What Even Is an "Independent Pharmacy"?
Simple: it's a locally-owned pharmacy that's NOT part of CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid. AV Chemist in Glendale is family-owned. We don't answer to corporate headquarters in Rhode Island. We answer to YOU, our patients, because you're the reason we exist.
Chain pharmacies prioritize corporate profits and insane metrics (prescriptions filled per hour, revenue per square foot, all that BS). Independent pharmacies focus on relationships, health outcomes, and not making you wait 2 hours for your antibiotics.
10 Reasons to Choose Independent Pharmacy in Queens
1. Your Pharmacist Actually Knows Your Name
When you walk into AV Chemist, we know who you are. Not because we pulled up your profile on a computer, because we actually remember you. Your medications, your health conditions, that allergic reaction you had last year. This isn't rocket science. It's basic human relationship building.
Why it matters: Studies show continuity of care improves medication adherence by 15% and catches dangerous drug interactions that computer systems miss. Real example: Last month we caught a patient taking TWO blood thinners prescribed by different doctors. Life-threatening duplication. Walgreens missed it for 6 months.
2. Time for Comprehensive Medication Counseling
Independent pharmacists spend 10-15 minutes counseling patients on new medications. Chain pharmacists average 30 seconds due to workload.
What you get: Detailed explanations of how to take your medication, what to expect, side effects to watch for, drug-food interactions, and answers to all questions.
3. Proactive Medication Therapy Management
Independent pharmacies actively review your entire medication regimen to identify drug interactions, duplications, adherence barriers, and cost-saving opportunities.
Real example: AV Chemist patient was taking 2 blood thinners from different doctors (life-threatening duplication) that Walgreens missed for 6 months. Our medication review caught it immediately.
4. Cost Savings Through Personalized Care
Independent pharmacists work with your doctor to find lower-cost alternatives, navigate insurance formularies, and apply for patient assistance programs.
Average savings: Independent pharmacy patients save $400-800 per year through therapy optimization and generic substitution recommendations.
5. Free Delivery Throughout Queens
AV Chemist provides 100% free same-day delivery to all Queens neighborhoods. No fees, no minimums, no exceptions.
Comparison: CVS and Walgreens charge $5-10 delivery fees or require $35 minimums. Independent pharmacies typically offer free delivery as standard service.
6. Specialized Services Like Compounding
Many independent pharmacies offer pharmaceutical compounding, creating custom medications tailored to individual patient needs.
Examples: Medications without dyes/gluten for allergies, pediatric liquid formulations, veterinary compounds, bio-identical hormones, custom pain creams.
7. 24/7 Emergency Pharmacy Service
AV Chemist provides 24-hour emergency pharmacy service for urgent medication needs, available anytime, day or night.
Peace of mind: When you need antibiotics at 2 AM after urgent care, or emergency medication on holidays, we're available.
8. Fast Prescription Fill Times
Independent pharmacies fill prescriptions in 15-30 minutes because they're properly staffed and focused on service, not corporate metrics.
Reality check: Chain pharmacies say "2 hours" but often take 4-24 hours during busy times. Independent pharmacies deliver as promised.
9. Community Investment and Local Economy
Independent pharmacies invest in their communities. For every $100 spent at independent pharmacies, $68 stays in the local economy vs $43 at chains.
Community impact: Independent pharmacies sponsor local events, support schools, employ neighbors, and reinvest in the community they serve.
10. Better Health Outcomes
Research shows patients using independent pharmacies have better medication adherence, fewer hospital readmissions, and improved chronic disease management.
The data: 92% patient satisfaction at independent pharmacies vs 76% at chains (NCPA survey). Higher adherence leads to better A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.
What Queens Residents Say
"I spent 10 years at CVS getting treated like a number. At AV Chemist, they know my health conditions, remember my kids' names, and actually care about my wellbeing. When I had questions about a new medication at 8 PM, I called and spoke to the pharmacist directly. Try doing that at Walgreens!"
– Patricia K., Forest Hills
"My father has dementia and takes 11 medications from 3 different doctors. AV Chemist coordinates everything, delivers organized pill packs to his assisted living facility, and even called me when they noticed he missed a refill. This level of care doesn't exist at chain pharmacies."
– Michael D., Rego Park
Common Questions About Independent Pharmacies
Does my insurance work at independent pharmacies?
Yes! Almost all insurance plans work at independent pharmacies, including Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and all major commercial insurances. AV Chemist accepts all major insurance plans.
Are medications more expensive at independent pharmacies?
No. Your copay is determined by your insurance plan, not the pharmacy. In fact, independent pharmacists often save you money by finding generic alternatives and optimizing your therapy.
How hard is it to switch from a chain pharmacy?
Very easy! Call AV Chemist at (929) 387-8111 and we'll transfer all your prescriptions from CVS, Walgreens, or any pharmacy. The process takes 15-30 minutes and you don't need to call your old pharmacy.
Do independent pharmacies offer delivery?
Yes! AV Chemist provides FREE same-day delivery throughout Queens. No fees, no minimums, better service than chains that charge $5-10 or require minimums.
Serving All Queens Neighborhoods
AV Chemist provides independent pharmacy service with free delivery throughout Queens:
- • Glendale
- • Ridgewood
- • Middle Village
- • Maspeth
- • Forest Hills
- • Rego Park
- • Elmhurst
- • Corona
- • Flushing
- • Astoria
- • All Queens!