CAREMARK, EXPRESS SCRIPTS, and MEDCO apparently use the same sixth graders to process their incoming mail and faxes. I will get multiple faxes regarding "clarification" of prescriptions. They fax a copy of my prescription which is still completely legible and accurate after being RE-faxed. Now, I print out the prescription and give to the patient to mail. I have gotten less questions from these mail order companies when I leave it to the patient to complete. They also see how frustrating it is. I only write for 3 months with no refills.
Most of these patients require regular evaluation, but if they get a years worth of prescriptions, they MIGHT return in a year. I tell all that RENEWALS will only be done at follow up office visit. If they call for renewals, they will get seven days sent to the pharmacy of their choosing. Once they pay full copays for a weeks worth of medication, they are usually more compliant with the evaluation and treatment plan we agree upon at their office visit.
Practically all other prescriptions are sent through the network fax while I am with the patient. I have the dialing sound set high so we both can hear the fax dial from the exam rooms. Local pharmacies can no longer tell them "Go home and call your doctor, he didn't send a prescription, again."
I love the patients who call for medications, haven't been seen in years, but tell my staff that "The doctor always calls this in for me." I did not spend years training and countless thousands of dollars of debt to be their free prescription refill service. You know that if they had a medication reaction, they'd be "calling my lawyer."
Besides, very often these patients require medication adjustments, and if they just received a 3 month refill I catch hell for changing dosage or medication and wasting their money. (My time apparently has no value). My staff has better things to do than babysit non-compliant patients.
Today I am looking into iScribe, mostly because MY prescription plan uses it.
How many out there like to "Call my lawyer."? At $350 per hour from the time they pick up the phone....
Wow, someone must have touched a nerve.....
