There’s a scarcity of primary care physicians in rural areas. How can a community pharmacy help?
According to the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million Americans live in rural locations, which accounts for 15% of the U.S. population. As more and more young people move to urban areas, this also lends itself to a disproportionately aging rural population. With a scarcity of primary care physicians in many rural areas, pharmacies are filling the healthcare resource gap in these communities. Here are some questions you may have fielded about how a community pharmacy can be an oasis in the rural healthcare desert.
How can a pharmacist help?
Pharmacists in all states are required to hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, and many states require a PharmD (doctorate) degree, pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and/or other specific state requirements/license acquisition in order to practice as a pharmacist. This level of education and expertise equip pharmacists to provide important, informed advice regarding prescription and over-the-counter medicines for patients until they can consult with their physician.
Did you know that pharmacists are licensed to prescribe medications such as hormonal contraceptives and/or tobacco cessation aids in a number of states?
Where state laws allow, pharmacists are able to provide these services, filling large gaps in their communities. There is a higher percentage of young smokers in rural areas than in urban areas. In some regions, women’s healthcare services are becoming less and further apart. By providing clients access to these prescriptions, the pharmacist is helping to contribute to a positive outcome.
Can a pharmacist prescribe any other medications without a physician’s script?
While pharmacists are limited in what else they can prescribe, for symptoms that do not require a diagnosis from a doctor, such as eczema, diaper rash, acne, cold sores, and conjunctivitis, a pharmacist may prescribe medication to treat these and similar minor ailments. Check your state’s licensing agency for specifics of where you live. In rural communities, this might provide a patient with relief days sooner than if they were to wait to see a physician.
