Most times I have a prescription filled it take much longer that I would guess. A recent example, at a simplistic level, all that was needed was for 10 pills to be put into a bottle, however, it took nearly an hour. There did not appear to be other customers waiting. Is the delay because there is a complex process with controlled drugs, or they are under-staffed, or are other things going on?
In: Other
Short answer: Paperwork and safety.
Long answer:
When the pharmacy gets a prescription they need to fill out appropriate paperwork saying they received it and are now responsible for filling it.
Then they need to double check what other medications you’ve recently been prescribed to make sure the new thing the doctor prescribed you isn’t going to interact with any of them and unintentionally hurt you.
Then insurance. If you have it, guessing you want them to pay for the med right? More paperwork.
Then they count out the medication, double check it, and verify your information.
And all of that is for your prescription. Now imagine automatic refills, emergency prescriptions called in by doctors, etc. all being filled before you even walk in. You could be the only one in the pharmacy and it could still be an incredibly busy day for them.
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