I Will No Longer Patronize CVS Pharmacies: Here’s My Reason
Dr. Arthur Lazarus, an experienced physician and former Doximity Fellow, has publicly announced his choice to stop using CVS pharmacies for personal prescriptions, despite his role as a medical professional. His choice arises from recent alterations in CVS’s operations and policies, which he views as harmful to patient care and convenience.
Voicemail Systems Instead of Personal Interaction
CVS has rolled out a new telephone system that eliminates the option for customers to wait on hold for a pharmacist. Instead, callers are directed into a voicemail system, allegedly aimed at optimizing operations. This system is designed to handle high call volumes and protect staff from encountering abusive situations during busy times. Nevertheless, the reality strikes as a frustrating ordeal for consumers who prefer or need direct human communication rather than an impersonal voicemail. The promised timeline for callbacks is frequently disregarded, causing unnecessary waits, particularly harmful for senior customers or those in urgent situations.
Requirements for Controlled Substances
In addition, CVS has enforced a policy mandating that all prescriptions for controlled substances must include a diagnosis code. This initiative is aimed at curbing fraud and enhancing safety but often leads to delays or the denial of crucial medications. Patients frequently find themselves referred back to their physicians or left without vital medications, potentially resulting in severe consequences, such as life-threatening withdrawal from benzodiazepines. Lazarus criticizes this as a tactic to shield the corporation from government oversight rather than focus on patient safety.
A Plea for Empathetic Care
These policies underscore a concerning trend: corporate efficiency overshadowing patient convenience and care. This is particularly troubling for individuals with chronic health conditions who depend on the prompt and consistent availability of medications. The healthcare system is already overwhelmed, with strained emergency rooms and primary care doctors burdened with excessive paperwork. Such policies intensify these challenges, further diminishing the standard of care.
A Cherished Memory Now Distant
Looking back at the inception of CVS, which was originally known as the Consumer Value Store dedicated to enhancing health through valuable service, Dr. Lazarus mourns its evolution into what he labels a “Corporate Veto System.” By prioritizing operational efficiency and liability safeguards, CVS has separated itself from being a genuine healthcare ally.
Lazarus’s Choice and Aspiration for Reform
As both a consumer and a healthcare provider, Dr. Lazarus finds the current practices of CVS intolerable, leading him to seek out services from independent, community pharmacies that emphasize patient care over corporate directives. He advocates for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient needs, ensuring accessibility and empathy in all facets of patient engagement.