Independent Pharmacies Drive Value With Lower Cash Prices for Patients

A recent study published on American Journal of Managed Care revealed that when comparing the price of two common prescribed acute medications, independent pharmacies priced these prescriptions significantly lower than big box stores, large national chains and supermarkets. The only entity that was priced lower on average than independent pharmacies was online and mobile coupon company GoodRx. Independent pharmacies still had the highest frequency of cheaper prices. Some of the highlights of the study are below. We strongly encourage you to read the study published by AJMC here.

Levofloxacin (commonly prescribed antibiotic)

• Independents were, based on average, over 50% cheaper than big box stores, national chains and supermarkets.
• Independents were, based on average, over 70% cheaper than large national chains.
• When reviewing all zip codes, Independents had the highest frequency of having the cheapest price among all entities including GoodRx. (53.3%)

Azithromycin (another commonly prescribed antibiotic)

• Independents were, based on average, at least 8% cheaper than the big box stores,  national chains and supermarkets.
• Independents were, based on average, over 37% cheaper than large national chains.
• When reviewing all zip codes, Independents had the highest frequency of having the cheapest price among all entities including GoodRx. (70.9%)

Patients typically do not interact with acute medications, such as antibiotics, on a regular basis enough to know cash prices on these medications. However, patients seem to be more price aware of the medications they frequently use for chronic conditions.  We hope this serves as a reminder that your local independent pharmacy puts their best foot forward in serving their patients without insurance or those that would rather ask for the cash price. Looks like we need to update our Reasons post with another huge reason.