By Patricia Prewitt
My Personal Rx Advisor
I recently asked a friend for money-saving ideas on everyday expenses, and specifically about prescriptions. The conversation sparked a few ideas to share for this month’s column.
How often do you need to pick up prescriptions? Gas prices being what they are, is it possible to change the cadence of pick up for prescriptions? Check with the pharmacy tech at the next visit to inquire if prescriptions can be adjusted for picking up at the same time. Fewer visits saves time and gas. It might also save money by reducing impulse purchases at the pharmacy.
How would I change the pickup dates? Many local pharmacies offer a medication synchronization programto streamline Rx pickups to once a month. Talk to the pharmacist about aligning your medication refills. This may involve a few extra doses at first to sync up the medications.
Additional benefits: A monthly pick up allows the pharmacist to more easily check for any drug interactions or duplications that might affect your health. Setting up a daily pill organizer becomes easier, too. For caregivers, this can simplify the task of managing prescriptions, especially when patients have chronic health conditions. The medications list can be easily printed and reviewed at the next doctor visit.
What else about timing? It can be confusing to know exactly when to take a medication. Is it with food? Without food? Right before bed? Every eight hours? What does two times a day actually mean? Synchronizing medications offers the perfect time for a pharmacist review to answer questions.
Have you recently moved or retired? Often people choose to refill prescriptions near a work location rather than a home address. If this has changed, perhaps it’s time to change to a local pharmacy. Of course, if you find your pharmacist and support staff are particularly helpful, you may be more inclined to keep things as they are.
How would I transfer a prescription? The best method is to contact the new pharmacy by phone, in person, or using their online portal. Ask the new pharmacy to initiate the transfer for you.They will contact the old pharmacy to obtain your records. Expect the transfer to take 24-48 hours. If no refills remain, it may take more time to contact your prescriber’s office for a new prescription.
What information is needed? All personal details, your prescription plan information/card number, the name, address, and phone number of the current pharmacy that fills your prescriptions, plus the name of the medication, dose, and Rx number. Much of this information can be found on the current prescription bottle.
What else? Once a prescription is transferred, make sure any automatic refills are turned off at the old pharmacy. If you are required to use a mail-order pharmacy it could be a bit harder to make these changes. Look for a specific phone number for the prescription patient advocate or 24-hour pharmacist number on the back of your Rx insurance card. Alternatively, pressing the zero (0) key multiple times will often lead to a human service rep.
Choosing to synchronize prescriptions to a monthly pickup can improve adherence to a needed health regime, saving both gas expenses and time.
Content provided is for education purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. The opinions expressed within are those of the author.
About the Author: Patricia Prewitt is a local Massachusetts resident who spent more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Tricia is a consumer education advocate, and loves helping people find ways to save money on their prescriptions. More information and free resources are available on her website at https://mypersonalrxadvisor.com/resources or call her at 508-507-8840. Favorite Quote: ”Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
