What Is A Specialty Pharmacy?

If you or a loved one has been prescribed a “specialty medication,” you may be wondering what that means and why it feels different from picking up a prescription at a regular pharmacy. Simply put, specialty medications are used to treat complex or long-term conditions and often require extra care, education, and monitoring to support safe and effective use.

Understanding Specialty Medications

Specialty medications are commonly prescribed for conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, HIV, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, and certain rare or genetic disorders. These medications may be injectable, infused, or taken by mouth, and they often need refrigeration, careful timing, and precise dosing. Because of their complexity, specialty medications usually come with more instructions than typical prescriptions.

If you've been newly diagnosed with a condition that requires a specialty medication, this may all be new to you. Traditional pharmacies aren't equipped to provide the kind of education and ongoing support you need to be comfortable and successful with your treatment plan. That's where specialty pharmacies come in.  

What Makes A Specialty Pharmacy Special?

So what is a specialty pharmacy? A specialty pharmacy is a pharmacy designed specifically to manage these types of medications and the unique needs that come with them. In addition to filling prescriptions, specialty pharmacies help coordinate insurance approvals, manage refills, provide education, and support patients throughout their treatment journey.

You can only get specialty medications from a specialty pharmacy because of the special requirements involved. These medications are often high-cost, require prior authorization from insurance, and must be handled or stored in specific ways. Specialty pharmacies are set up to meet these requirements and to ensure medications are delivered safely and on time. Just as important, they have pharmacists and staff trained to work closely with patients using these therapies.

Community Memorial Specialty Pharmacy holds both URAC and ACHC Specialty Pharmacy accreditations. These designations mean our pharmacy consistently meet the highest standards in drug quality management and patient safety, education, and support. 

Why Your Pharmacy Matters

One of the biggest benefits of a specialty pharmacy is the personalized support it provides. Specialty pharmacists don’t just dispense medication—they become part of your care team. They help you understand how your medication works, how to take it correctly, what side effects to watch for, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right. They can also help coordinate with your doctor if your therapy needs to be adjusted. Click here to learn more about Community Memorial's Specialty Pharmacy team!

While many specialty pharmacies only provide medication delivery, having a face-to-face relationship with your specialty pharmacy adds another layer of comfort and confidence. At Community Memorial Pharmacy, you can walk in, speak directly with a pharmacist, and ask questions in real time. The level of convenience and connection can make a big difference—especially when starting a new medication or managing side effects. When you know your pharmacist and they know you, your care becomes more personal and more responsive. This relationship helps catch issues early, reduces confusion, and supports you in staying on track with your therapy.

Specialty medications can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. A specialty pharmacy is there to provide guidance, education, and ongoing support—so you can focus on your health and quality of life. For more information or to transfer your specialty prescription(s), call 1-844-236-8311 or visit mycmh.org/pharmacy.