A prescription drug is a medication that a doctor prescribes to treat a specific condition.Because prescription drugs are stronger and potentially more dangerous than off-the-shelf drugs, they are restricted and controlled by the pharmacy.Once you have the "script" from your doctor, you can fill it by going to a pharmacy or online and having it sent to your home.
Step 1: You can make an appointment with the doctor.
If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or are experiencing symptoms related to something more acute, you should see your doctor for a physical.If your doctor diagnoses you, she may recommend a prescription medication.She will give you a slip of paper with your name, the medicine and the amount she wants you to take.In order to avoid potentially harmful reactions, your doctor should ask you if you're taking any other medications or supplements.If she doesn't ask, make sure to volunteer that information.You can get a prescription from a health professional other than your doctor.Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, podiatrists, psychiatrists, optometrists and even some chiropractors can give prescriptions for a limited number of medications.The laws regarding what they can prescribe varies by state.
Step 2: To get your medicine, ask your doctor to call a pharmacy.
Some doctors and other health providers will email or call a pharmacy to let them know what you need.Poor reading skills or misinterpreting poor handwriting can cause confusion when filling a prescription.The pharmacy will have your medication waiting for you when you pick it up, even if you don't have a physical script from your doctor.Not all doctors or health care professionals offer this type of service because it's time consuming and dependent on the cooperation and efficiency of participating pharmaciesAsking may save you time and prevent mistakes.About 1/3 of people who get a prescription from a health care provider for the first time don't get it filled, according to recent research.misunderstandings, distrust and differing opinions on the safety of prescription drugs may be the reasons why.
Step 3: Ask your doctor if he has a computer.
A growing number of health professionals belong to computer networks that share access to the provider's electronic medical record.A pharmacy can see your health records from a computer and learn what drugs you're taking.Communication errors are reduced and the pharmacy can avoid drug side effects.Private and confidential information can be shared on any computer network.Inquire with your doctor about the security of your health information in such networks.Anything will be automatically shared through this network if you sign a release.Doctors can easily find out if you've filled your prescription with the advent of electronic health records.Most electronic medical record systems allow your doctor to send e-prescriptions directly to the pharmacy of your choice.
Step 4: Find out if your health plan will pay for the medicine.
Before you get your prescription filled, you should find out if your health insurance plan will cover the costs of the medication, either entirely or partially.You will be responsible for the cost of the medication if it is not covered by your plan.If your insurance doesn't cover a particular drug, it's okay to ask the doctor for a substitute.You might have to make a co-payment at the pharmacy.The pharmacy doesn't get reimbursed from the insurer for a few weeks, so they ask for co-pays so that they can get some money into the business.Middle-aged and younger adults, patients not covered by health insurance, and those prescribed expensive drugs are the patients most likely to not get a prescription filled.Elderly patients with long-term relationships with their doctor are more likely to fill their prescriptions.
Step 5: There is a pharmacy close to your home.
Once you have a script from your doctor, you can go to a pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist.There are many drugstores in grocery stores and large chain stores.If you want to prevent drug interactions, fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.If your health insurance provider requires you to use certain pharmacies, you won't be reimbursed.To find a pharmacy that accepts your health coverage, call the number on the back of your insurance card or the pharmacy directly and ask if they are contracted with your plan.Make sure you have your personal identification and health insurance card with you when you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription.
Step 6: The pharmacy is where you can interact with them.
The employee of the pharmacy is responsible for filling prescriptions.The pharmacist can ask for missing information, such as your name and address, from the script.To avoid giving you drugs that interact with each other negatively, pharmacists are required to screen your medication record prior to filling the script.In order to perform a DUR, the pharmacist must clarify your gender, age, known allergies, previous drug reactions, chronic conditions and the names of all the drugs you're taking.Remember the drug name your doctor prescribes to you and for what reason, so you can confirm that information with the pharmacy before you start taking the medication.It's a good idea to be proactive and make sure everything is clear.
Step 7: You can get your medication mailed to you.
Home delivery is now offered by many pharmacies.For chronic problems that require medication use over a long period of time, some health insurance companies choose to use mail-order pharmacies.This ensures the patient gets their medication on a regular basis and eliminates forgetfulness, which can be a significant factor with the elderly.Before you can get your medication, you have to call or email your doctor at the pharmacy that offers the mail-order service.Due to a lack of storage fees, your prescription medication may cost less if you get it delivered to your home.The medication may take a week or more to arrive.Because of the time delay, it's best to use mail-order services for chronic or less serious conditions.Drugs that need to be maintained at certain temperatures should not be mail ordered.Pick them up at the pharmacy.
Step 8: Don't use an internet-based pharmacy.
Internet pharmacies are not affiliated with your local pharmacy.You can't go to them with a script and get your prescription filled, they only offer home delivery.People without full-coverage health plans who want to save money are more likely to go to an internet pharmacy that has the lowest prices and wide variety of generic drugs.Drugs, long-term medicines and medical supplies can be purchased online.If you want to use the internet, you need a prescription from your doctor.Instructions on how to prove your prescription can be found on their sites.It is illegal to send a controlled drug without a doctor's prescription and you could get in trouble if you do that.It may take more time to receive your medication because the drug distribution centers that internet pharmacies use are often outside of the United States.