍

• Two-day delivery? Community and independent pharmacies can do same-day.
• Order and pay through a user-friendly app? With Nimble, independents can offer that too.

‍

The pharmacies that work with Nimble have wholeheartedly embraced new avenues for personalized patient communications, automated refills, and mobile app integrations — all of which offer unprecedented levels of patient convenience. At the end of the day, independent pharmacies can be much more nimble and make these strategic investments in the patient experience without tons of red tape, unlike their national counterparts. 

‍

Where Independent Pharmacies Outperform National Retailers

‍

So, it’s clear independent pharmacies can go toe-to-toe with large chains in terms of embracing technology, but there are other areas where they can outperform businesses like Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. 

‍

Simply put, national chains will never be as invested in individual patients or deliver the same level of care as independents do. When you live in the same community as the patients you serve you get to know them, their needs, and what will keep them moving forward on their wellness journey. There’s no replicating that on a scale of millions. 

‍

For all of these reasons and more, Nimble is proud to support independent pharmacies. We know that in the coming years, more Americans will come to see independents as the clear choice for exceptional care and value.