Mail-Order the Right Rx for Many Consumers

By George Anderson

Reuters Health reports that consumers are increasingly turning to mail-order pharmacies for convenience and to save money on prescriptions.

According to NDCHealth, a healthcare information service company, mail-order generated 15.7% of all retail pharmacy sales in 2001.

A survey conducted by the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) found that of the consumers who use mail-order pharmacy services:

• Eighty-eight percent are pleased with its overall performance


• Seventy percent report being very satisfied


• Ninety-five percent say they pay less than they would at a retail store pharmacy.


• Eighty-two percent believe that it is more convenient than going to a store.

Moderator’s Comment: How will mail-order and online
prescription sales continue to affect the pharmacy marketplace?
[George
Anderson – Moderator]

• Mail-Order
  Drugs Get High Marks, Some Glitches – Reuters Health