The Rainy Lake Medical Center board of trustees and executive team are excited to announce a date has been set for the merger with City Drug.
On December 11, City Drug will officially become Rainy Lake Pharmacy, a move that has support from both organizations. While the name will change, all current City Drug staff, pharmacists, services and hours of operation will remain the same under the new ownership.
RLMC CEO Robb Pastor assured the community that RLMC will continue the legacy City Drug owner Gary Anderson and his family have created throughout the years.
“City Drug has an experienced, knowledgeable team of employees who we’re excited to welcome into the RLMC family,” Pastor said. “We’re honored to continue the legacy the Anderson family has built in this community. We understand the dedication of City Drug’s loyal customers for more than 100 years and look forward to continuing that same great service.”
Preparations to ensure a smooth transition are underway, but likely will generate questions about what to expect from the community. We’ve compiled a series of frequently asked questions to help ease any concerns for the future of Rainy Lake Pharmacy:
Q: I received a letter from my prescription insurance company that I will have to switch pharmacies. Is that true?
A: No. Rainy Lake Pharmacy will be able to accept your current insurance. You DO NOT need to switch pharmacies. As of December 11, 2023, City Drug will officially be named Rainy Lake Pharmacy. Both teams are working behind the scenes to ensure that everything will carry over and very little changes – other than a new name – will be noticed by the public. We’re excited to continue serving the community with the same staff and services.
Q: How can I request a refill of my prescriptions?
A: The same way you always have, plus a few new options. The pharmacy’s phone number (218.283.3061) will remain the same, and you can still call in/leave a voice message to have your prescription refilled. You can also use the Refill Quick app on your mobile device BEGINNING Dec. 11. City Drug does not yet have this capability. To access the app:
- Visit https://Refillquick.com or download the app on your App or GooglePlay store by searching “RefillQuick”
- Enter Rainy Lake Pharmacy’s phone number: 218.283.3061
- Submit refills with your name and RX#
- Speak to a pharmacy staff member
Q: When is the final day I can have City Drug fill my medications?
A: To ensure the transition leading up to December 11, 2023 – the first day Rainy Lake Pharmacy takes ownership – is smooth, any outstanding prescription under the City Drug name will need to be picked up by the end of the business day on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. After that, our technology team will switch over systems from City Drug to Rainy Lake Pharmacy. If you need a refill on your medication after December 9th, we will fill them under Rainy Lake Pharmacy moving forward.
Q: Will Rainy Lake Pharmacy still sell gifts and over-the-counter products?
A: Yes. We’re proud of the over-the-counter selection and gift section City Drug now offers and look forward to continuing that.
Q: Will Rainy Lake Pharmacy on Highway 71 remain open?
A: No. We feel we can better serve our community in one location, 314 Third Street. As of December 8, 2023, the 1580 Highway 71 location will close (the phone number should roll over to the City Drug phone number for at least 90 days). All prescriptions will be transferred over to the current City Drug location at 314 Third Street.
Q: If you have refills on file with City Drug, what happens to them when it changes to Rainy Lake Pharmacy?
A: There are two scenarios, but it will be business as usual for the patient perspective.
- If you need a refill on a prescription already currently filled, simply call the pharmacy to request a refill on your prescription or bring in your current prescription bottle and the pharmacy will refill your prescription.
- If you have a prescription on HOLD, that has never been filled, we will need a new prescription from your provider. The patient or pharmacy can call the provider for a new prescription to be sent over to the pharmacy.
