Where do you get your prescriptions filled? I drive (or bike) about six miles from my office to a compounding pharmacy. I admit it's out of my way considering there are three pharmacies (in grocery stores and a retail chain) within walking distance of my office. But there are a couple of reasons why I make that lengthy drive-including that it reminds me of the way I was taught to practice pharmacy many years ago.

I remember the lengthy schooling and internship required to manage the physiology, pharmacology and chemistry basics plus the lengthy list of interaction do's and don'ts and fast-growing list of prescription drugs that were available "back then." The pharmacies I worked in had an active compounding business and several hundred prescription drugs in stock. Things have changed. Now there are thousands of FDA regulated medications plus the drugs used in hospital environments where surgery, acute care and other procedures require a vast array of pharmaceutical injections, IV's and concoctions most people never have access to. Add to that mix unregulated herbs, supplements and over the counter pills and the practice of pharmacy is, indeed, a courageous and liability-filled career. Training for pharmacy today is almost as long as that required to become a physician and without a computer and the weekly updated database that shows the range of doses available, potential side effects and warnings, the practice of pharmacy would be impossible. It is no wonder I've been offered a lucrative bonus to return to a profession where there is a shortage of competent help.

The point is that when you receive a prescription from your health care provider you can purchase the medication from a variety of sources. The most common is that neighborhood drug or grocery store close to home. Independent, compounding pharmacies are harder to find because it is difficult for them to compete with the buying power chains can muster. Buying in bulk generates lower prices and the customers that follow. The same is true with internet and mail order pharmacies. Their overhead costs are also low and though they are useless sources for short term medications such as antibiotics or medications that require storage at specific temperatures, they are often used by patients who don't require hand holding or don't mind waiting a week for their prescription to arrive.

In short, there are a number of factors that should be considered before you make your choice including:

• Does the health insurance limit where prescriptions can be filled?
• Is the location convenient to home, school, or work?
• Can you get prescriptions on a 24-hr basis?
• Is the cost of your prescription reasonable?
• Does the pharmacy maintain patient records (preferably on computer and monitor for drug interactions?
• Do employees have time and are they willing to answer drug related questions?
• Are the pharmacists friendly and helpful?

I believe it is important to make all your prescription, over the counter and herbal purchases at the same location. Your pharmacist should have everything listed in a patient record database for your convenience and safety. That is the best way for you to be protected from drug interactions and the side effects that can't be tracked by many diagnostic physicians.

The small independent pharmacy I use meets all these criteria. They compound my hormone replacement therapy prescription-a service I can't get at the retail outlets near my office and promise to have any prescription I need within hours of my request. I enjoy the camaraderie with the young, savvy pharmacists that remind me of the professional peers of earlier days. In short, I believe I'm in such good hands there it's worth the trip.

Do you feel that way about your pharmacy? If not, make a change. Your life depends on it.