Transferring a Prescription: What to Have Ready

Moving a prescription from one pharmacy to another is usually straightforward, but it goes more smoothly when you have the right details ready. This checklist covers what to gather, what can affect whether and when a prescription can move, and how to avoid running out of medicine while the transfer is handled.

First, check how much medicine you have left

A transfer involves the new pharmacy contacting your current pharmacy, and sometimes your prescriber, so start while you still have several days' supply. If you are close to running out, say so when you make the request so the pharmacy can tell you what is realistic. Do not skip doses to stretch a supply without asking your prescriber or pharmacist.

What to have ready

• Your full name, date of birth, address, and a phone number where the pharmacy can reach you
• The name, phone number, and location of your current pharmacy
• The label or bottle for each medicine, which shows the drug name, strength, prescription number, and directions
• The number of refills remaining, if it is printed on the label
• Your prescriber's name and phone number
• Your insurance card, or a note that you plan to pay without insurance
• Your allergies and a list of your other medicines, so the new pharmacy can check for interactions

What affects whether and when a prescription can move

Not every prescription can be transferred in every situation. Whether it can move, and how long that takes, depends on the medicine, how many refills remain, whether the prescription is still valid, and the rules that apply to that type of medicine. If no refills remain or the prescription has expired, the new pharmacy will usually need a new prescription from your prescriber. Some medicines have additional restrictions on transfers, and the pharmacy will explain what applies to yours.

The new pharmacy also reviews a transferred prescription before filling it, just as it would a new one. That review can lead to a question for your prescriber, such as a dose clarification or a possible interaction, which can add time.

Insurance and payment questions to ask

• Is my insurance plan accepted here, and is this medicine covered at this pharmacy?
• Does my plan require prior authorization or a preferred pharmacy?
• If I pay without insurance, what will this prescription cost?
• If the medicine is compounded, how is it priced, and is it likely to be covered by my plan?

Coverage depends on your specific plan, so confirm it rather than assuming it carries over from your previous pharmacy.

After the transfer

• Compare the new label with your old one. Check the drug name, strength, and directions, and ask about anything that looks different.
• A generic from a different manufacturer can look different. Ask the pharmacist to confirm it is the same medicine before you take it.
• Ask your previous pharmacy to stop any automatic refills you no longer want there, to avoid duplicate fills.
• Let your prescriber's office know which pharmacy to send future prescriptions to.

Starting a transfer with RxByDesign

Call 720-507-6344 to request a transfer. Our team will contact your current pharmacy and let you know if anything else is needed, such as a new prescription from your prescriber. Free delivery is available for addresses within 10 miles of our pharmacy at 9779 E Hampden Ave., Denver; for farther addresses, call to ask about paid delivery.