The benefit of receiving medication from an Accredited Specialty Pharmacy in Jacksonville

What is a specialty pharmacy?

At Ascension Rx Southside Pharmacy in Jacksonville, Florida, we focus on medications that are often high-cost, complex, or require special handling and monitoring. These medications are commonly used to treat conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, HIV, and other chronic or rare diseases. Unlike traditional retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies provide enhanced clinical oversight, prior authorization management, financial assistance, patient education, and coordination with healthcare providers.

What does “accredited” mean in a specialty pharmacy setting?

Accreditation means the specialty pharmacy has been independently evaluated and verified to meet nationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and patient care. Accrediting organizations assess everything from medication storage and dispensing processes to staff training, patient education, privacy protections, and clinical support programs. In short, accreditation confirms that the pharmacy consistently delivers care that meets or exceeds industry best practices.

Why is this accreditation important for patients?

For patients, accreditation translates into peace of mind. It means medications are handled properly, delivered safely, and supported by trained professionals who understand the complexity of specialty therapies. Patients receive clear instructions, ongoing monitoring, and access to pharmacists and care teams who can answer questions, manage side effects, and help ensure medications are taken correctly.

How does an accredited specialty pharmacy improve health outcomes?

Accredited specialty pharmacies emphasize medication adherence, education, and follow-up, all of which are proven to improve outcomes. Patients often receive regular check-ins, refill reminders, and clinical assessments that help identify issues early, before they lead to complications or hospital readmissions. This proactive approach supports better symptom control, fewer interruptions in therapy, and improved overall quality of life.

What does this mean for caregivers and families?

Caregivers and families play a critical role in managing complex conditions. An accredited specialty pharmacy serves as a trusted partner, offering clear communication, educational resources, and ongoing support. This helps reduce confusion, stress, and uncertainty, especially when managing medications that require injections, infusions, or strict dosing schedules.

Does this help reduce healthcare costs for the community?

Yes. By improving adherence, reducing medication errors, and preventing avoidable complications, accredited specialty pharmacies help lower overall healthcare costs. Fewer emergency visits, hospitalizations, and treatment delays benefit not only individual patients but the healthcare system as a whole—making care more efficient and sustainable for the community.

Why does having access to an accredited specialty pharmacy locally matter?

Local access means patients can receive personalized, community-based care rather than navigating distant or unfamiliar systems. It strengthens continuity of care, supports local healthcare providers, and ensures patients receive timely medications without unnecessary delays. Most importantly, it keeps care centered on the patient and their unique needs.

What does this mean for the future of healthcare in our community?

A specialty pharmacy offers the patient an option to participate in our Pharmacy Patient Management Program that provides a higher level of disease state management. Through this program we offer several services:

• Pharmacist provided personal support and personalized care
• Coordination of Care - direct connection with the patient's provider as needed to improve medication turnaround time
• Direct management of medication prior authorization 
• Patient assistance programs to reduce out of pocket costs, our team will fill out the finance assistance application on behalf of the patients 
• 24-hour clinical support
• Adherence / Refill management
• Free, convenient scheduling of medication delivery to patient home

Access to an accredited specialty pharmacy signals a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. It reflects an investment in advanced therapies, safety, and long-term health outcomes. 

To learn more about the Ascension Rx - Southside pharmacy, visit: https://healthcare.ascension.org/locations/florida/fljac/jacksonville-ascension-st-vincents-southside/departments/pharmacy