Kmart Pharmacies rewards its customers for having all prescriptions filled at one pharmacy

While preparing for the final months of 2009, remember that not only is Kmart a store for holiday gift buying, but it's also a great location for taking care of health and wellness needs during winter and throughout the year. Kmart Pharmacies nationwide are now offering services and rewards to encourage customers to manage their wellness in one place, which includes having all prescriptions filled at one pharmacy.

Consolidating prescriptions helps pharmacists and doctors identify potential problems when a new medication is prescribed, such as a possible drug interaction. To encourage customers to make the switch, Kmart Pharmacy is offering a Kmart gift card of up to $25, valid until Dec. 31, for each prescription transferred, with a limit of four prescriptions and $100 per person. Those who wish to transfer prescriptions and participate in the gift card offer should stop by a local Kmart store and pick up a transfer brochure available at all registers. The Kmart pharmacist can assist with transferring prescriptions.

"When I meet with customers, whether they've been coming here a long time or are new to Kmart Pharmacy, I make sure we talk about all the medications and supplements they take and their diet to help identify any possible interactions," says Jack Hellyer, senior pharmacist at Kmart Pharmacy's Penn Plaza location in New York, N.Y. "Keeping that line of communication open is key, especially since we're in the height of flu season and many customers aren't aware that certain medications can interact with or affect flu vaccines."

In addition to the prescription transfer incentive, participating Kmart Pharmacies are offering seasonal flu vaccines at flu clinics until supplies last. A trained pharmacist gives the shots or nasal sprays in a safe, clean environment. The cost for the flu vaccine varies by state and by health plan and is free of charge to customers covered by Medicare Part B. Those who wish to transfer prescriptions and participate in the gift card offer should stop by a local Kmart store and pick up a transfer brochure available at all registers. The Kmart pharmacist can assist with transferring prescriptions.

Kmart Pharmacy recently received accreditation as a Medicare Accredited Pharmacy and can now offer even more to customers covered by Medicare Part B. Kmart is an accredited retailer recognized to dispense diabetes supplies--plus prescriptions and other forms of health-care services--for Medicare patients. Such accreditation also assures Medicare and other payers that the highest levels of quality are practiced within all areas of Kmart Pharmacies, from business operations to patient-care techniques.

SOURCE Kmart