Navigating medication management feels like running a never-ending maze. The constant whirl of doctor visits, refills, and pharmacy trips. It’s enough to leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. If you have transportation difficulties or mobility issues it becomes more than an inconvenience.
But what if you could eradicate these hurdles? What if your medication came to you? Say hello to the revolution of medication delivery service. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s part of the rise of virtual health care in BC.
Innovators are embracing telemedicine to make your healthcare more convenient. Their mission is prioritizing ease and accessibility, at a minimal cost. The three companies we’ll spotlight are transforming the pharmacy scenario. With user-friendly interfaces, accessibility, and tailored care, they elevate the customer experience.
But first, a little background on what telemedicine is.
The Revolution of Telemedicine
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine uses modern technology to streamline healthcare. You don’t have to physically visit a clinic to see a doctor for non-emergency situations. Phone calls, video chats, emails, and text messages can all be used to contact healthcare professionals now. Telemedicine exemplifies accessible healthcare.
Think of it as the digital bridge in healthcare. Pivoting from traditional clinics, a venture into the virtual. It connects patients and medical practitioners, regardless of the distance separating them. All part of the innovative virtual health care BC initiative. It’s healthcare meeting convenience, one click at a time.
You may also hear it referred to as telehealth, e-health, m-health, digital medicine, or teletherapy but it all means the same thing.
How Does a Medication Delivery Service Work?
These companies bridge the gap between patients and prescriptions. Collaborating with healthcare providers and delivering medication to patients. Just get a prescription from your doctor and upload it or visit a virtual doctor in BC and they’ll automatically send it over.
A few clicks let clients manage, order, and track their medication — it’s seamless.
Are They Real Pharmacies?
Yes. The three companies we’ve listed are licensed and accredited by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. They’re also certified by LegitScript which monitor healthcare and pharmacy website to ensure compliance so you know the site is trustworthy.
1. Mednow
Mednow is an online pharmacy offering prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as vitamins. You can get virtual pharmacist consultations, automatic refills, and track your order every step of the way. They’ll work directly with your doctor, it’s easy to transfer your prescriptions, and medication reviews can be requested. Mental health support is also available
Simplify medication management with their PillSmart solution. Pharmacists arrange your pills into clear, transportable strips. Each strip houses your needed pills for a specific time, eliminating any chance of missed doses.
If you’re diabetic, Mednow may be of particular interest thanks to its robust support programs. Health coaches are available to discuss lifestyle and nutrition. Members can talks to pharmacists about their medication. Get access to specialized diabetic meal plans. Plus Mednow is partnered with Dexcom to help you manage type 1 or 2 diabetes.
2. Plitio
Plitio steps up an efficient and user-friendly medication delivery service. Their distinctive edge rests in their ability to provide same-day delivery services and a meticulously designed app for easy navigation and ordering. Get digital prescriptions, automatic medication reminders or refills, or manage your whole family from anywhere.
A core tenet of their business philosophy is affordable medication. As an online pharmacy, they reduced overhead costs, passing those savings onto their customers. It’s also worth mentioning they have the lowest dispensary fee.
Adding a layer of convenience to their services, you can visit a doctor through their telehealth service for prescriptions, health check-ups, lab results, or mental health support.
3. Pocketpills
Pocketpills aims to simplify medication management and make it accessible for all. Many Canadians don’t take their medications as prescribed, so Pocketpills are on a mission to change that.
With their pill sorting solution, PocketPacks, your daily medication is pre-portioned in easily accessible packaging so you never forget what you need to take and when.
Their website is a treasure trove of information. An extensive blog has articles on specific medications, drug comparisons, as well as an assortment of tips, advice, or common side effects.
Honourable Mentions
The criteria for our list of pharmacies were:
- The provider to have an online portal where medication could be ordered
- They had to offer free delivery to Coquitlam
- Insurance providers could be billed direct
These honourable mentioned are a solid choice but fell short on one or two points.
London Drugs
London Drugs is a well-known brick-and-mortar store with an online pharmacy. However, they charge a delivery fee and their pricing isn’t as competitive.
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart is another name-brand contender where you can have prescriptions filled, set up auto refills, and manage family accounts. They don’t offer a delivery option and their fees are a little higher.
The Future of Medication Delivery Services
The future holds promise for continued innovation and patient-centric developments. A focus on personalized care, incorporation of advanced analytics, and even more efficient delivery mechanisms are foreseeable trends. Sophisticated health monitoring apps will likely play a more integral role as well.
Technology will be a key player in propelling this transformation. Innovations such as AI and machine learning, real-time tracking, and integrated health platforms leading the charge.
