156 RXINSIDER | 2026 PHARMACY500 PLATINUM PAGES
HIGHLIGHTED
PRACTICE SETTINGS
• Community / Retail Pharmacy Resources
• Health System Pharmacy Resources
• Infusion Pharmacy Resources
• Long-Term Care Pharmacy Resources
• Specialty Pharmacy Resources
COMMUNITY / RETAIL PHARMACY OVERVIEW
Independent retail pharmacies are privately owned and operated
pharmacy that provides prescription medications, over-the-counter
(OTC) products, and healthcare services directly to the public.
These pharmacies are typically unaffiliated with large corporate
chains and focus on personalized care, building relationships with
their communities, and tailoring services to meet local needs.
Retail chain pharmacies are pharmacies that operate as part of a
larger corporate network or chain of stores under unified branding,
management, and operational policies. These pharmacies provide
prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and a
variety of health and wellness services to the public. They are typically
integrated into larger retail stores or standalone pharmacy locations
and focus on standardized services across multiple locations.
HEALTH SYSTEM PHARMACY OVERVIEW
Hospital (health system) pharmacies are responsible for
procuring, preparing, dispensing, and managing medications
for patients admitted to the hospital (in-patients) and in
certain cases, patients in the local community (out-patients).
The hospital pharmacy staff ensures the six rights: the
right patient, medication, indication, dose, time, and route).
Hospital pharmacies also provide services like drug therapy
management, clinical consultation, and patient education to
optimize therapeutic outcomes. Hospital pharmacies typically
consist of a team of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and
pharmacy interns who work closely with doctors, nurses, and
other healthcare providers.
Pharmacy500 companies
serve the hospital / health
system pharmacy market.
372
Pharmacy500 companies
serve the community / retail
pharmacy market.
329
6,093
hospitals are in the U.S.
as of 2025.
Source: American Hospital Association
89%
of the U.S. population lives within
5 miles of a pharmacy.
Source: Journal of the American
Pharmacists Association