After being told that my eye was inflamed for the second time this
month, I sallied forth to get my Tobradex.  Being a savvy shopper of
the Dr. Michael stamp, I decide to go to Sam's Club, which like
Costco, does not require a membership card for visiting the pharmacy.

When the total came to $62, I was a little surprised because only a few
weeks ago, I bought the same prescription from Walgreen's or
Eckerd's and got a better price.  Never mind that, what's a few
more dollars?

Then I ran into a bigger problem.  Sam's Club only accepts Discover
cards or debit [Costco only accepts American Express and debit].  I was
completely exasperated because I had gone out of my way to visit the
wholesaler and was only somewhat appeased when the pharmacist offered
to call ahead to the K-Mart near my house.  Having already spent most
of the morning driving between the house, the eye doctor and the
pharmacist, I was not a happy man.

Upon arrival at K-Mart, I was handed my medication and the preposterous
bill for $76.  There was no way I was going to pay $78 for Tobradex.
There was just no way.  After treating the pharmacist to a detailed
account of all the prices I've encountered on my way to K-Mart, I got
my just desserts.  Since the competition between pharmacies is fierce,
K-Mart offered to match my lowest price.

So, the lessons to be derived from this little story are threefold.
First, there is no surefire hierarchy of price-dom.  Some drugs at
wholesalers may cost even more than your regular chain retailer.
Second, Dr. Michael told me to check prices by phoning ahead, I
didn't listen and it ended up costing me two hours of my life running
between pharmacies.  Third, pharmacies want your business so use that
leverage to get your self a sweet deal at the most convenient location.