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Dispensing healthy living

Hernando Today photo by JODY BOWES

Manager Gautam Thakkar counsels customer Nanette Blevins on a new medication.

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By JODY BOWES

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: November 9, 2009

Updated: 11/09/2009 11:04 am

BROOKSVILLE - A new pharmacy in town professes to deliver good, old-fashioned service. Pharmacist Gautam Thakkar and his wife, occupational therapist Heena Thakkar, opened Pine Brook Pharmacy in August. Gautam manages the pharmacy while Heena oversees the business.

Gautam maintains a lifelong passion for helping others. Heena has worked in nursing homes for 15 years and feels a special affinity for assisting aging citizens. They aim to put a face and name to every customer and are working hard to build confidence and help educate patrons and caregivers about medication options, drug interactions, insurance choices, and more. "Whenever someone asks me for help, it makes me happy," states Gautam.

Frequent customer Nanette Blevins, a Spring Hill insurance agent, says she "checked every pharmacy around" and thinks Pine Brook is tops in service and pricing.

"I even checked pricing on my computer, and they matched my best price. The service is really good and the people are friendly."

New customer Dawn Coons from Brooksville saw the sign and came in for a prescription quote. Having no insurance, she is very cost-conscious. "My prescription was $10 less than I usually pay," she said, "and they filled it instantly. I usually have to wait or come back. I will definitely come here again."

Counseling is another priority. Gautam says many customers fall into the Medicare "doughnut hole," having to pay out-of-pocket after reaching their maximum benefit. Pine Brook carries pharmaceutical manufacturer's vouchers and coupons, and participates in a Glaxo Pharmaceuticals program that helps some get free medications.

Pine Brook provides free home delivery, a free "prescription savings club," short wait times for filling prescriptions, automatic refills, large print labels on request, and price matching. A brochure is available detailing their $3 generics. They carry $20 nebulizers which they say usually cost up to $95.

They also carry veterinary medications. Gautam keeps pharmacy technician Nick Periana as busy as possible. New, transferred or refilled prescriptions can be called-in, faxed, or requested via their Web site. The Web site also details their services, has a contact form, and lists savings opportunities.

Gautam works with seniors free of charge to help choose insurance based on medication needs, premiums, co-pays and deductibles. He calls companies to get answers or confirm benefits.

"When I see a senior citizen, I don't just see a customer. I see my parents," he declares. He spoke of a recent delivery to a 90-year-old Brookridge resident. "We delivered medication, Sprite and Advil. She can't get these things for herself."

His service philosophy applies to young patrons, too: "I see my own children in them, and want them to be safe, healthy, and to understand medication options."

Another personal service is their "brown bag" program. Customers bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications, regardless of where they got them. Gautam reviews them to help rule-out potential drug interactions or overdoses, and advises on concerns such as duplicate medications or the best time of day to take certain remedies. He also consults with caregivers.

Pine Brook offers free in-store blood pressure and blood sugar checks, free medication flavoring, and has immunizations available for a nominal fee. They do prescription compounding, create allergy-free formulations, and can change a dosage form, like grinding a solid pill and combining it with liquid. They also carry a small line of cosmetics, vitamins, adult and pediatric cough and cold remedies, first aid and other typical pharmacy fare.

Gautam says he's used to challenges. This former mountaineer climbed to 22,000 feet in the Himalayas, once falling into a crevice, using an ice axe to save himself. The resulting cut on his chin was sutured by a team member using regular needle and thread. He now limits his adventures to raising his family with his wife and to nurturing their newest "baby," the Pine Brook pharmacy.

Pine Brook Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Their Web site also lists an emergency number for off-hour prescription concerns. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, including a Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon.

Biz at a glance:

Name - Pine Brook Pharmacy

Location - 14482 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville (next to the Elks Club, on the west side of the Suncoast Parkway interchange)

Telephone 352-610-4347

E-mail - PinebrookPharmacy@yahoo.com

Web site - www.pinebrookpharmacy.com

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