How to Transfer a Prescription to a New Pharmacy in 3 Easy Steps

dtephoto/E+ via Getty Images

So, you used GoodRx to compare prices for your prescription and found a less expensive pharmacy. But transferring your prescription is a pain, right? It's actually easier than you may think. Pharmacies want to make transfers as smooth as possible. Here are a few things you can do to keep the transfer process simple.

1. Get in touch with your new pharmacy

Let your new pharmacy know that you want to transfer your prescriptions from your old pharmacy. You'll need to get them the name, dosage, and prescription number of each medication, along with the phone number and address of your old pharmacy. You can do this by calling, stopping by the new pharmacy in-person, or going online (if your new pharmacy offers transfer services on a website or mobile app).

If you want to take the online route, pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens have a streamlined process.

• For a CVS transfer prescription, you can go online and enter your personal information, basic prescription information, and your old pharmacy's contact details. From there, your desired CVS store will reach out to your old pharmacy to handle the transfer process.

• For a Walgreens transfer prescription, follow those same steps.

• This online transfer process is also available for many other chain pharmacies, such as Rite-Aid, Walmart, and more.

However, if you're looking to transfer your prescription(s) to a different pharmacy within the same company, such as from one CVS to another CVS, the process is usually easier. You can skip the other steps listed here and contact the new location directly. In most cases, you can just tell them your name and date of birth or telephone number. They can then pull up your information through the company's connected system and fill your prescription - if it's eligible for a refill. You may also be able to request this service through your account on your pharmacy's website or mobile app.

Keep in mind: It's important that your new pharmacy starts the transfer process. They can reach out to your old pharmacy and have them send your prescription(s) over. In most cases, your old pharmacy won't be the one to initiate the transfer request.

2. Gather your health and insurance information

You'll need to give your new pharmacy some personal information and insurance information. If they offer online transfers, you can also send this information through their website.

The new pharmacy will typically need to know your:

• First and last name

• Date of birth

• Home address

• Phone number

• Medication names that you want transferred

• Allergies (if applicable)

• Prescription insurance information (if applicable)

• Desired coupon information (if applicable)

3. Wait for your prescription to be transferred

Wait for your prescription(s) to be transferred. The amount of time your new pharmacy needs will depend on how many prescriptions need to be moved over and the current workload of the two pharmacies. It's best to give the pharmacies at least 2 to 3 days before trying to pick up your refills. That way, any resolvable issues can be taken care of before you go in. You can also ask your pharmacy team how long they expect the transfer process to take, given their current workload, staffing, and availability.

If you want the pharmacy to send you status updates during the transfer process, make sure they have your preferred phone number to reach you. For instance, most pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, have text alert services. They can text you with different status updates, such as when your prescription is ready to be picked up. But know that they may call you for more information if there's an issue that's holding up your prescription.

Don't forget to bring your insurance card or any coupons you want to use with you to the pharmacy. The pharmacist, pharmacy intern, or pharmacy technician will need that information to get you the right price. But keep in mind that it's best to give this information as early in the process as possible. If you give your insurance or coupon information right before you pick up your prescription, the pharmacy team will need time to reprocess your prescription from the beginning. This may add a serious delay, especially if the pharmacy is busy.

Special circumstances

If you're on top of your medication regimen and know which of your prescriptions are eligible for a refill, transferring your prescriptions should be an easy task. However, it's important to know that a few things could keep you from having a smooth transfer process.

Keeping in touch with your prescriber's office can help make sure you don't run into any of these roadblocks.

Your prescription ran out of refills

If your prescription is out of refills, your new pharmacy may be able to contact your prescriber on your behalf to request a new prescription. However, know that some pharmacies aren't allowed to send refill requests for you if you haven't filled a medication there before.

If your prescription is out of refills, it's a safe bet to reach out to your prescriber's office directly. This is especially true if you ran out of refills for reasons that your pharmacist won't be able to resolve. For example, your prescriber might need you to schedule a follow-up appointment with them or get blood work done before getting refills. Or, maybe, you no longer need that medication.

Some prescriptions can only be transferred once

Schedule III, IV, and V medications are controlled substances and can only be transferred one time - no matter how many refills you have left. After transferring them once, you'll need a new prescription from your prescriber to switch pharmacies again. Many states also have other transfer restrictions for these types of controlled substances.

Some common examples of these types of medications include Ambien (zolpidem), Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen / codeine), and testosterone.

Some prescriptions can't be transferred

Schedule II controlled substance medications cannot be transferred at all. They also aren't eligible for refills, so your prescriber will need to give you a new prescription every time you need it. Common schedule 2 medications include Adderall (amphetamine salt combo), Concerta (methylphenidate ER), and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen).

Good to know: These are all common issues that people encounter at the pharmacy. But every U.S. state has slightly different rules when it comes to transferring prescriptions - particularly controlled substance prescriptions. Based on where you live, your pharmacist can tell you what you need to know about accessing your medication(s).

Local pharmacy shut down? Here's what to do if you live in a pharmacy desert

Many places in the U.S., especially rural areas, don't have multiple pharmacies to choose from. There may only be one pharmacy that's accessible from your home. And if that pharmacy closes down, this area can become what's known as a pharmacy desert, which can be tricky to navigate.

When living in a pharmacy desert, residents often have to travel a sizable distance (or spend a considerable amount of travel time) to get to the nearest pharmacy.

If your pharmacy closes down, be on the lookout for a message from your pharmacy team. They're on the hook for telling you where they're going to transfer your prescription so you can continue to receive your medication. But that doesn't mean you have to go to that other pharmacy - especially if it's not accessible to you.

There isn't one perfect solution. But here are some other options to consider:

• Try a mail-order pharmacy: If you have prescription insurance, know that your insurer likely has an in-house mail-order pharmacy. This includes servicers such as Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and more. Call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to see if this is an option for you.

• Try an online pharmacy: Online pharmacies are very similar to mail-order pharmacies. The main difference is that they're not typically housed within the same organization as your insurance plan. However, they may still accept your insurance, if you have it. This includes organizations such as GoodRx Care, Amazon Pharmacy, and Birdi. Many other options are also available, but make sure to double check that they're legitimate.

• Use a delivery service: Many pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Publix, offer delivery services too. Medications are mailed to you from a retail pharmacy store rather than a large warehouse. This sometimes includes same-day delivery.

• Consider a federally qualified health center (FQHC):FQHCs are federally funded health clinics that are meant to serve medically-underserved areas. Several of them offer access to medications. Here's an online tool to help you find an FQHC near you.

• Physician dispensing: Some prescribers can dispense medications directly from their office. If your prescriber is physically accessible to you but a pharmacy isn't, this is one option to consider. This is especially handy if you need an acute medication, such as an antibiotic or corticosteroid. The availability of this service varies by clinic and state law, though.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.