Drug prices are difficult to determine for patients. Drug wholesalers, distributors, healthcare providers, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacists keep prices hidden from the public. But now, that changes.

The Dispatch has analyzed federal drug pricing data, combined with codes attached to each type of drug distributed in the United States, to give the public a better understanding of what their drugs should cost.

The public can use this tool to look up what their pills should cost and compare the numbers with what they are charged at the pharmacy counter or through the mail.

The price listed is the acquisition cost pharmacists are paying from drug wholesalers. It is a baseline. The price does not include pharmacists' dispensing fees, which should be a small fraction. If there is a significant difference in price it's time to start asking questions.