Head to the pharmacy instead of the waiting room

As the health care system evolves, pharmacies are taking on more and more primary care responsibilities. Since 1 January, the Ada symptom checker in the Compassana app has been referring users with specific symptoms to pharmacies.

More than just medication: what pharmacies have to offer now
Dispensing medication is just one of the many services provided by pharmacies. Depending on availability, the following services may be offered:

• discreet personal consultation in a separate room
• basic diagnostic services
• dispensing specific prescription medicines where medically indicated

This means that pharmacies are now providing services that were previously often the remit of GPs – competently and with minimal barriers to access, without the long waiting times associated with GP appointments.

Transparent cost breakdown
Many health insurance companies cover pharmaceutical consultations at pharmacies, for example for customers insured under the Helsana insurance plans BeneFit PLUS Flexmed, BeneFit PLUS Telmed and PREMED-24. These costs are also covered by the Groupe Mutuel PrimaFlex plan. Not only does Compassana clearly display the relevant contact points, it also provides information on what is covered by the charges. Once a symptom check has been completed, an appointment at the pharmacy can be booked directly; it goes without saying that the conventional “walk-in” option is still available.

This allows customers to find the best place to get the help they need quickly, conveniently and reliably.

Targeted referral to pharmacies bolsters primary care, eases pressure on GPs and has clear advantages for customers:

• swift access to a qualified consultation
• often less costly than a doctor’s visit
• Particularly effective for acute, non-urgent complaints