What are community pharmacies that are individually owned and operated referred to as?

Community pharmacies that are individually owned and operated are known as independent pharmacies. These establishments are distinct because they typically focus on personalized service and building relationships with their patients. Independent pharmacies often cater to the specific needs of the local community, offering tailored healthcare solutions that larger chain pharmacies may not provide.

In contrast, food store pharmacies, chain pharmacies, and mass merchandiser pharmacies are usually part of larger corporate entities. Food store pharmacies operate within grocery stores and are typically designed to service the customers of the grocery chain rather than focusing solely on individual patient care. Chain pharmacies are part of larger, nationwide networks that often emphasize efficiency and uniformity over personalized service. Mass merchandiser pharmacies are found within big-box retail companies and share similar characteristics with chain pharmacies, focusing on a wide array of products including pharmaceuticals but often lacking a community-centered approach.

Understanding the difference between these types of pharmacies highlights the unique role independent pharmacies play in providing specialized and patient-focused care in their communities.