title: Changes in number and distribution of community and ambulatory pharmacies in Virginia from 1994 to 1999.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether market changes have resulted in a decrease in the number or geographic distribution of pharmacies available to ambulatory patients in Virginia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review of Virginia Board of Pharmacy records of pharmacy registrations in 1994 and 1999.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Commonwealth of Virginia.
  
  
  METHODS
  All pharmacies classified as outpatient pharmacies (including community and other types of ambulatory pharmacies) and operating in Virginia in 1994 and 1999.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Changes in the total number, geographic distribution, and metropolitan/nonmetropolitan distribution of outpatient pharmacies between 1994 and 1999.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of outpatient pharmacies increased from 1,290 to 1,337 between 1994 and 1999. Chain pharmacies, mass merchandiser, and grocery pharmacies increased in number while independent pharmacies declined. There was little change in the geographic or metropolitan/nonmetropolitan distribution of pharmacies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes in the number and distribution of community and other ambulatory pharmacies in Virginia have not diminished their availability to consumers.
authors: School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
authors: D W
authors: DW
authors: Adams
authors: N V
authors: NV
authors: Carroll
mesh_terms: D010594:Pharmacies; D013997:Time Factors; D014768:Virginia