9 Helpful Walgreens Pharmacy Services You Probably Not Using - GoodHousekeeping.com

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You know Walgreens as the place you can pick up anything from a prescription to a great new nail polish. But you may not realize that the popular drugstore also offers a host of helpful services that can make shopping for meds (and taking them!) a bit less stressful, like an app that lets you live-chat with a pharmacist 24/7 and a rewards program that can help you save money.

Here, Danielle Berger, PharmD, a Walgreens pharmacist and store manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, gives Good Housekeeping the scoop on these services—and seven others!—that there’s a good chance you aren’t aware of.

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1. Pharmacy Chat

Like doctors, pharmacists know a lot about how meds work, including how they interact with other drugs and common side effects. But unlike your GP, who may be hard to get in touch with, pharmacists are typically very accessible. In addition to answering your questions IRL, Walgreens pharmacists can be contacted 24/7 through the store’s online Pharmacy Chat* service, free of charge.

2. Scan to Refill

With the free Walgreens App, Berger says, “You can refill your medication just by scanning the bottle—you don’t even have to call the pharmacy.” On top of that you can also select a pick-up time to ensure your Rx will be good to go when you arrive. Or better yet, you can have your meds delivered straight to your home.

3. 90-Day Refills

If you take maintenance (or regular, long-term) medications, like cholesterol-lowering statins, you can also opt for 90-day refills** through the app. That way, you only have to pick up your prescription once every three months—instead of every four weeks. Not sure if your insurance will allow you to stock up? Ask your pharmacist to check into this for you.

4. Bundled Prescription Pick-up

It’s a hassle when your prescriptions are ready for pick-up on different days. With the Save a Trip*** program, pharmacists sync up your prescriptions, so they’re all ready on the same day, saving you multiple trips to the drugstore. “This makes things so much more convenient and increases adherence—aka, you taking your meds exactly as prescribed,” Berger says

5. Text Alerts

“With Walgreens text alerts, you get a message as soon as your prescription is ready,” says Berger. You can also receive updates on the status of your prescription and even learn the cost before you pick it up. To sign up, text JOINRX to 21525. Once you’ve registered, you can also text REFILL when you’re ready to request more of your prescription.

6. Prescription Delivery

Another perk of signing up for text alerts? You’ll gain access to Walgreens Express****, a service that lets you pay for prescriptions in advance, so you can either skip the line at the pharmacy or have them delivered to your home free of charge.

7. Pill Reminders

Need help remembering to take your meds? The Walgreens App lets you set up reminders that pop up on your phone screen (even when it’s locked), says Berger.

8. Immunizations (for the Flu and Beyond)

You probably know that you can get the flu shot at Walgreens. But that’s not the only vaccination available at the pharmacy. You can also get travel immunizations, as well as vaccines for pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, and more, says Berger. Depending on the state you live in and the vaccine you need, your doctor may need to send in a prescription, which Berger says they’re usually happy to do.

9. Cost-Saving Rewards

With the Balance Rewards program, you earn points for every dollar you spend at the store. (Every thousand points equals $1 toward a future purchase). In most states, you can also earn points when you pick up your prescriptions (even if there’s no copay) and when you get an immunization.

Plus, through Balance Rewards for healthy choices (a branch of the main rewards program), you earn points when you log healthy behaviors—like walking or lowering your blood pressure. Simply sync your smartwatch or phone to track your activity and earn points automatically!

*Availability varies with heavy usage.

**Potential copay savings vary by insurance plan.

***Valid only with certain medications at participating stores. There is no cost for the Save a Trip Refills® service. Copayment amounts may be prorated. Other restrictions may apply. See pharmacist for more details. You may select multiple/two pickup dates to offset prescription costs.

****Walgreens Express is available on eligible prescriptions only. Most prescription orders are available to be delivered to the patient's home by the next business day. Orders received by 4pm on Friday, as well as requests made during the weekend, have an expected delivery day of Tuesday or Wednesday. Prescriptions are not delivered on Sundays or holidays. Please note that while most prescriptions are expected to be delivered by the next business day, some deliveries may not be eligible for next-day delivery due to prescription type, delivery address, holidays, weather, or other delivery constraints. Free delivery available for a limited time only.

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