Back to the Future
Compounding pharmacist provide valuable service through customized medications.
The role of the independent community pharmacist is changing these days. With increasing competition from large chain pharmacies and a continually evolving healthcare environment, many pharmacists have returned to the early roots of pharmacy when they made medications tailored to the individual's need.
Also known as "problem solvers," these pharmacists are practicing the art of pharmaceutical compounding, which is the method of preparing medications
The Triad Relationship
Compounding is achieved through an essential triad relationship -- patient, physician and pharmacist. The physician first prescribes the medication, then the pharmacist takes the necessary ingredients, compounds them, and dispenses the medicine to the patient after a thorough consultation. This enables patients to receive the type of personalized care they deserve and allows independent community pharmacists the opportunity to provide superior, patient-oriented services.