Aurora Pharmacy

Overview: Aurora Pharmacy was a regional pharmacy chain operating primarily in Wisconsin, integrated within the Aurora Health Care system. Aurora Pharmacy provided prescription fulfillment, immunizations, medication therapy management, and over-the-counter health products, serving both Aurora Health Care patients and the general public. The pharmacies were typically located within or adjacent to Aurora Health Care clinics and hospitals, supporting continuity of care and patient convenience.

Products: Aurora Pharmacy offered a full range of pharmacy services, including prescription medications, immunizations (such as flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines), medication synchronization, medication therapy management, and specialty pharmacy services. The pharmacies also stocked over-the-counter medications, health and wellness products, and durable medical equipment. Aurora Pharmacy was known for its integration with Aurora Health Care’s electronic medical records, enabling pharmacists to collaborate closely with physicians and improve patient outcomes.

Market Position: At its peak, Aurora Pharmacy was one of the largest health system-owned pharmacy chains in Wisconsin, with over 80 locations statewide. Its market position was strengthened by its affiliation with Aurora Health Care, the largest health system in Wisconsin, which provided a steady patient base and opportunities for cross-referrals. Aurora Pharmacy competed with national chains like Walgreens and CVS, as well as independent pharmacies, but differentiated itself through its health system integration and focus on clinical pharmacy services.

Growth: Aurora Pharmacy expanded rapidly in the 2000s, reaching over 80 locations by 2017. However, in 2018, Aurora Health Care merged with Advocate Health to form Advocate Aurora Health, and in 2022, Advocate Aurora Health merged with Atrium Health to create Advocate Health. As part of these consolidations and a shift in strategic focus, Aurora Pharmacy began divesting its retail pharmacy locations. In 2021, Walgreens acquired the prescription files and certain assets of 22 Aurora Pharmacy locations, and several other locations were closed or transitioned to hospital-only pharmacies. By 2023, Aurora Pharmacy had largely exited the retail pharmacy business, with most locations either closed or rebranded under Walgreens or other operators.

Real Estate: Aurora Pharmacy locations were typically 1,500–3,000 square feet, situated within Aurora Health Care clinics, medical office buildings, or as standalone sites in high-traffic retail corridors. The real estate strategy focused on proximity to Aurora Health Care facilities to maximize patient convenience and care integration. With the divestiture of retail operations, most former Aurora Pharmacy sites have been repurposed for other healthcare uses or leased to third-party pharmacy operators. Aurora Health Care’s real estate team continues to manage a large portfolio of medical office and clinic properties across Wisconsin and Illinois.