Twas the Day Before

It was the day before Christmas in the store and normally we are running around like headless chickens. Today, however was different. Very few folks in shopping. I guess they are crowding the grocery stores and big boxes for that last minute discounted stuff that we all seem to give each year. I remember past Christmas's when we were lucky to get a gift. Most of our fun came from playing with cousins we hadn't seen in a long time, or showing off the one present we really wanted or eating food that we only got at Christmas. I know I am not talking much pharmacy today but I think that what is happening to us in pharmacy is just part of a bigger problem we have in our county. We have forgotten how to be compassionate and giving. We want instant reward, not reward from hard work and dedication. I was talking to a friend of mine who works for the 3 letter pharmacy company and she was telling me that they were gearing up for all those Express Scripts customers to arrive in their stores. She was filling up gift bags to give to those switchers to thank them for choosing them. Something for nothing. Customers, patients, friends, whatever you call them, have forgotten the night you came back to the pharmacy to get medicine for their sick child 10 years ago, or that time you went out of your way to get a certain drug for them. They are loyal now to the card. If the card says go to xyz and you get something for free then off we go for the discount or free stuff. They remember us only when they are told no at xyz. I had a doc's wife call today who wanted us to order some brand Sudafed PE (yep) and she hasn't had a script filled here in 6 months. I know she only called us because her xyz didn't have it or wouldn't order it. Yes, it seems we are only appreciated when we go out of our way to provide that expected service and give something extra as a reward to those who come in thru our doors. XYZ and big business have taken our friends and neighbors and wooed them to the point that they are usually just drones following directions. We will have those folks, as will you, in January as Walgreens will be referring to us all the followers of Express. We need to do our best to let them know that we are taking their crap insurance because unlike their company, we do care for people and most of us operate at a loss because we care. I know I am supposed to be merry and jolly today but getting a 217 page provider manual in the mail from CVS/Caremark today and getting a 20 page fax from them also today just tends to make me a little grinchy. Keep the faith my friends because tomorrow is just around the corner and just when we think it's going to get better, it doesn't. So, when times are bad and we think we need to throw in the towel, look to what's really important. Your family and those around you that support what we do day in and day out. You may not have your loyal customers (whatever) but you will always have your friends and family. Cherish your day tomorrow and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not the stuff or the food. It's the life we have been given by he who sacrificed all. Merry Christmas.
Kris