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Prescription extension policy change to affect patients, pharmaciesIt’s happens frequently – a patient calls the pharmacy to refill a prescription only to learn that no refills remain. The pharmacist calls the patient’s doctor at the New Ulm Medical Center, setting into motion a hustle for the patient’s chart, a review of the medical record and a decision by the doctor to call in the refill before the pharmacy closes for the day. In the future, patients whose refills have run out will be given an additional three month supply of their drug and will be asked to schedule a follow up appointment with their provider at the medical center. “Patients can still call the pharmacy and the pharmacists can still call the medical center for the refill extension, but it’s going to be a policy now that when physicians write prescriptions, the intent is that the patient is due for a re-check appointment when the prescription runs out,” said family practice physician Frani Knowles, M.D. “The hope is that the pharmacist will tell the patient that they need to see their doctor by the time the additional extension runs out. So the patient will receive a limited amount of the prescription, but there will be only one three-month extension given for each prescription.” Knowles said the change is suggested as a best medical practice by the American Medical Association and is intended to ensure patient safety. “The bottom line is that if you’re given a prescription, there’s a reason,” she said. “A big part of the re-check visit is to provide continuing education about the medications you are taking. Just look at the new information about drugs like Viox and Celebrex that has recently come out. Also, no one can remember everything they’re told when they come in for their initial appointment. When people come back, physicians are able to give reminders about interactions, side effects and other indications of the prescription. “The reality of this is that it’s for the patient’s benefit. The way prescriptions drugs effect the body should be evaluated at least once a year and while it may be just a five-minute visit, it is still important.” Knowles said the medical center staff will send letters to area pharmacies alerting them of the new guidelines and ask them to inform patients when they have no refills remaining. A letter to patients will be included with long-term use prescriptions.  Back to Health Edition |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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