Perkins Drugs & Gift Shoppe

Andrew Finney, - Owner/Pharmacist
Justin Kirby, - Pharmacist
Beth Livingston, - Pharmacist
Sara Jones, - Pharmacist
Jennifer Hawkins, - Pharmacist
Jessica Lampley, - Resident Pharmacist

Sam Rickman, DPh - Pharmacist
Ferrell Haile, DPh - Pharmacist
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Perkins Drugs opened on the square in Gallatin in 1895 by a pharmacist named Claude Perkins. He operated the store until 1926 when Andrew Bolin Perkins came from Hartsville and bought the store. There was no family connection - just a coincidence that both were named Perkins. Mr. Bolin operated a very successful business and became a well respected and active member of this town. His son, Tommy Perkins, attended the University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy and after graduating served in the military during the Korean conflict. After that, he returned to Gallatin and became part of Perkins Drugs with his father. In the late 1950s Tommy took over the store during his father's failing health.

In 1964, Tommy bought property on Hartsville Pike and built what was known as Perkins #2. At that time the only things out that far were a service station, the new hospital, and Perkins. At that time Tommy hired Sam Rickman to run the new store. And, in 1967 he became a full partner. In the 1970s the store downtown closed and moved to the Hartsville Pike location. At that time the property adjacent was purchased from Stasks and the present Gift Shoppe was added to the original building.

In 1988 Ferrell Haile purchased Tommy Perkins' interest in Perkins Drugs and he and Sam Rickman became partners. Even though no Perkins was associated with the drug store then, the owners did not want to change the name of a drug store that had been such a part of Gallatin history.

In 2000, pharmacist Nancy Cohen came to Perkins. Sadly, on September 17, 2012, Nancy and her husband Gary were killed in a plane crash. Nancy was loved by the staff and patients. She will always be a part of Perkins and we miss her deeply.

In 2005 Andrew Finney came to work as a pharmacist at Perkins, just out of University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy. In 2009 Andrew became a full partner with Sam and Ferrell.

On January 1, 2012 Andrew Finney became full owner of Perkins Drugs.

Perkins Drugs is proud of its history and service to Gallatin and Sumner County for over 121 years, making it the oldest business in Gallatin.
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Perkins Drugs - Specialty Services

The pharmacy at Perkins Drugs does most everything that a retail drug store can do; process and fill prescriptions, counsel patients on their medications, screen the patient's medication profile for drug interactions, accepts almost all prescription insurance plans, including Medicare. Our pharmacists can also check your blood pressure, pulse, perform a simple physical examination, assist with over the counter medications/treatments, and assess many other needs in a professional manner on an everyday basis. However, there are a number of services that Perkins Drugs provides that set us apart from the rest.

Compounding

One practice that distinguishes Perkins Drugs from the competition is that we compound many specialty medications that are prescribed by a physician or other medical provider for individualized therapy. These medications may be topical such as creams, gels, or ointments. Perkins also compounds many medications meant for internal use such as specific doses of medications not available in liquid form or a certain mouthwash with various components. This practice is done to the specifications of the prescriber and is unique to each patient.

Immunizations

In 2006 Perkins Drugs began immunizing the public against influenza. Each fall/winter, Perkins hosts an in store walk-up flu clinic. Following this, flu shots are available throughout the flu season by appointment but in most cases, can be given within a few minutes of simply coming to the store.

Perkins Drugs also offers Zostavax® injection for the prevention of shingles. This medication is covered by some insurance plans including Medicare Part D. This service is subject to the availability of the vaccine. Zostavax� is typically in stock and requires a prescription and appointment before it may be administered by the pharmacist. Other vaccination/injectible services are available in which the pharmacist works together with a patient's provider. Please call with any questions or needs for this specialty service.

Medication Therapy Management

Medication Therapy Management is a process whereby the pharmacist collaborates with the patient and physician, as a team, to optimize the patient's medication profile. This generally takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for the pharmacist to analyze the medications a patient is on, go over the specific diseases a patient has, take a complete medication history, list any drug or food allergies, and any other pertinent information needed to thoroughly evaluate what things might need to be addressed. This may include drug interactions, duplication of therapy, appropriate indications/dosages for a particular drug, education on medication side effects and usage, as well as instructing proper technique with difficult to use devices used in the delivery of medication ( inhalers, injectibles, etc.). This service is covered by some insurance plans including some Medicare Part D plans but is also available for a fee to any patient.

Medicare Supplies

Perkins Drugs is also a provider of certain Medicare Part B supplies and medications. Some breathing medications and diabetic testing supplies are not billed through traditional pharmacy mechanisms. These medications and supplies require extensive paperwork and documentation as well as specific billing requirements. Perkins Drugs will take the headache out of obtaining these Medicare covered products.