In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian healthcare has been rapidly evolving.
One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of the pharmacy care clinic: a model that’s transforming how patients access essential healthcare.
Even before the pandemic, the role of pharmacists had seen significant growth, with modern pharmacies becoming hubs of health that offered treatment alongside medication dispensing.
This shift only grew in the years that followed, with many provinces extending the scope of practice for pharmacists in hopes of bridging the growing gap in care people were experiencing across the country.
And with the Canadian Medical Association estimating that 6.5 million Canadians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, the demand for accessible frontline care has never been greater.
For independent pharmacy owners, this presents a pivotal opportunity to lead meaningful change.
Let’s take a closer look at what a pharmacy care clinic is and why this model matters now more than ever.
What is a Pharmacy Care Clinic?
A pharmacy care clinic is a pharmacy-based model that expands the role of pharmacists from dispensing medications to delivering a variety of clinical services.
It empowers pharmacists to be more involved in patient health journeys, offering frontline care that is accessible, timely, and rooted in the community.
Core Services
While services may vary across the country based on provincial regulations, here are some of the services typically offered:
- Immunizations (e.g., flu shots, COVID-19 boosters)
- Injections (such as B12, or contraception)
- Point-of-care testing (blood pressure, A1C, cholesterol)
- Minor ailment treatment (prescribing for conditions like UTIs, cold sores, or allergies)
- Lab test ordering (where permitted)
- Prescription renewals and adaptations
These services reduce the need for unnecessary walk-in clinic or ER visits, delivering faster care when patients need it most or during times when patients are between primary care physicians.
Advanced Clinical Interventions
Beyond basic services, many pharmacy care clinics provide:
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
- Comprehensive Medication Reviews
- Chronic Disease Monitoring (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
These clinical touchpoints help patients stay on track with their treatment plans, avoid complications, and feel more supported between appointments with their family doctor.
Care Integration & Collaborative Practice
Pharmacy care clinics also serve as connectors within the broader healthcare system by facilitating:
- Physician referrals
- Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs)
- Shared care models with family medicine and specialists
This integrated approach ensures patients receive seamless care. As trusted community professionals, pharmacists are in a prime position to close this gap.
Patient Experience & Care Journey
A pharmacy care clinic is about delivering a better care journey from the patient’s perspective.
From the first interaction to ongoing follow-up, the experience is designed to be more human, more convenient, and more impactful.
Accessibility & Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of pharmacy care clinics is their ability to meet patients where they are.
Doctors’ offices and walk-in clinics often face long wait times. Pharmacy care clinics help improve accessibility, easing the burden on the healthcare system by filling gaps in care. Pharmacy care clinics often feature:
- Walk-in availability for urgent needs
- Online booking systems for easy scheduling
- Convenient locations in community neighbourhoods
- Hours that often extend beyond 9-5
By reducing logistical barriers, pharmacies are creating a more approachable path to care.
Personalized Consultations
Once through the door, patients experience a new level of personalized attention. Pharmacists in care clinics are trained to look beyond the prescription and understand the whole patient.
- Private consultation rooms support sensitive conversations
- Thorough medication reviews uncover potential issues before they escalate
- Time for patient education builds trust and adherence
This deeper level of interaction creates relationships that lead to better long-term outcomes.
Continuity & Outcomes
Pharmacy care clinics are well-positioned to provide ongoing support. This is especially important for patients with chronic conditions or complex medication needs.
- Scheduled follow-ups support chronic disease management
- Medication adherence tracking helps patients stay on plan
- Fewer emergency room visits and better overall health results
This continuity of care leads to more empowered patients and less strain on the broader healthcare system.
Benefits to Patients & Communities
When pharmacy care clinics succeed, communities thrive. Let’s take a look at how these services are creating ripple effects across local populations.
- Timely access to essential services without delays
- Improved accessibility for people in rural or underserved areas
- Reduced healthcare costs by preventing complications early
- Improved chronic care control through consistent follow-up
- Expanded preventive and wellness services to help patients stay healthier longer
From convenience to cost savings, the impact is deeply valuable to both patients and the healthcare system.
Strategic Advantages for Independent Pharmacies
The rise of pharmacy care clinics is a public health win and is a strategic growth opportunity for independent pharmacy owners. Embracing this model can unlock new dimensions of relevance and revenue.
Business Differentiation
Today’s consumers are looking for more than just a place to fill a prescription. By transforming your pharmacy into a care destination, you set yourself apart in a highly competitive landscape.
- Enhanced reputation as a local health leader
- Loyalty from patients who value personalized care
- Community trust built through ongoing relationships
This shift from transaction to transformation strengthens your long-term position in the market.
Revenue Diversification
With dispensing becoming increasingly commoditized, adding clinical services opens the door to new and sustainable income streams.
- Billable services such as medication reviews and immunizations
- Fee-for-service models through provincial programs
Pharmacy care clinics help ensure your business is not only resilient but also future-ready.
Implementation Roadmap
Setting up a pharmacy care clinic is an exciting opportunity, but it requires thoughtful planning and structured execution.
This roadmap will help independent pharmacy owners visualize what’s needed to build a successful model that meets both patient expectations and operational requirements.
Infrastructure & Staffing
Before delivering clinical services, it’s essential to have the right environment and team in place. A well-designed space signals professionalism and sets the stage for high-quality care.
- Dedicated consultation rooms that ensure privacy and compliance
- A designated clinic area within the pharmacy for seamless service delivery
- Pharmacists and staff trained in patient assessment, injections, and clinical protocols
These investments help build a strong foundation for patient trust and operational efficiency.
Technology & Systems
With the right technology, pharmacy care clinics can streamline service delivery, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the patient experience. This may include:
- Online booking platforms that allow patients to see your services and schedule appointments easily
- Secure systems for documentation and health data management
- Digital tools for patient communication, reminders, and care tracking
- Online medication refill request apps to streamline internal systems, like the Rx2GO and GetMyRx features in the MyRxLink app offered to Members under the PharmaChoice and RxHealthMed banners
Integrating digital tools also supports continuity and improves service scalability over time.
Standards & Protocols
To ensure consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance, care clinics must operate with clearly defined clinical standards.
- Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) where permitted
- Documented clinical care pathways based on evidence and guidelines
- Risk management protocols and liability coverage to protect your team
Standardized procedures support confident care delivery and reinforce your clinic’s credibility.
Reimbursement & Financial Viability
Understanding how to bill and sustain the clinic financially is a key part of long-term success, but there are a few things you can consider as you navigate this process:
- Access to provincial billing codes and fee-for-service models
- Government pilot programs or incentives that can offset initial startup costs
- Cash models for services not covered by public plans, offering flexibility for patients and additional income for pharmacies
Beyond that, your pharmacy will benefit from ongoing financial return from improved medication management and expanded service offerings
These revenue channels help turn your clinical services into a predictable and scalable business stream.
Challenges & Risk Management
While pharmacy care clinics offer incredible opportunities, they also come with challenges that require proactive planning. Addressing these barriers early on helps reduce disruptions and build a smoother pathway to success.
Workflow Balancing
Adding clinical care to your existing operations can stretch time and resources. A well-balanced workflow keeps the pharmacy running efficiently without compromising service quality.
- Designated staffing roles to separate dispensing and clinical responsibilities
- Smart scheduling strategies to minimize bottlenecks
- Ongoing communication between front-end and clinical teams
This structure ensures the clinic runs smoothly alongside your dispensing operations.
Legal & Regulatory Barriers
Regulatory frameworks vary across provinces, which can impact the types of services pharmacists are permitted to provide.
- Differences in the scope of practice depending on location
- Varying requirements for physician referrals
- Ongoing updates to provincial policies that require monitoring
Working with your provincial pharmacy association and the PharmaChoice Canada support team can help you stay informed and compliant.
Training & Competency Needs
Clinical services require pharmacists to expand their skill set beyond traditional dispensing roles. Ensuring your team is confident and capable is vital to success.
- Access to continuing education in clinical assessment and communication
- Mentorship or shadowing opportunities with existing clinic models
- Internal standards for maintaining ongoing competencies
This investment in your team builds a strong foundation for high-quality care.
Future Trends & Innovation
Pharmacy care clinics are still evolving, and forward-looking pharmacy owners can position themselves to stay ahead of the curve. The next generation of care will be increasingly tech-enabled and prevention-focused.
Some future trends may include:
- Virtual consultations that allow patients to access care from home
- Expanded point-of-care testing for rapid diagnostics
- Preventive health programming that supports wellness and lifestyle change
- Participation in interprofessional digital networks to share health information and collaborate in real time
These innovations will help pharmacy care clinics grow into comprehensive community health hubs.
Role of PharmaChoice Canada
At PharmaChoice Canada, we understand that independent pharmacy owners are deeply rooted in their communities and want the freedom to serve them in meaningful ways.
That’s why we offer support systems that allow you to maintain your independence while expanding your clinical service offerings.
Whether you need assistance with documentation protocols, staff education, or workflow integration, our team is ready to support your success.
Ultimately, you remain in control of your business decisions, but with a national support network behind you, you’re never left to figure it all out alone.
PharmaChoice Canada is here to empower you so you can focus on what matters most: improving the health of your community while building a stronger, more resilient business.
Build a Thriving Independent Pharmacy with PharmaChoice Canada
Pharmacy care clinics are redefining what’s possible in community healthcare. They provide timely access to vital services, support patients through personalized and consistent care, and offer new growth paths for independent pharmacy owners.
From helping Canadians manage chronic conditions to filling gaps in primary care, this model is transforming local pharmacies into pillars of frontline health.
Ready to evolve your pharmacy into a thriving healthcare destination?
Join PharmaChoice Canada and gain the freedom, support, and tools to usher in new growth for your independent pharmacy.
