Independent Pharmacy Overcomes Crisis with Community and Telehealth Help

In a recent interview with Dermatology Times, Michael Rubio, PA-C, a practicing PA and founder and medical director of Well Revolution, discussed the evolving landscape of healthcare accessibility and the challenges faced by small, independent pharmacies.Rubio’s discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining access to care, particularly in light of a recent fire that devastated a longstanding independent pharmacy in Williamsburg, New York.

A Pharmacy’s Resilience in the Face of Disaster

City Chemist, an independent pharmacy owned by Robert Mattera, has been a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community for over 40 years. Mattera built his business on personalized service and trust, surviving the emergence of large pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. However, on January 25, a fire destroyed his pharmacy, leaving him without a storefront and at risk of losing his loyal patient base.¹

Despite this devastating loss, Mattera quickly mobilized to continue serving his patients. He began filling prescriptions at a City Chemist location in Long Island City and personally delivering medications to approximately 20 locations daily throughout Williamsburg. Additionally, local businesses, including a podiatrist’s office and Tony’s Pizza, stepped in as temporary prescription pickup locations. Meanwhile, Mattera is actively securing a new location just a few blocks away to rebuild and restore his pharmacy’s presence in the community.¹

Telehealth as a Safety Net

Rubio emphasized that Well Revolution had an existing partnership with City Chemist before the fire, aimed at improving access to healthcare for the pharmacy’s patients. Recognizing the immediate need, Well Revolution waived its $50 prescription fee for City Chemist patients, ensuring continuity of care during the crisis.¹ This initiative prevented patients from transferring their prescriptions to larger chain pharmacies and allowed Mattera to maintain his business during the transition period.

Challenges in Healthcare Accessibility

Beyond this specific incident, Rubio highlighted broader challenges in the US healthcare system, particularly in New York. Despite a high density of providers, long wait times and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder patient access to care. Well Revolution aims to address these gaps by offering rapid response times, extended hours, and 7-day availability. Their telehealth model is particularly beneficial for working-class individuals, such as teachers, construction workers, and law enforcement officers, who often struggle to take time off for medical visits.

Dermatology has emerged as Well Revolution’s most popular service due to its visual nature, allowing patients to submit photos for remote assessment. This approach simplifies the diagnostic process and reduces barriers to care for individuals with demanding schedules.

The Future of Community Healthcare

The case of City Chemist underscores the importance of independent healthcare providers in local communities. Mattera’s resilience and commitment to his patients exemplify the vital role these businesses play in ensuring access to essential medications and services. However, as healthcare systems consolidate and larger corporations dominate the industry, independent providers face increasing challenges in maintaining their presence.

Rubio remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility through Well Revolution, advocating for telehealth solutions that prioritize patient convenience and timely care. His partnership with Mattera demonstrates how innovation and community support can sustain small businesses during crises, preserving the personalized care that patients value.

The fire that destroyed City Chemist was a severe setback, but through determination and collaboration, both Mattera and Well Revolution are ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted.

References

1. Ulrich K. Williamsburg pharmacy owner keeps serving customers after devastating fire. News Article. News 12 Brooklyn. Published February 4, 2025. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://brooklyn.news12.com/williamsburg-pharmacy-owner-keeps-serving-customers-after-devastating-fire