Getting a prescription filled

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Pharmacy alternatives

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MAIL-ORDER PHARMACIES

Some people and insurance companies choose to use mail-order pharmacies. Normally, a prescription is sent to the mail-order pharmacy or phoned in by the health care provider. It may take a week or more for the prescription to reach your home. Therefore, mail order is best used for long-term medications that treat chronic problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Your prescriptions may be less expensive when you order them 3 months at a time through a mail-order pharmacy. Buy short-term medications, such as antibiotics and medications that need to be stored at certain temperatures at a local pharmacy.

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INTERNET (ONLINE) PHARMACIES

Internet pharmacies are another option for long-term medications or general pharmacy supplies. The website should clearly explain the steps for filling or transferring a prescription. Make sure that the website has clearly-stated privacy policies and other procedures. AVOID any website that claims a doctor can prescribe the medication without seeing you.

Review Date: 02/07/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).