The clinic serves approximately 14,000 active patients. We had a great time in the pharmacy. This was unlike any other pharmacy in which I have worked. We got the patient charts and were able to see exactly why the provider was prescribing each medication. As many of you know, the Indian Health Services is a pioneer in pharmaceutical care.
Every patient is counseled in a private counseling room before they leave the pharmacy.
Whether the patient is getting a new medication or a refill that they have been taking for 20 years, we make sure that they know how to take their medicine and what it will do for them. All of the patients seem very appreciative and thankful for the health care that they receive. I gained experience in a lot more than filling and counseling prescriptions. I got to teach a prenatal class about taking medication while pregnant or breast-feeding. This was very interesting, because while I was teaching, I was also learning from the women in the class.