Each year, American make 2.2 billion trips to the pharmacy for prescriptions. I think that I might be responsible for 1 billion of those trips. At least it feels like that when I'm sitting in the drive-through at my friendly neighborhood pharmacy. And my family is relatively healthy. But between sinus infections and other minor maladies, it seems like my car is on often autopilot to the pharmacy.
Recently I've discovered a few tips to reduce your time at the pharmacy and number of trips. Perhaps some of you savvy consumers have been utilizing these strategies for a while. But just in case, these thoughts just might save you some time and gas:
- Ask your physician if he or she uses e-prescriptions. This means that instead of the doctor handing you a written prescription, the prescription can be transmitted electronically to your pharmacy. This process is safe and secure, and 70 percent of pharmacies nationwide accept e-prescriptions. By using e-prescriptions, you save a trip to the pharmacy, and the gas you would have used.
- See if you can refill prescriptions online. Many pharmacies, particularly the larger chains, allow you to register your information and request refills for prescriptions. Keeping track of your prescriptions online can also help you keep on top of how many refills remain, so you're not stuck on a weekend or holiday without important medications and limited access to your doctor. Make sure to use a site that is password protected.
- Ask your pharmacy if they have an express pay program. These programs allow you to register your credit card information with the store (often online). So when it's time to pick up a prescription, you'll save the time it would take to get out your card and pay there. (This is particularly helpful if multiple family members are picking up prescriptions.)
Of course you should always take the time to make sure that you have received the correct prescriptions, and ask questions if you have any from the pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration recommends these steps to help you communicate with your pharmacist.
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