What Are The Top Questions Pharmacists Get?

HYANNIS – My 90-year-old mother called me the other day to rave about the “new” telephone system at her local pharmacy. She discovered she could call her pharmacy, give the computer-generated operator the number of her prescription and it would be refilled by 10 am.

She was amazed the system could tell her the exact time her prescription would be ready for pickup.

pharmacy

L-R: Brendan Long, pharmacy intern from Northeastern University and Megan Logan, PharmD, retail pharmacy manager of the Stoneman Pharmacy in Sandwich.

Although, most of us realize the automated systems have been in use for quite a while, this discovery by my mother made her day.

This is just one of the many services offered by the Cape Cod Healthcare retail pharmacies located at the Fontaine Outpatient Center in Harwich, Stoneman Outpatient Center in Sandwich, at Cape Cod Hospital, and, now at Falmouth Hospital.

“The pharmacies are convenient, offer full services and can be used by everyone not just the patients who visit the outpatient centers and emergency room,” said Megan Logan, PharmD, retail pharmacy manager at the Stoneham Outpatient Center.

Another advantage is that all pharmacists are certified in Medication Therapy Management (MTM).

“This specialized training enhances the pharmacist’s clinical expertise in evaluating patient’s complex medication regimens and identifying medication-related problems,” said Logan.

As word spreads about the accessibility of the CCHC pharmacies’ services, here are the top five questions patients have been asking Logan.

  1. Are the Cape Cod Healthcare pharmacies open to the public?

Yes, CCHC pharmacies are open to the public.  The pharmacies are full-service and providers do not need to be affiliated with Cape Cod Healthcare to order prescriptions. The prescription prices are very competitive and over-the-counter medications are reasonably priced.

  1. Will my insurance cover my medications at the CCHC pharmacies?

CCHC pharmacies are contracted with most insurance plans.  In many instances they are on the list of preferred pharmacies, including Medicare Part D plans. It is recommended that patients check with their insurance carrier for more details and copays.

  1. How do I transfer my current prescriptions to a CCHC pharmacy?

It is easy to transfer your prescriptions from any other pharmacy by requesting a transfer online at the CCHC website. You can also call or stop by the CCHC pharmacy of your choice, give them a list of your medications and the name of your current pharmacy. The CCHC pharmacist will do the rest by contacting your previous pharmacy to transfer your active medications. They will also contact your primary care physician for prescriptions that may need refills.

  1. Will the CCHC pharmacy call when my prescription is ready?

The pharmacy has an automated system that will contact you when your prescription is ready for pickup. You can choose how you are contacted either by phone call, text or email.

  1. How will I refill my prescriptions and will the CCHC pharmacy contact my physician when I am out of refills?

There are three convenient options to refill your prescriptions. You can call the CCHC pharmacy and enter prescription numbers through the automated system. Secondly, re-fill online at www.capecodhealth.org/care-treatment/pharmacy. And if you are tech-savvy, there is an app you can download on your smart phone and within a matter of minutes process your prescriptions while on the go.

The pharmacy can contact your physician directly for renewal of refills. In fact, many providers prefer the pharmacy contact via electronic request, which makes it easier for the physician to approve, make changes or deny the prescription.

Pharmacy phone numbers, hours, and directions are available online at: www.capecodhealth.org

By ROBERTA CANNON, Cape Cod Health News

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