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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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.