Rewriting the Script: Independent Pharmacy Trends

2022 Research Report

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Pharmacies are in flux.

The industry currently faces numerous headwinds, but there is no better time for independent pharmacists to evolve to best meet their patients’ needs and seize the opportunities brought by change.

Consider these forces: Pharmacies are seeing renewed respect from consumers after they played critical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic; pharmacies of all sizes are feeling the impact of high fees from cash discount cards; and independent pharmacies must set themselves apart amid fierce competition.

Despite some headwinds, pharmacies are well positioned for growth. Within the next decade, a physician shortage and aging population means that the demand for healthcare services will outpace supply.¹ Already, 25% of American adults do not have a primary care provider,² yet nearly half of all adults take a prescription medication at least once a month.³

At Prescryptive Health, we understand independent pharmacies are core to a patient’s experience within the healthcare system. Preserving and strengthening our nation’s independent pharmacies is our passion, and we know technology has the potential to help independent pharmacies not only survive but thrive.

We connect consumers directly to pharmacies and help those pharmacies improve profitability while offering competitive prices and convenient services. Consumers need modern solutions now more than ever as they struggle amid sky-high inflation, unpredictable healthcare costs, and fears of a recession. To gain more insights into the landscape today, we commissioned a survey of more than 340 decision-makers at independent pharmacies and more than 1,000 consumers throughout the United States.

These results show tremendous changes on the horizon, and they continue to reinforce why Prescryptive Health exists. We help independent pharmacies remain strong, adaptable, and indispensable to the people they serve, both now and in the future.