Walgreens

My most favorite Walgreens. It is super clean and well organized. I never have to wait for my Rx if I call them in. Caroline and other pharmacists are great and take their time to explain everything. They patiently answer all my questions. I love this Walgreens!

Super slow and under staffed. The line constantly has 5 – 7 people in it with another 4 – 5 waiting for their prescription. I finally get to the front of the line after waiting 15 minutes in line to have them tell me is not ready and I have to wait another 20 minutes! Dr sent prescription over an hour before. After almost an hour my refill is ready! !

This pharmacy is in an awesome location right in the lobby of Stanford Cancer Center is great for those getting treatment at the cancer center or the hospital. Walgreens pulled quite a coup getting the lease, didn’t they? Their computer system is hooked right into Stanford’s, so ordering a prescription is extremely easy for doctors and patients.
Their staff, especially Caroline Vo, is extremely helpful despite my being somewhat difficult. I was asked to pick up a bunch of prescription drugs for relative so I can review them with the pharmacist at Stanford Hospital, but the drugs weren’t ready by the time I got to the pharmacy. What’s the next best thing to do? Get a list of the prescriptions so that I can review that list right? I asked the Walgreens staff for the list, but the Walgreens pharmacist, Bill Wong, wouldn’t give it to me citing privacy reasons, but I can pick them up later. I opted to wait for 20 minutes for the drugs while they prepared it, but that left me pretty baffled.
Perhaps California laws create situations like that… :)

Because this drug store is embedded in Stanford University’s medical complex, it can get crazy busy at times. And, as a result, the waiting time tends to drag on.
The pharmacists are huffy and brusque. But the other staff members are genial and accommodating, especially the Asian lady at the first counter facing the entrance. She’s always gracious and helpful.

3 major disappointments:
1. I was hoping to take care of my prescription right before and after my appointment at the main clinic, but it’s not as close to the main clinic, as say, El Camino Medical’s pharmacy which is in the same building. It’s across the entire parking structure, so if you have a bad foot, it’s a pretty good walk. They can give you a ride, and the wait can be quick or up to 5 or so minutes, so don’t expect to be able to finish picking up your prescription for at least 20 minutes. Double this time if you have to drop off the order and then pick it up later.
2. It’s a small pharmacy and not stocked with everything. I had to start taking my prescription at noon that day, and they said they might not have it. There was another OTC medicine I was supposed to take, and they only had the box of 100 tablets ($ 25) instead of anything smaller. I went to Long’s on University to pick up a smaller box for $ 6.
3. The person taking my order (name starts with A) entered in the wrong code. It was later caught by someone else, so I thought that was a bit worrisome.

Aside from the Walgreens stores back in Scottsdale that have drive-​thru pharmacies, this Walgreens Pharmacy at Stanford Hospital provided me with one of the most convenient experiences I’ve ever had with filling a prescription. Great service, no lines, and a peaceful outdoor area to sit at while waiting for my ‘scrip to be ready. Also, parking in the garage next door is free within the first 45 minutes.