How Does Prescription Mail Order Work? A Beginner’s Guide

The average person spends over $1,000 on prescriptions every year. For some, it comes down to choosing between buying their medicine and paying their bills. 

Those who can afford to buy their prescriptions often struggle to get to the drugstore. That’s where prescription mail order services come in. 

Not only can you save money by opting to have your medicine come to your mailbox, but you also don’t have to waste your gas to drive to a pharmacy. 

If you have questions about your medications, there will be someone around 24 hours a day to answer them. 

Are you still not convinced that mail order is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the process. 

What Is a Mail Order Pharmacy?

Mail order pharmacy services deliver medications right to your mailbox, cutting out the need to drive to the store. 

You can have your doctor send your prescriptions right to the online pharmacy, or you can fill out forms and start the process on your own. No matter which method you choose, you can expect to receive your medicine within a few days. 

Benefits of Using a Prescription Mail Order

Saving gas is only one benefit of ordering mail prescriptions. It’s more than convenient. It’s also affordable. 

Most prescription delivery services will allow you to order a 90-day supply of medicine, so you won’t have to buy it as often. If you have questions about your medication, you’ll have someone you can reach out to. 

Convenience

The main benefit of ordering online prescriptions is convenience. You can put in for refills through a phone call or mobile app. 

Being able to order medicine without driving to a pharmacy can be lifesaving for some. Those who are injured or disabled can’t always drive. The only way they can get their medication is online. 

If you’re sick, you risk spreading your illness to others if you go to a physical pharmacy. Not to mention, you should stay home and rest rather than run errands. 

Affordability 

If you want to save money on your prescriptions, it’s recommended to order online instead of going to a physical pharmacy. 

Most online manufacturers buy medications in bulk from medical facilities and insurance companies. As a result, these pharmacies can pass prescriptions on to you for a cheaper price. You can also look into coupons. 

Many mail order pharmacy services will allow you to order a 90-day supply of your medications.

Getting 3 months’ worth of medicine at once will allow you to save money. Since you won’t use up your medications as quickly, you won’t have to order them as often. 

Accessibility

At some point, physical pharmacies shut their doors for the night. Some close for holidays and weekends. If you have questions about your prescriptions after hours, you’ll have to wait until the morning to ask them.  

You can reach out to online pharmacies via telephone and online chats 24 hours a day. 

Cons of Mail Order Prescriptions

There are a few cons of mail order prescriptions. Due to the possibility of damaged cargo and delayed deliveries, they can be a bit dangerous. 

Damaged Cargo

Insulin is a medication that can be classified as fragile cargo. The packaging can break. 

Insulin also has to be kept at certain temperatures. If the package isn’t allowed to stay cool enough, it will ruin the medication. 

To avoid any of these worst-case scenarios, be sure to ask the online pharmacy about their delivery guarantees in the event of accidents. Most will be more than happy to guarantee a safe delivery or offer a re-delivery. 

Delayed Deliveries  

In some cases, you can get your medications a bit faster by physically picking them up from the pharmacy. The mail system can be a bit unpredictable, and delays happen. 

You can combat this problem by planning in advance. It’s recommended to always buy your next prescription before you run out of your current one. 

Errors In Communication 

If you forget to turn off auto-renew, you could end up paying for a prescription that you’re no longer taking. 

The good news is that most mail order pharmacies will be more than happy to reimburse you in these instances. 

Are Certain Medications Prohibited? 

The answer is no. There aren’t many restrictions on the types of medications you can order online. 

The only exception is controlled substances. Not only do they have to be labeled according to federal regulations, but there are also additional signing and tracking requirements attached to them. 

No matter what type of medication you’re ordering, you’ll have to have a prescription from your doctor. Without one, you won’t be able to complete the checkout process. 

If an online pharmacy allows you to move forward without a prescription, exit the webpage. Chances are, the medication you receive won’t be safe for you to use. 

How Can You Go About Switching to Mail Order? 

Switching from a physical pharmacy to a mail order one is as simple as talking to your healthcare provider. 

If by chance your prescription does end up going to your local drug store, you can submit a transfer request. 

Enjoy the Convenience of Prescription Mail Order 

Using a prescription mail order service can be a convenient way to get your medications. It’s also affordable, and there will always be someone available to answer questions regarding your prescriptions. 

While ordering online can come with its fair share of problems, as long as you plan in advance, you shouldn’t experience many delayed shipments and stolen cargo.  

Are you ready to buy your medications? Go here to upload your prescription and learn how to begin the ordering process. 

https://www.wellmark.com/blue-at-work/insights/90-day-prescription-refills