Q May I return my unused medications to the Pharmacy?
A Pharmacies cannot accept returned medications. Please see the next question for what you can do with your unused medication.
Q What can I do with my unused medications?
A Unfortunately, Washington is lacking a statewide
program that addresses this issue. In the meantime, the following links will provide
you with current information about what you can do.
Q How can I dispose of used needles, syringes or other sharps?
A The Pharmacy has containers for you to use at home
to collect your used needles, syringes and other sharps. There are also recycling
and disposal stations and public health sites that accept these materials
www.seattle.gov.
Q May I transfer my prescription to another pharmacy?
A Yes, in most cases a pharmacist may transfer
the remaining refills to another pharmacy. However, once your prescription
has been transferred from the original pharmacy your prescription is now void and
may no longer be filled there, unless you have it transferred back to the original
pharmacy. Controlled medications may only be transferred once.
Q May I have a copy of my prescription?
A A pharmacist may give you a copy of your prescription
only for informational purposes. A pharmacist may NOT dispense a drug from a copy
of a prescription. A pharmacist may use the information on your copied prescription
to contact your doctor for a new prescription.
Q May I fax in my prescription?
A No, a prescription may only be faxed to the Pharmacy
by the healthcare provider.
Q Why can’t I fill all of the refills I’ve been prescribed
at once?
A The Pharmacy is only allowed to dispense the quantity
that your doctor indicated on your prescription at a time. Also, insurance companies
have their own limitations on refill quantity and frequency. For example, many insurance
companies limit refills to a one-month supply. Prescriptions
may only be refilled after the appropriate amount of time has lapsed in between
refills.
Q Who can write a prescription?
A Only a physician (MD), dentist (DDS), podiatrists
(DPM), Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) and Osteopathic Physicians
(DO) may issue a prescription. These physicians can issue prescriptions without
any type of restrictions.
Physician’s Assistants (PA) and Certified Physician's Assistants (PA-C) may issue
prescriptions only as approved by the Medical Commission. Pharmacists (RPh, PharmD)
may write prescriptions only under an approved protocol agreed upon by the physician.
This agreement must be filed with the Board of Pharmacy. Veterinarians (DV) can
issue prescriptions to animals only, however these prescriptions can be filled at
local pharmacies.
Certified Osteopathic Physicians Assistants (OA) and non-certified Osteopathic Physicians
Assistants (IO), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Neuropathic Doctor
(ND) and Optometrist (OD) all are able to write prescriptions with certain restrictions.
Q What information is needed from me before filling my prescription?
A In order to verify the correct identity of the person
submitting and picking up prescriptions and for your safety, we collect and keep
on file your social security number, date of birth and a photo copy of your ID.
All of this information is stored securely and is only available to Pharmacy employees
with a need to know the information.
Q Why does the pharmacist call my doctor before refilling
my prescriptions?
A A pharmacist may not refill a prescription unless
authorized by your doctor. Your doctor may authorize no refills, one refill or
several refills on the original prescription. After all of the refills on the original
prescription have been used, the pharmacy must obtain a new authorization from your
doctor before refilling your prescription.
Even though your doctor may want you to continue to take the prescription for a
long period of time, he/she will monitor your drug therapy requiring the pharmacy
to contact your doctor each time your prescription needs to be renewed
To avoid delays, give the Pharmacy a call a few days before your medication
runs out. This allows the Pharmacy time to get in contact with your doctor
and for the doctor’s office to respond to the Pharmacy.
Q I was told that my medication is not covered, what does that mean?
A Insurance companies limit the drugs that they will
provide reimbursement for, or “cover”. Generally speaking, when the medications
are essentially the same, the insurance companies prefer patients to try generic
versions before brands. In some cases, your doctor will have to write a “prior authorization”
letter to the insurance company in order to cover more expensive medications for
you.
Q Is there a generic equivalent for my brand-name
drug?
A To find out if there is a generic option for a drug
you are taking, go to DRUGS@FDA catalog of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
medications.
Q Where can I get help with enrollment or information
for Medicare services?
Q Where can I get help with enrollment or information
for Washington State Medicaid (DSHS) services?
A Go to
www.dshs.wa.gov, or if
you are a client calling for Medicaid information, you may contact DSHS by phone at 1.800.562.3022.