Often, a patient may need a compound drug because they need a different strength or form than the commercially available version, or a drug company has stopped making a drug because it is not profitable. Also, a lot of people are allergic to inactive ingredients such as preservatives or dyes often found in available drug forms. These compounded medications are sometimes called ‘mixed' drugs when prescribed by physicians.. This way, the pharmacist is able to adjust the drug ingredients to make individualized medications for patients. Benefits: Special compounding allows for special flavorings...

Medication delivery is a practice almost unheard of in the 21st century. Consistent with HealthSmart Pharmacy's friendly small town feel, they offer next day medication delivery to local residents. Doug explains this decision simply by saying "many patients are shut-ins and cannot drive to get their medications. For local patients within reasonable proximity, we will deliver to them." HealthSmart Pharmacy steps in to make sure that people who need their medication delivered receive the service. Quick and easy drive through service is also available for customers who do not have time to...

Owner and Pharmacist of HealthSmart Pharmacy Mooresville is Doug Balog, R. Ph. who prefers just ‘Doug' to his colleagues and customers. Doug's interest in pharmacy stemmed from growing up in Follansbee, West Virginia, down the street from an independent Pharmacy. There was an independent pharmacy that operated adjacent to the Board's building, and the world of pharmaceuticals began to intrigue him. Doug worked the front counter of a pharmacy while attending West Virginia University intending to become a pharmacist. It was there that he met his wife, Lorrie, and in 1995, became a board certified...

Private is a familiar word, and more likely than not it is associated with the public's loss of privacy. HealthSmart Pharmacy is doing their part to change that. Many people have questions about their medication or medical supplies and some of these questions can be downright embarrassing. Since no one wants strangers privy to their medical issues, HealthSmart Pharmacy has a private consultation room. If a patient needs to ask questions about their medication, they can go into a room, shut the door, and ask their questions in private. According to the October 2008 online Reader's Digest article...

Stocking unique products is part of what makes HealthSmart Pharmacy a worthy competitor in Mooresville. One of the products they offer is a dental line of products called Oxyfresh. Normally sold only in dental offices, Oxyfresh has toothpaste and dental floss for people with porcelain implants and other dental work. It is non abrasive and alcohol free- "better hygiene for worked on mouths" says Doug. HealthSmart also carries a topical gel or spray called Biofreeze. Biofreeze is a product recommended by chiropractors and used for muscle and joint pain, now available at HealthSmart. HealthSmart...

HealthSmart's Mission: To provide community pharmacy services along with durable medical supplies to the community in an efficient and cost effective manner. We will also provide patient counseling to increase knowledge in these areas. Home Town Pharmacy: It is Doug's intention that HealthSmart Pharmacy has a local hometown feel. Since Doug is at the pharmacy ninety percent of the time, most customers are able to see and talk to Doug when they walk in the door. Add this to the fact that there is a private consultation room and and you'll realize, Doug and HealthSmart Pharmacy provides for comfortable,...

People are wondering whether or not generics or compunded medications are safe or as effective as their name brand counterparts. Doug quells these suspicions simply. "Generic prescriptions are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are rated." The higher the rating, the closer the product is to the name brand version. The highest rating, designated as an AB rating, means that the generic product is equivalent to the name brand product."We do not substitute an oral generic product for a name brand one unless it is AB rated" says Doug. "We would not substitute a product that...

HealthSmart also accepts most insurance plans, consistent with what other pharmacies accept. As far as cost is concerned, those with prescription insurance pay the same at HealthSmart that they would pay elsewhere. For those individuals without prescription insurance, HealthSmart matches prices that other pharmacies offer. "Pricing should not be an issue when you choose where to fill your prescriptions," insists Doug. HealthSmart Pharmacy is constantly trying to improve, giving them an edge in the competitive pharmaceutical market. There is good news for local Medicare and Medicaid patients-...