One of the most common errors in modern medicine is getting the wrong prescription medication. However, good communication – between you, your primary care doctor, and your pharmacy - can go a long way to reducing your chances of getting an incorrect prescription.
At Academic Medical Associates, our Internal Medicine doctors, have good working relationships with pharmacies in Irving, TX and surrounding communities (including Arlington, Dallas, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, and Southlake). We are happy to talk to your pharmacy to make sure your prescriptions are filled right. Here are some tips to getting your prescription medications refilled the right way every time.
- Take your pill bottles to your doctor's appointment. Medications can come in different sizes and formulations (tablets, capsules, liquids, etc). Some medications come in both a short-acting and a long-acting form. Bringing in your pill bottles makes it easy for your doctor to prescribe the correct version. The pill bottles also usually list which pharmacy you go to, which can be important with big chain pharmacies that may have hundreds or even thousands of locations.
- Tell your doctor how many pills you want to get at a time. Some insurance plans require you to get a 90-day supply of medication, some only allow a 30-day supply. Every insurance is different, so make sure the doctor knows how many you want to get at each refill. By the way, if the doctor prescribes a 90-day supply, some pharmacies will allow you to get 3, 30-day refills, but if the doctor prescribes a 30-day supply, they usually will not allow you to get 90 days.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you take more than 1 pill a day. Most medications are given once a day but clarify with your doctor if you take the medication multiple times a day, or if you take more than 1 pill at a time.
- Request refills a few days before you run out. Sometimes, the local pharmacy may run out of your medication and need to order it, or they may need to clarify with the doctor that the prescription is correct. Allowing a few days can make sure the refill is ready before you run out.
- Check the prescription at the pharmacy before you leave. While you are still at the pharmacy counter, read the label to make sure that you received the right drug, dose, and quantity.
Hopefully by following these suggestions you can make refilling your prescriptions as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about refilling your medications, please contact us at Academic Medical Associates. We always want to do our best to make sure you get the medication you need.
