Pharmacies as alternative sources of medical care: the case of Cincinnati.

Since the distribution of pharmacies is more equal, vis-a-vis population, than the distribution of physicians in Cincinnati the feasibility of using pharmacies as supplements to the primary care system was explored. In a sample of 108 pharmacies, it was found that 13% of the customer population asked medically related questions; pharmacists estimated that on average some 35% of their customers ask such questions. Women ask questions more frequently than men. Some 61% of the pharmacists would be willing to write and fill prescriptions should such a law be enacted in Ohio. If such a law were to be enacted consumer education and architectural modification of pharmacies would enhance the use of pharmacies as sources of medical care.