As people age, they often develop acute and chronic health conditions that require treatment with prescription medications. In the United States, 89% of seniors aged 65 and older take at least one prescription drug, 80% take at least two and over one-third take five or more prescription medications at any given time. 

Unfortunately, many seniors struggle to manage their prescriptions. Keeping on top of medication schedules, remembering to order refills and traveling to and from their local drug store can be challenging for older adults. Prescription delivery services aim to eliminate many of these challenges, which is why mail-order pharmacies are becoming popular among consumers of all ages.

Also known as online pharmacies, these services offer several advantages for those who may have mobility limitations, or who would benefit from special medication packaging to help them manage multiple prescriptions. And since most online pharmacies have relatively low operating expenses, out-of-pocket medication costs for consumers also tend to be lower. 

In this guide, we compare mail-order pharmacies vs. traditional drug stores. We look at the pros and cons of each, review the differences between brick-and-mortar and online pharmacies, and discuss what seniors should consider when deciding which type of pharmacy best fits their needs. 

What Is the Difference Between Mail-Order and Traditional Pharmacies? 

While mail-order and traditional pharmacies are similar in that they’re government-regulated and must be staffed by licensed pharmacists, there are some notable differences between these two types of pharmacies. 

The main difference is that online pharmacies don’t have brick-and-mortar locations that are accessible to the public. With a mail-order pharmacy, all communication between pharmacy staff, health care providers and customers is done over the phone, through text messaging or emails. This means that online pharmacies can’t provide some health care services offered by drug stores, such as blood pressure checks, flu shots and other vaccinations, and in-person consultations. 

On the other hand, mail order pharmacies can deliver to almost any residential or business address, making it handy for seniors who find it difficult to access their local pharmacy. Another major difference is that some mail-order pharmacies offer unique, customized medication packaging, such as day and time-stamped individual packs that can make taking medications easier and safer for seniors. 

Here are some major differences between mail-order vs. traditional pharmacies:

 Mail-Order Pharmacies

Traditional Pharmacies

  • Usually dispense a 90-day supply of long-term medications.
  • Generally dispense up to a 30-day supply of any given medication at one time.
  • Licensed pharmacists are available by phone, and in some cases, email.
  • Offer in-person consultations with licensed pharmacists.
  • Can't accommodate same-day prescription orders.
  • May offer same-day or next-day local delivery.
  • Prescriptions can be sent in at any time.
  • Operate during set hours.
  • Usually only offer prescription medications and delivery devices (such as insulin syringes).
  • Many also stock a variety of groceries, dry goods, over-the-counter medications and medical devices such as canes, compression stockings and braces.
  • Deliver prescription medications directly to the individual's home, business or virtually any address in the United States.
  • Some insurance providers will only cover medications delivered through one of their partner mail-order pharmacies, and online pharmacies can't accept cash payments.
  • Consumers can pay for prescriptions in several ways, including cash, credit card and through their insurance provider.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Mail-Order Pharmacies vs. Traditional Pharmacies

As with any service, there are many benefits and drawbacks associated with mail-order and traditional pharmacies. 

Pros and Cons of Using Online Mail-Order Pharmacies

Pros:

  • Mail-order pharmacies usually dispense 90 days of medications at a time, which reduces out-of-pocket dispensing fees charged to seniors.
  • Prescriptions can be submitted at any time, including over the weekend and on holidays.
  • Eliminates the need to visit a pharmacy in-person for prescription meds, which can be especially important to seniors, people with mobility issues and anyone who wants to reduce potential exposures to contagious illnesses.
  • Most mail-order pharmacies are always open.
  • Some people prefer the privacy that comes with using a mail-order pharmacy.
  • Most mail-order pharmacies will ship nationwide, which gives seniors the ability to receive their medications at home, work, or their vacation home.

Cons:

  • Online pharmacies use an auto-refill system, so seniors must cancel any unwanted refills well in advance.
  • Seniors who aren't tech-savvy may have difficulty submitting their own prescriptions and managing refills.
  • Same-day prescriptions aren't available.
  • Online pharmacy users don't receive the personalized care they can access at a brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
  • Seniors who fill prescriptions through more than one online pharmacy may face an increased risk of experiencing negative drug reactions.
  • As with any delivery, there's always a risk of loss, theft or delays with mail-order prescriptions.

Pros and Cons of Using Traditional Pharmacies

There are benefits and drawbacks that come with using a traditional pharmacy. These include: 

Pros:

  • Can usually get prescriptions filled within an hour.
  • Offer in-person preventive health services, such as blood pressure checks and flu vaccines.
  • Seniors can consult with a licensed pharmacist at no additional cost.
  • Some pharmacies offer compounding services. 
  • Most pharmacies also sell a selection of personal care items, groceries and over-the-counter medications, which can be convenient for some consumers.

Cons:

  • Most traditional pharmacies will dispense up to a 30-day supply of long-term meds, which increases dispensing costs for the consumer.
  • Immunocompromised individuals may risk exposure to communicable illnesses when visiting a pharmacy.
  • Some pharmacies lack a private consultation area, which can make it difficult for seniors to discuss medical concerns with the pharmacist.
  • Individuals who need pill packs or other special packaging may not be able to access these services at their local pharmacy.
  • Some seniors may feel uncomfortable filling their prescriptions at their local pharmacy due to privacy concerns.

How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Option for You

Knowing which pharmacy option is right for you can be difficult. Here are some points to consider when deciding which type of pharmacy you should use: 

  • Do you have a trusting, professional relationship with your current pharmacist and pharmacy staff?
  • Is your nearby pharmacy easily accessible, and do you feel safe going there? 
  • Are you comfortable discussing your medical concerns in a traditional pharmacy setting, or would you prefer to talk with a pharmacist over the phone?
  • Do you like the idea of having your long-term medications delivered directly to your home, or do you prefer picking them up in person? 
  • If your mobility should change, would you be able to travel to and from your drug store? 
  • Do you live in an area known for inclement weather that can make running errands difficult? 
  • Would you appreciate the privacy that comes with using a mail-order pharmacy? 

FAQs


Do you have to pay to transfer your prescriptions to a mail-order pharmacy?



No. Pharmacies transfer prescriptions at no cost to the individual.


Can you use both an online and traditional pharmacy?



Yes. It’s common to receive long-term medications through a mail-order pharmacy, while also using a local pharmacy for short-term medications such as antibiotics.


Are there any risks involved with using a mail-order pharmacy?



As with traditional pharmacies, medication dispensing errors are exceptionally rare with mail-order pharmacies, but these errors can occur. And because mail-order pharmacies rely on couriers and the USPS to deliver medications, labor disruptions and inclement weather can lead to delays in receiving prescriptions. 

Additionally, individuals who use more than one mail-order pharmacy, or both a mail-order and traditional pharmacy, may be at an increased risk of dangerous drug interactions.