When I lived in Chicago, I went to an urgent care center for 75-percent of my healthcare needs, because it was faster than any other physician service that I found in the city. Normally, my time in the waiting room, until I entered the exam room, was no more than 30 minutes, and considering the urgent care center was right in the heart of downtown, the commute made it a no-brainer.

The part of the ordeal that always seemed to drag was going to the pharmacy afterward, to get my migraine medication filled. There was a Walgreen’s, on what seemed to be, every single corner, but each was very busy, and my wait there often topped an hour. I daydreamed about a more efficient way. Now patients in Anoka, Minnesota are enjoying this luxury, which especially benefits senior citizens.

National Public Radio recently reported that Anoka’s Goodrich Pharmacy has been teaming up with a nearby primary care clinic, and together, physician and pharmacist treat patients. This allows people quicker, and more convenient, patient care.

“collaborative practice agreements” between pharmacists and physicians allow pharmacists to take over medication-related care for patient, so long as changes are communicated to the physician. Other states are testing this service, and growth is expected to continue throughout America.