So here's the inside scoop on what really goes on at your pharmacy. You're given a prescription from your doctor. There are a number of options to get it filled, including by phone, online or in person, but most people just bring it in and wait for it in-store.
You walk in, lurk around the counter until the person speaking with the pharmacy technician leaves, and you "place your order," announcing that you, too, will wait for it. You soon find yourself flipping through magazines and browsing the greeting card section while you hang onto an electronic device you hope will start buzzing any time now. While you're anxiously waiting to be summoned, your pharmacy team is just getting started.
You see, while you're checking out the latest edition of Sports Illustrated, they're trying to decipher your doctor's handwriting to figure out what exactly has been prescribed, the dosage, method of delivery i. And if it's not clear, they'll need to call your physician's office which as you know, never answers the phone. After eventually figuring out what it is you've been prescribed, it needs to be entered into the computer system that tracks your medication history.
Click here to download this explanation of how prescriptions are processed and filled. The pharmacist or pharmacy benefits manager an organization that manages insurance coverage of medicines checks your insurance plan to make sure the medicine prescribed is covered by your insurer.
The pharmacist will communicate to you what medicine you can have and how much it will cost to you. When you first fill a prescription, the pharmacy staff might ask you to leave your card for a while so they can verify your insurance. You may be asked to show your state-issued identification for some medicines, so keep it handy.
The staff will probably ask if you have questions for the pharmacist or ask you to sign a waiver if you don't. Now's your chance to ask any questions you might have thought of since leaving the doctor's office — such as the best time of day to take your medicine, whether it needs to be taken with food, etc.
If the pharmacy seems busy or you don't want to ask about something personal in front of other people, you can always call the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist after you leave. Mention that you just filled your prescription there and you have questions. Your prescription may come with an information sheet from the manufacturer, and probably one from the pharmacy too.
These offer useful information on how best to take that particular medicine and also any side effects to watch out for. If you notice any side effects while taking a medicine — even if you think they're not serious or important — let your doctor know. To find a pharmacy that takes your health plan:.
Prescriptions - how to fill; Medications - how to get prescription filled; Drugs - how to get prescription filled; Pharmacy - mail order; Pharmacy - internet; Types of pharmacies.
Getting prescription medications. Accessed July 15, US Food and Drug Administration website. BeSafeRx: know your online pharmacy. Updated June 23, Ensuring safe use of medicine. Updated September 12, Updated by: Linda J.
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