Medpack faq retail june 2014

Introducing MedPack: The ultimate in medication organization & safety!

Brought to you by…

and….

MedPack is what’s called “multi-drug adherence packaging,” and it’s now available to customers of Wagner Pharmacy Co. Wagner produces the product, as shown above. It’s a powerful organizational tool for those on many medications, and best of all, it’s FREE!!

Frequently Asked Questions….

1. Is there a cost for MedPack? a. No, MedPack is free if you’re on five or more medications.

2. Is my insurance being billed for this service? a. No additional billing opportunities for us at the pharmacy are available for this packaging form.

3. How is MedPack supplied to me? a. A month’s worth of medications is enclosed inside a convenient box. The MedPacks are layered inside, and you simply pull the strip out as you dose your medications.

4. How do I know what is contained in the MedPacks? a. Each medication we’ve packaged for you is identified on the front of the MedPack by name, shape, color, and imprint if it has one. Additionally, you’ll find labels associated with each prescription on the box itself.

5. What happens if there is a therapy change? a. You must tell us immediately, so we can adjust your MedPack. b. If a medication you were on previously has been discontinued, your MedPack has to be returned to the pharmacy for repackaging, with that medication removed. c. If a medication has been added, we simply supply that medication to you in a bottle, and when your next MedPack becomes due, you’ll find that medication packaged with the rest of your regular regimen.

6. I want MedPack, but I’m not a current customer of Wagner Pharmacy, and I’m afraid my costs will increase if I change from my current pharmacy. How can I be sure my costs will stay the same? a. We offer free consultations to ensure your costs will remain the same at Wagner.

We’ll do a side-by-side comparison of your monthly and annual costs at your current pharmacy, and what they would be at Wagner, so you can make an informed decision. b. Usually, your copayments remain the same at our pharmacy. However, on occasion, there are “preferred” networks, which offer less expensive copayments at competitor pharmacies. It’s best to find out in advance what kind of prescription insurance you have, and look at your costs. c. Mail Order Pharmacies: similar situation to “preferred networks.” Sometimes we can transfer you to our pharmacy with no change in cost to you, other times we cannot, it depends on the plan. Consultation is required to determine this.

7. Can’t I just bring my medications I receive from my mail order pharmacy to you to package for me? a. No, this is not a legal practice. Medications we dispense at Wagner Pharmacy Co must be purchased from a licensed wholesaler.

8. I want MedPack and I’m willing to change insurances, can I do that? a. Yes, you can, but only under the following circumstances: i. If you change during “open enrollment” which happens annually between October 15th and December 7th (approximately).

ii. If you want to change mid-year, you can only do so if you upgrade to a Five-Star Medicare Plan, and there are only two in Iowa; Medicare BlueRx Premium and Medicare BlueRx Standard. There are no Five-Star plans available in Illinois. iii. Our free consultation can help you make the best economic decision. Just like anything else you purchase, you have to decide what you’re buying, and in this case what you’re willing to invest in your health. Our pharmacists can help you decide for yourself what is most important to you.

9. What happens if I enroll in MedPack, and decide I don’t like it. a. You can discontinue your enrollment in the program at any time.

10.This sounds complicated, will I have help from the pharmacy? a. Yes, you’ll be assigned a clinical pharmacist during your enrollment who will work with you to organize your medication regimen, and continue to work with you month in and month out as your needs change. b. Your pharmacist will call you shortly before your scheduled monthly supply of medications, just to confirm that your therapy has not changed, and that you’re happy with the times you’re taking your medications. i. If something has changed due to hospitalization, or you’ve begun experiencing a side effect of some sort, this is your opportunity to engage your pharmacist and talk about solutions.

11.What happens if I enroll in MedPack, and then decide to move into an Assisted Living Community, can I still receive MedPack there? a. Yes, both our retail pharmacies (Wagner), and our Long-Term-Care pharmacy (Wrightway LTC Pharmacy) provide MedPack, and you can continue to receive your medications the same way.

12.Who can I contact for additional information? a. You can call any of our pharmacies and speak to our staff, however depending on how technical your questions are, you may want to contact our clinical pharmacists directly. Our clinical pharmacists are:

Nora W right, Pharm D, BCACP Clinical Director Office: 563-242-5944 Email: nora.wright@wagnerpharmacies.com

Ashley Byrd, Pharm D Associate Clinical Director Office: 563-519-2000 Email: ashley.byrd@wagnerpharmacies.com