Managing your prescriptions at Pinon Family Practice is designed to be a straightforward process. To ensure timely refills and avoid any delays, please follow these guidelines for both routine and controlled medications.
Routine Medication Refills
For medications you take regularly, we offer convenient refill options:
- Electronic Requests via Pharmacy: The most efficient method is to have your pharmacy send us refill requests electronically.
- Patient Portal: You can also submit refill requests through our secure patient portal.
- Pharmacy Contact: Alternatively, contact your pharmacy directly to initiate a refill request on your behalf.
Please allow 2-3 business days for us to process your routine refill request. We strive to handle your requests as quickly as possible, and appreciate your patience.
Controlled Medication Refills
If you require a refill for a controlled medication, such as those prescribed for sleep issues, anxiety, or acute pain, please be aware of the following policy:
- Mandatory Med-Check Visit: A provider-requested “med-check visit” is required before we can refill controlled medications. This ensures responsible and safe prescribing practices, especially for medications not intended for long-term use.
- Not for Long-Term Routine Refills: Pinon Family Practice does not routinely provide long-term refills for controlled medications. Your provider will discuss appropriate long-term management options with you if necessary.
Pharmacy Selection: Important Information Regarding Walgreens
While you are free to choose any pharmacy, we want to inform our patients about consistent challenges we experience with Walgreens pharmacies in many locations. These issues include:
- Refill Submission Delays: Requests are often delayed in reaching us.
- Incorrect Submission Methods: Walgreens may incorrectly send refill requests via fax instead of electronically.
- Prior Authorization Delays: Processing prior authorizations through Walgreens can be prolonged.
- Misinformation: Inaccurate information is sometimes communicated regarding refills.
- Potentially Higher Costs: In some cases, using Walgreens may result in higher prescription costs for patients.
For a smoother and more reliable refill experience, we strongly recommend considering a pharmacy other than Walgreens if possible. We are committed to ensuring you receive your medications without unnecessary complications.
Ensuring Accurate and Efficient Refills
To help us process your refill request efficiently and accurately, please double-check the following:
- Correct Medication: Verify you have selected the right medication name.
- Accurate Dose: Ensure the dosage is correct.
- Precise Instructions: Confirm the instructions for use are as prescribed.
- Designated Pharmacy: If you use multiple pharmacies, select the correct one for the refill.
Notification Policy: We do not routinely call patients to confirm routine refill processing. We will only contact you if a refill request is denied by your provider. To stay informed about your prescription status, we recommend:
- Contacting Your Pharmacy: Check with your pharmacy to confirm they have processed your prescription.
- Enabling Pharmacy Notifications: Sign up for automatic notifications from your pharmacy (via text or email) to receive updates on your prescription status.
Annual Physical Requirement for Medication Refills
Please note: Do not submit a refill request if your annual physical is not scheduled or up-to-date. To ensure your ongoing health and medication safety, we require an annual physical. There will be a delay in processing any medication refills until your annual physical is scheduled and completed.
Requesting Refills Through the Patient Portal
For patients using our patient portal, you can conveniently request refills by following these steps:
- Navigate to the “CHART” section within the portal.
- Locate the line corresponding to the medication you need to refill.
- Click on “Request Refill”.
- Confirm you have selected the appropriate dose and pharmacy for this medication before submitting your request.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and efficient medication refill process at Pinon Family Practice. We are here to support your healthcare needs and appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these procedures.
