SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Schnuck Markets is opening a stand-alone pharmacy at a hospital in Illinois with an emphasis on specialty pharmacy services, the supermarket operator said.

Schnucks said the 2,000-sq.-ft. pharmacy at the pavilion of St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Ill., would be its first stand-alone specialty pharmacy in Illinois, specializing in such conditions as HIV, hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, organ transplants and cancers. The pharmacy replaces the specialty pharmacy at a nearby store, though the store's traditional pharmacy will remain.

"Often, the medications that treat these conditions are expensive, require special storage conditions and need prior approval from insurance providers," Schnucks pharmacy supervisor Dave Chism said. "Schnucks understands this and offers several services to assist these patients. The pharmacies work hard to coordinate benefits and care between the patient, physician and insurance provider."

The pharmacy will serve patients and staff of St. John's, as well as the general public, the company said.

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