How to Order Prescriptions from a Specialty Pharmacy

Specialty pharmacies exist to make it easier for patients to receive their medications. They also provide effective delivery of prescriptions that are bulky or require special handling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A prescription coverage program
• A prescription that needs special handling (refrigeration or special packaging for injectables)
• A prescription that is not generally available at a retail pharmacy (bulky prescriptions or larger quantities)

1. Register with your health insurance plan's specialty pharmacy (usually you will be asked by a representative if you take a medication that fits the above criteria).

2. Have your doctor provide a prescription, preferably for 3 months or more, to this pharmacy.

3. Speak with a pharmacy rep about delivery, which can often take 1 to 3 business days.

4. The rep will ask you if you want to be present for the delivery. It's a good idea to do so if the meds require refrigeration or if you live in an apartment or condo with a common mail area.

5. When you are running out of medication (about a week's supply left), contact the pharmacy for a new shipment.

Tips & Warnings

• This plan also works great for those who cannot easily go out to pick up their medications.
• Regularly check to see when your current prescription runs out. Some are only good for a month, so you don't want to completely run out of medication while waiting for your doctor to write another prescription.