I have been using that Walgreens, for the past 4 months, pharmacist would not fill my prescription, because my dose was doubled

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

Hello Steven

I was very impressed with the article that I just read .  I am having that problem with a Walgreens store located in Indialantic Florida 32903 Highway A1A and Paradise Boulevard. I have been using that Walgreens store where I have been filling my chronic pain medicine hydromorphone (4 mg) for the past 4 months and before that I was with them for years  The pharmacist would not fill my prescription based on the fact that it was increased from 4 mg to 8 mg 3 times a day 90 tablets.  I had to wait 4 days until I found another Pharmacy to fill my prescription and therefore was without my pain medication.  The reason other pharmacies did not want to fill it is because on record I am a patient using Walgreens pharmacy. and I should not be using different pharmacies.   I just went to the doctor and have the same prescription that’s why I  hope you might be able to help me. It is due to be filled on the 27th of this month.

I have already contacted the corporate office  and filed a complaint approximately 2 weeks ago I still have yet to hear back.  Any suggestion on how I am supposed to get my new prescription filled?  Unfortunately I cannot go back to the pharmacy Care Plus Pharmacy in Sebastian Florida.  This is where I finally got my script filled from last month. The reason being they called me about a week after they filled it and said they did not realize I was in Brevard County and their Pharmacy is located in Indian River County even though the pharmacy it’s about 20 miles from my house
I would highly appreciate your help in resolving this matter so I can have my medication that I so much need.  I am also disabled and have at least five other major illnesse.  For one a brain aneurysm so as you can probably imagine the stress of the situation is not good at all for my health
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my email
  Here is my response to this pt:

Here is a revised Pharmacy practice act that went into effect Dec 2015 and basically Pharmacists are not suppose to start looking for a reason to refuse to fill a prescription   https://floridaspharmacy.gov/latest-news/validate-pain-medication-prescriptions/

In filling these prescriptions, the Board does not expect pharmacists to take any specific action beyond exercising sound professional judgment. Pharmacists should not fear disciplinary action from the Board or other regulatory or enforcement agencies for dispensing controlled substances for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. Every patient’s situation is unique and prescriptions for controlled substances shall be reviewed with each patient’s unique situation in mind. Pharmacists shall attempt to work with the patient and the prescriber to assist in determining the validity of the prescription.

unfortunately, I’m not aware of any action the FL Board of Pharmacy (BOP) against any pharmacist that has denied care … as you have experienced  here is a link to file a complaint with the BOP  https://mqa-flhealthcomplaint.doh.state.fl.us/

The DEA has claimed that a pt traveling a long distance to get a controlled Rx filled is a RED FLAG.. . because that is what substance abusers/addicts/diverters do…  I heard one story years ago a chain pharmacist refused to fill a controlled Rx for a pt that lived in a different zip code that the pharmacy … but… the pt only lived about 1/2 mile from the store but there was a zip code boundary line between the pt’s home and the chain pharmacy.

My suggestion is to find yourself a independent pharmacy where you will be dealing with the pharmacist/owner  here is link to find one by zip code  https://ncpa.org/pharmacy-locator

go talk to the pharmacist/owner and talk about moving all your Rxs to them… talk to them about syncing up all your meds so that they are all filled on the same day each month.. everyone saves time and trouble.

I wouldn’t hold your breath on getting a response from Walgreen corporate… we have a serious and growing pharmacist surplus and if they were unhappy with how a pharmacist was treating their pts.. they would get rid of them… just yesterday I posted a article on how the surplus is so bad that for every 3  new pharmacists grads… ONE may be able to find a job — and do not count on it being FULL TIME.  IMO,  Walgreen’s lack of response SPEAKS VOLUMES about how much they care about chronic pain pts getting their medically necessary medications and/or being thrown into cold turkey withdrawal.

Finding a independent pharmacy may be the quickest route to help you deal with your health issues.  every other entity that you can complain to will drag their feet and you will be lucky to hear from them within 12 months.

One final point is that one of the basics of the practice of medicine is the starting, changing, stopping a pt’s therapy – that Walgreen pharmacist basically changed your therapy – refused to follow physician owners… you might find some relief by filing a complaint with the FL medical licensing board… for the Pharmacist practicing medicine without a license.

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Every chain pharmacy is understaffed, techs are underpaid. Pharmacists are overwhelmed

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

As a retail pharmacist for 18 yrs with a massive company. I would highly recommend that anyone who can, transfer their prescriptions to a local independent pharmacy

The brick and mortar chains are cheating customers and employees, while earning a windfall of cash for the executives only.

Every store is understaffed, techs are underpaid. Pharmacists are overwhelmed.

Demand better healthcare!

Pharmacist Job Outlook: It’s Worse than You Thought studentloanplanner.com/pharmacist-job At a minimum, it seems as if a net 10,000 pharmacists will be entering the labor force yearly with nowhere to go

CVS: The pharmacy was 1,200 scripts behind and eight days behind in prescription refills

 

I have read statements from numerous statements from numerous chain pharmacists that typically pharmacist’s shift is from opening to close – normally some 12-13 hr shifts and when they leave at the end of their shift..there is still a few hundred UNFILLED Rxs left in the computer que that was not filled by the end of the day.

I have read from pt statements that when they come to pick up their Rxs after calling in a refill a few days before and it is still not ready and when they do finally get their refill.. the date on the Rx label can be a few days before they tried to pick up their Rx and it was not filled.   Not to justify a such lag time … it could be done so that if a prescriber has to be contacted regarding a refill with no authorized refills left … that process can be initiated and/or if the pharmacy computer system auto replenishes inventory… that would help assure that the needed medication can be in stock… when the Rx finally gets to be filled.

Historically, there has always been what is called a PIC ( Pharmacist in Charge) who is responsible to the state’s board of pharmacy for the legal operation of the Rx dept that they are listed as PIC.  Back when these designations were developed into a pharmacy practice act, the vast majority of pharmacies were independent pharmacy… so the PIC was typically the pharmacy owner.

Some states have changed this designation from PIC to “responsible pharmacist”… and since chain pharmacies dominate the market place… the pharmacist that is responsible to the state’s board of pharmacy for the legal operation of the Rx dept … is now responsible for everything and IN CHARGE OF NOTHING… just the way the corporate management of chain pharmacies likes it.

When a pt patronizes a independent pharmacy… typically they are dealing with the Pharmacist/owner and often the tech staff has been there for years… because the Rx dept is well staffed and the staff is well paid.  We had our own independent pharmacy for 20 yrs and when we sold out to a chain… my primary tech had been with us at least 12 yrs and they said that they would keep her hourly rate and benefits and was told that she was going to be the HIGHEST PAID TECH in the entire chain pharmacy and this chain was in the top 5 in the USA as far as the number of stores that they had.

It is YOUR HEALTH…. It is YOUR LIFE…. It is YOUR CHOICE …. chose wisely !!!

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Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry- should healthcare remain locally ?

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

I have always had a concern about mail order pharmacies.. first of all… all medications have temp storage requirement typically in the mid-50’s to mid-70’s. These storage requirements have to be met by the pharma, wholesaler & the pharmacy.  But, when a pharmacy hands off a packaging of Rx meds to a delivery service… NO ONE has a obligation to maintain those storage requirement.   Normally, if a pharma, wholesaler, pharmacy allows Rx meds to be outside of the required temp range for > 24 hrs the product is consider adulterated and NO LONGER SALEABLE.

From this article and others that I have read, Amazon appears to be “pushing ” paying cash for Rxs.  If this Amazon pharmacy has a contract with your health insurance and you pay cash… it won’t applied to your deductible and highly possible if you submit your cash receipts to your insurance company they will not reimburse you and apply to your deductible because Amazon pharmacy has a contract to bill the insurance for the pt.

Encouraging pts to PAY CASH the Amazon pharmacy will not have to deal with the BS from insurance companies in getting a Rx claim thru the system and with a charge card .. Amazon will get their money in – at most – a couple of days instead of having to wait 2-3 weeks for the insurance company to pay and then reconcile their payment against what was billed and won’t get docked with those unpredictable DIR fees.

If this Amazon pharmacy functions like most mail order pharmacies, filled Rxs may not reach the pt for up to TWO WEEKS and what does their statement mean that they “will offer commonly prescribed medications“… Does that mean NO CONTROLLED MEDS ?  The DEA states that it is RED FLAG for a pt to pay cash for a controlled substance if they have insurance.

 

Amazon opens online pharmacy, shaking up another industry

https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/amazon-opens-online-pharmacy-shaking-up-another-industry

The company opened an online pharmacy Tuesday, giving Amazon shoppers the chance to buy their medication and order refills on their phones and have it delivered to their doorsteps in a couple of days, just like a book or toilet paper.

The move propels Amazon into a new business, potentially shaking up the pharmacy industry as it has done to everything from book sellers to toy stores and grocers. Big chains like CVS and Walgreens rely on their pharmacies to bring them a steady flow of shoppers who stop by frequently to pick up their medications.

Amazon said it will offer commonly prescribed medications starting Tuesday, including creams, pills, as well as medications that need to stay cold, like insulin.

Shoppers have to set up a profile on Amazon’s website and have doctors send prescriptions to the Seattle-based e-commerce giant.
ONLINE SHOPPING SURGE COULD LEAD TO HOLIDAY DELIVERY DELAYSMost insurance is accepted, Amazon said. But Prime members who don’t have insurance can also buy generic or brand name drugs from Amazon for a discount.Amazon has eyed the health care industry for some time. Two years ago, it spent $750 million to buy online pharmacy PillPack, which organizes medication in packets by what time and day they need to be taken. Amazon said that PillPack will continue, focusing on shipping medication to people with chronic conditions.

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Apparently the COVID-19 didn’t get the memo about it being gone in a few weeks – this dated 04/2020

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

And something that not many doctors are talking about lately is one of those that apparently is a symptom caused by some vaccines. And it is that although within the study impotence is not taken into account as a determining factor within vaccines, the trend seems to indicate the opposite. That is why at UK Meds they take this problem very seriously and try to deal with it by offering the most effective product against this problem, being one of the best sellers in the United Kingdom.

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Stand and Fight Podcast – Darleen H. Palmer forced reduce dosages and SUICIDE

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

Click on the link below to listen to a 32 minute pod cast that details how a ultra fast metabolizer intractable chronic pain pt was forced to decrease his dose OVER 75% and he ended up committing suicide… evening behind a young wife with FOUR KIDS.

http://standandfight.buzzsprout.com/359756/2002150-stand-and-fight-podcast-darleen-h-palmer-pain-managment-vs-addiction

In this episode Darleen shares the story of her husband Adam. He caught a rare disease from a tick called Rocky mountain spotted fever which left him dependent on pain meds to function. The problem became dealing with the insurance companies and his struggle to find common ground with them. In the end her husband took his own life. Now she is her to tell his story and to help other families in need. She is now a single mother of 4. Sometimes we don’t think about the 1% who live with an insane amount of pain on a daily basis. They need medication just to function. Myself being a recovering addict i always fight for everyone to be drug free but this conversation helped me with the other patients who actually need it. A voice clip of the husband’s suicide goodbye message is on this podcast so if you are vulnerable or feel you might be triggered please don’t listen or listen with a friend.

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Trial by Fire-CRPS documentary

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

https://youtu.be/5WZCh3TeTa0

RSD/CRPS is a condition that needs much attention. Charles saw this dire need and wanted to contribute to get that need filled. Charles has talked to many, heard scores of stories and researched the condition; with this knowledge, his heart was moved to get involved and become an advocate for the condition through the love of his mother and the heartfelt for the countless others suffering. This moving piece takes us on a journey that will impact the perspective of how we view healthcare and the caregivers of those suffering daily. We walk with Charles as he helps his mother through her own treatment and life changes. We will also meet others fighting to stay alive from this deadly disease. We will fight to help this project move the health care system to figure out ways to help those who need the funding or the health care coverage to get the needed treatment to allow them to live. We will expose what at times seems like Guinea pig-type of treatments that at times can do more harm than good. This is a story that needs to be told and this documentary will open the eyes of many around the world that never knew of this condition and bring hope to those with CRPS. For more info on Charles and his work visit. To work or book Charles visit http://charlesmattocks.com PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL AS WE ARE LOOKING AT DOING ANOTHER FILM BASED ON CRPS AND RARE DISEASE, GET THE LATEST UPDATES. All rights and music belong to our company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WZCh3TeTa0

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What do you get when you have a national health emergency with a FOR PROFIT healthcare system ?

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

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kaiser permanente: S CALF – If it involves controlled medication you won’t get diagnosed , they also lie on your chart and black ball you from all care of you switch DRs

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

I have Kaiser SoCal but prior to the last two years I had a private dr in Texas and took pain medication, 6 mg of Xanax & ambien for 7 years. No overdose no narcan required. I moved back to Ca after surviving a brutal attack now having anxiety so bad I am having psychogenic blackouts and the ambulance is coming to my job. Kaiser refuses to give me more than 2mg of Xanax even though it’s become physically dangerous s they also refuse to properly diagnose the blackouts as well as the very obvious adhd I’ve always had. If it involves controlled medication you won’t get diagnosed , they also lie on your chart and black ball you from all care of you switch DRs. I have fought them like crazy for proper care and they refuse to do anything stating I refused their treatment plan which is a lie. I already take gabapentin and have tried hydroxozine which is a joke for anxiety at my level, increased gabapentin is not going to stop the severe stress skyrocketing my cortisol and me passing out. I can’t believe there aren’t major groups fighting Kaiser for their horrific treatment.

I realize that not all readers of my blog read all the comments… but this is not the first time that I have received a similar comment – or email – from a pt that has health insurance from Kaiser Permanente telling about similar denial of care from them.

Kaiser Permanente is considered a HMO

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

and the definition of a HMO:

A type of health insurance plan that usually limits coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. It generally won’t cover out-of-network care except in an emergency. An HMO may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage.

HMOs often provide integrated care and focus on prevention and wellness.

Does the care that this pt is claiming to be receiving has a focus on PREVENTION & WELLNESS ?

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Note from TED talk: Please do not look to this talk for medical advice

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

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COVID-19 policy recommendations for OUD, pain, harm reduction

Posted on November 11, 2020 by Pharmaciststeve

Read on to *2, you’ll see great news! Share this far and wide Please!
Also there are a few links about a briefing for stopping the barriers for vital pain medications.
PUBLIC HEALTH
COVID-19 policy recommendations for OUD, pain, harm reduction
Updated Nov. 2, 2020

The AMA is providing the following policy recommendations to help states and others with specific policy recommendations amid the COVID-19 global outbreak. These recommendations are to help guide policymakers reduce the stress being experienced by patients with an opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain as well as support efforts to continue harm reduction efforts in communities across the United States. Read about examples of these efforts.

Featured updates: COVID-19
Track the evolving situation with the AMA’s library of the most up-to-date resources from JAMA, CDC and WHO.
“2. Protecting patients with pain
Adopt DEA guidance (PDF) authorizing physicians to prescribe opioid medications to existing patients without an in-person evaluation; authorize the prescription to be sent to the pharmacy via telephone.
Waive limits and restrictions on prescriptions for controlled substances, waive for the period of state and national emergency the restrictions on dose and/or quantity as well as refills.
Waive requirements for electronic prescribing of controlled substances, including requirements for an in-person evaluation for patients requiring a refill; provide liability protections for physicians who prescribe controlled substances for current patients the physician believes in good faith is stable and compliant with taking his or her medications.
For patients with chronic pain, waive testing requirements and in-person counseling requirements for refills; allow for telephonic counseling to fulfill state prescribing and treatment requirements.
Enhance home-delivery medication options for patients with chronic pain.
Issue brief: Reducing barriers to vital pain medication during the COVID-19 pandemic (PDF): The AMA is strongly urging legislators, regulators, governors and policymakers to remove additional barriers to pain treatment to help ensure that patients with pain have access to the treatments prescribed by their physician while remaining safe, reducing travel and unnecessary exposure to potential infection.”
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/covid-19-policy-recommendations-oud-pain-harm-reduction

Click to access issue-brief-reducing-barriers-vital-pain-medication.pdf

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