
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 22, 1993                   TAG: 9308210073
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MAIL-ORDER DRUGS LACK PERSONAL TOUCH

Many consumers today are enrolled in health-care benefit programs that offer prescription drug coverage. But many plans are undermining the fundamental consumer right to patronize the pharmacy of one's choice.

Often, consumers are being forced to use mail-order pharmacies or are discriminated against when they choose not to use a "preferred provider" pharmacy.

Good pharmacy care is based on a long-term relationship with your pharmacist. Your health is too important to be placed at risk when an insurance company, an employer or a health-care plan wants to take away your fundamental right to choose. You should have the right to select the pharmacy of your choice where you can get face-to-face information on how to take your medication properly.

Every day, pharmacists save the health-care industry thousands of dollars through review of patient histories, counseling on drug-to-drug interactions and drug-food interactions. The reason is that we talk to our patients and our patients talk to us.

Voice your concerns and preserve your rights.\ Amy R. Westmoreland,\ Pharmacist President,\ Southwest Virginia Pharmacists Association, Pearisburg

by CNB