Every parent knows the headache of getting a sick kid to take their bad-tasting medication.

Strong relationships between physicians and pharmacies ensure customers get the best quality care at the most cost-effective price.

Networking with doctors is smart business for Thomas Garza, head pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe, a San Benito, Texas-based pharmacy.“Our pediatrician colleagues work well with us because they know we work well with their patients,” said Thomas Garza. “When patients have issues, concerns, or questions about their medication, the doctors know our staff gives their full attention to the sick child and their parents.”

Here are three ways Thomas Garza and The Medicine Shoppe win patient referrals from local physicians.

Everyone has a favorite.

The skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs for medication places a stiff financial burden on consumers. Not surprisingly, high deductibles and exorbitant costs have given rise to the trend of “pharmacy hopping,” in which one consumer fills their prescriptions at multiple pharmacies. How can retail pharmacies earn customer loyalty? According to a study conducted by Change Healthcare, the key is to appeal to a patient's emotions.

The veterinary medicine market is booming. 

Pet owners spent an estimated $72 billion on their pets in 2018, $15.5 billion of which was spent on medication for their furry family members.

Retail pharmacies can capture a share of this profitable market by offering veterinary compounding and medicine flavoring.

“It’s safe to say that 65 to 70 percent of the patients [pharmacies] are currently filling scripts for probably have a pet at home,” said Chris Cielewich, Vice President of FLAVORx. “If they’re not getting their prescription from you, then that’s an opportunity to grow your business.”

Sarah Henderson, a Certified Pharmacy Technician who has spent 18 years working in both chain and independent retail pharmacies, believes veterinary medicine is an excellent way for pharmacies to build relationships with their customers.

“I love getting to know the little things about my customers, such as their birthdays or the names of their children or grandchildren,” said Mrs. Henderson. “I even know their pets’ names because they’ve become regulars!”