What is an “Apothecary?”

The word “Apothecary” [ uh-poth-uh-ker-ee ] is an old-fashioned word for the modern day pharmacy or drugstore. We decided to use the word, “Apothecary” in the naming of our business because we wanted to be “a drugstore the way it used to be.” But don’t let the old-fashioned name fool you, we are a modern day full service retail pharmacy wrapped in a charming blanket of nostalgia.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

We have been in business as Lee’s Inlet Apothecary since 2002. That is over 20 years of Independent Pharmacy in Murrells Inlet. Our Owner and Pharmacist-In-Charge, Willie Lee, has been a Pharmacist in the area since 1988.

WHAT IS THE APOTHECARY DIFFERENCE?

The Apothecary Difference is our commitment to Customer Service above all, especially, the quality of our patient’s care. Our vision when we opened in 2002 was to build a Pharmacy where our trusted pharmacists could provide the personal attention and compassionate care that people deserve. WHETHER IT’S KNOWING OUR CUSTOMERS BY NAME, sending THEM home with a can of CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP when they’re sick, OR taking the time to call them the next day to check in, The Apothecary Difference is built into the fabric of who we are and how we do Pharmacy. We hope you feel it as soon as you step in our doors!

 WHY CHOOSE AN INDEPENDENT PHARMACY?

There are many reasons to choose an Independent Pharmacy, one of the biggest being that you and your family deserve the best pharmacy care. Our simple mission has always been to help people realize they don’t have to settle for the cold and frustrating world of corporate pharmacies and that an Independent can do almost anything the Big Box Stores can do, we just do it better.

Other reasons to shop independently include – 

• -Being able to easily speak directly with a Staff Member, Technician or Pharmacist when you call in. (i.e. No talking to a ROBOT)
• Receiving Special Ordered Medications NEXT DAY rather than waiting a Full Week. (Big Box Stores typically only order ONCE A WEEK, Lee’s Inlet Apothecary Orders DAILY)
• Convenience of Curbside & Delivery Service
• Being a Name, Not just a Number
• -Being Confident in 20+ Years of Exceptional Pharmacy Care and Trusted Local Pharmacists who have dedicated their professional lives to a high standard of pharmacy.
• Supporting a Local Business & thus giving back to the community you live in and love.

DO YOU ACCEPT PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE?

We do! And we’re so glad you asked. It is a very common misconception that Independent Pharmacies cannot bill insurance. However, we do, all day…everyday. We gladly accept Most Major Prescription Insurance Plans and offer Fair Cash Pricing to Out-of-Pocket Customers. Have a question about your specific plan, give us a call today! (843) 651-7979

DOES IT COST MORE TO SHOP AT AN INDEPENDENT PHARMACY?

Because we bill your Prescription Insurance Plan, pricing should be competitive with Big Box Stores. This is because your Prescription Insurance dictates the pricing of your medications, not the Pharmacy itself. You can rest assured that shopping here should not cost you more.

For our Out-Of-Pocket Customers, we offer Fair Cash Pricing based on our own Lee’s Inlet Apothecary Pricing Plan. We are committed to offering you the best price we can.

DO YOU ACCEPT GOODRX?

Prescription Discount Cards like GoodRx are a tricky business. While their commercials and other marketing are extremely captivating, there’s a reason their pricing can seem too good to be true. At Lee’s Inlet Apothecary, we do not accept GoodRx, however, we are happy to check the GoodRx Price and see if we can match it. If we cannot, we will be honest with you and offer you our best cash price. The main reason we do not accept GoodRx is because GoodRx charges the Pharmacy on the back end for the discount they offer the consumer. GoodRx has also been accused of selling the protected Health Information of the customers who use their program to corporations and advertisers. (I don’t know if we can say this…)

How often do you get a delivery of your stocked and special ordered medications?

Daily! Unlike Larger Chain Pharmacies, INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES LIKE LEE’S INLET APOTHECARY HAVE THE FREEDOM TO ORDER FROM MANY SUPPLY WAREHOUSES AND ORDER DAILY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE MEDICINES YOU NEED. If something is out of stock, we will receive it NEXT DAY, Monday through Saturday, unless there is an extenuating circumstance. What does this mean for you? It means that YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS ARE LESS LIKELY TO BE ON BACK ORDER OR OUT-OF-STOCK at Lee’s Inlet Apothecary. MOST LARGER CHAIN PHARMACIES ONLY ORDER once a Week. Larger Chain Pharmacies also only order THEIR MEDICINE FROM ONE WAREHOUSE SUPPLIER which BOTTLENECKS THEIR SUPPLY CHAINS.

DO YOU DELIVER?

Yes! We deliver prescriptions to customers in the Murrells Inlet area and beyond Monday – Friday. You may have seen our “Drug Bug” scooting around the community a time or two. If you would like to get set up for delivery, please give us a call at (843) 651-7979. There is a $4 Delivery Fee for Prescription Deliveries.

WHAT IS CURBSIDE SERVICE?

Curbside Service is our answer to the drive-thru of a larger chain pharmacy. If you are sick, have a sleeping baby in the car, or just need to stay put, let us come to you! Give us a call when you get in the parking lot and we will bring your prescription out to you and handle the transaction from there. 

WHY DOES SHOPPING LOCALLY MATTER?

When you shop locally, you are directly impacting your community for the better. Local Businesses are more likely to give back to their community through Charitable Donations, Local Sponsorships, and More. They invest back into their community, use local resources, and provide goods and services tailored to the people living in the area. Finally, by supporting local business, you are fostering the local growth that is essential to keeping your hometown alive and revitalized.

We love this quote by Anna Lappe “every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” We like to think by supporting your local businesses you are casting a vote for a world where small business still matters