Walgreen's Pharmacy

[REDCART]

We've noticed that script renewals at Walgreens don't always carry forward when we move back and forth between NY and TV. As an example when we leave NY we might have 11 renewals left. We get to FL and they'll fill the script once and it will then show -0- refills remain. One Walgreen's employee said it was due to a lack of reciprocity bet FL and NY but that can't be accurate because then they wouldn't be able to fill even the one out of state script. My doctor commented that Walgreen's like CVS contracts with different companies to run the pharmacies within their stores and that in his opinion dropping refills was more likely a defect in their computer system. Question, has anyone else noticed this shortcoming in Walgreen's when filling script renewals? If so how do you prevent it. Yes I know they'll fax a renewal to your physician when needed but why should that be necessary when you have the required renewals to start with. If it's simply a clerical error by the employee entering info into their computer system, there's no way to fix that but that should be the rare exception I would think.

[jnieman]

We've noticed that script renewals at Walgreens don't always carry forward when we move back and forth between NY and TV. As an example when we leave NY we might have 11 renewals left. We get to FL and they'll fill the script once and it will then show -0- refills remain. One Walgreen's employee said it was due to a lack of reciprocity bet FL and NY but that can't be accurate because then they wouldn't be able to fill even the one out of state script. My doctor commented that Walgreen's like CVS contracts with different companies to run the pharmacies within their stores and that in his opinion dropping refills was more likely a defect in their computer system. Question, has anyone else noticed this shortcoming in Walgreen's when filling script renewals? If so how do you prevent it. Yes I know they'll fax a renewal to your physician when needed but why should that be necessary when you have the required renewals to start with. If it's simply a clerical error by the employee entering info into their computer system, there's no way to fix that but that should be the rare exception I would think.

Yes. I had to have the pharmacist actually make a phone call to the other pharmacy to get the number of refills. This isn't the only shortcoming I've notice of Walgreen's locally especially the one at Colony. My doctor will send over a prescription electronically at 1:00 p.m. I'll call at 3:30 to see if it is ready. No, not ready will get it ready in one hour. I don't hear from them, wait 3 hours then receive automated phone call that there is a hold up they are faxing my doctor. I call again they are faxing him to try to get a 90 day prescription instead of the 30 day the doc wrote the prescription for. I tell them don't do that he wants me to only have 30 days to try the med out. Ok, will get ready in one hour. No phone call. Call the next morning. Prescription still not ready, will get it ready. In two hours I receive an e-mail there is a hold up. Go to pharmacy in drive-up and have to wait for them to get it ready. This happens often and I'm getting really tired of it.

[justjim]

OP, we have the same problem with Target Pharmacy. Somehow all their computers are not synchronized and I suspect the same is with Walgreens.

[MoeVonB61]

Nope. Has not happened to me from Orlando, to the Jersey Shore, to The Villages and even Puerto Rico. If it's in the database, they refill it and I designate where I am picking up the prescription. I have heard if you are a "narcotic" / controlled substance person (Morphine, Xanax, etc), your Dr. has to call it in again to the receiving pharmacy. Walgreens is outstanding...no other pharmacy like them!

[REDCART]

If narcotics were involved that would be both reasonable and logical, but they're not. I also agree that Walgreen's pharmacy services are generally outstanding compared with CVS in particular. My mother insists upon using CVS and every refill there is a new adventure but that's a subject for a new thread.

[chuck90199]

At Walgreens in Colony getting every refill is an adventure.

[simpkinp]

At Walgreens in Colony getting every refill is an adventure.

Walgreens will mail your prescriptions to you. I also use the Colony Walgreens and only have to Use the store for controlled products. You can order on line or set up auto refill and express pay. Very convenient.

[Mudder]

Walgreens at Rolling acres and 441 is excellent as are their pharmacists.
In Massachusetts it was explained to me that once you transfer a prescription to new location you can not automatically get it the next time at the original place. Didn't bother me just figured I'd email my doctor with new request when necessary......didn't have to, it was refilled automatically at original place. Never was told that since, switch back and forth all the time. Must have been clerk misinformed.

[NotGolfer]

We've used Walgreens at Colony since we move here 6 yrs ago and never any problems. We travel back to our home area most every summer and again...have had RX's filled up there when needed with no issues. One time I needed an RX when we were in Ohio, which was filled there, then Colony Walgreens called to say that same RX was ready for pickup so I had 2....which was great as then I had a spare. It was for a prednisone pack that I keep on hand for RA issues.

[tippyclubb]

Since we have been here we have used Walgreens & Walmart. Had trouble with both so we switched to The Medicine Chest in LSL. I think they are the best kept secret in TV.

[Abby10]

Since we have been here we have used Walgreens & Walmart. Had trouble with both so we switched to The Medicine Chest in LSL. I think they are the best kept secret in TV.

As a pharmacist who has worked retail for many years, I believe you tippyclubb. When husband (also a pharmacist) and I get moved down there full-time that is where we will go also. Nothing like personalized service from a good independent pharmacy!

Regarding refills of prescriptions, I have transferred many prescriptions for my customers back and forth between PA and FL. All refills that are left on the prescription are transferred. Now, if it's a controlled drug (like diazepam, xanax, sleep meds, etc - called C III, IV & V) it may only be allowed to be transferred once depending on state laws, etc, so you may lose your refills on those depending on the number of transfers requested. The key word is "may" as different states have different laws. For narcotics, which are a special type of controlled drug (like morphine, oxycodone, etc - called C II) no refills are allowed on these prescriptions and they cannot be called in over the phone. Also, keep in mind these controlled drug prescriptions are only good for 6 months - any refills not used within the 6 month period are voided. All other prescriptions are good for up to one year from the date written on the prescription by the doctor. Hope this explains some of the confusion without being too confusing :)

[rjm1cc]

Looks like a mail order drug store might be the way to go.

[golfing eagles]

As a pharmacist who has worked retail for many years, I believe you tippyclubb. When husband (also a pharmacist) and I get moved down there full-time that is where we will go also. Nothing like personalized service from a good independent pharmacy!

Regarding refills of prescriptions, I have transferred many prescriptions for my customers back and forth between PA and FL. All refills that are left on the prescription are transferred. Now, if it's a controlled drug (like diazepam, xanax, sleep meds, etc - called C III, IV & V) it may only be allowed to be transferred once depending on state laws, etc, so you may lose your refills on those depending on the number of transfers requested. The key word is "may" as different states have different laws. For narcotics, which are a special type of controlled drug (like morphine, oxycodone, etc - called C II) no refills are allowed on these prescriptions and they cannot be called in over the phone. Also, keep in mind these controlled drug prescriptions are only good for 6 months - any refills not used within the 6 month period are voided. All other prescriptions are good for up to one year from the date written on the prescription by the doctor. Hope this explains some of the confusion without being too confusing :)

As a practicing internist in NY, at least for 5 more days, I can address the NY laws. Prescriptions can be transferred with 1 refill, after that a new RX is required out of state. Schedule II narcotics cannot be transferred, require a written RX with a max of 1 month supply, and depending on the state may not be accepted at all from an out of state physician. In NY, benzodiazepines (valium, xanax, ativan, etc) are treated the same as schedule II narcotics, required a written RX in NY and no refills, max 1 month supply. However, benzodiazepine RX written and filled out of state (except Calif.) may have refills, until state law changes there. Welcome to the tip of the government regulation iceberg---it only gets worse from here on in.

[jnieman]

Since we have been here we have used Walgreens & Walmart. Had trouble with both so we switched to The Medicine Chest in LSL. I think they are the best kept secret in TV.

I looked at their website for Medicine chest and it looks like they are not open evenings or weekends. Am I seeing this right? That would take lots of adjusting on my part to get my prescriptions filled during just those business hours.

[tippyclubb]

I looked at their website for Medicine chest and it looks like they are not open evenings or weekends. Am I seeing this right? That would take lots of adjusting on my part to get my prescriptions filled during just those business hours.

Yes, that is correct. I don't find their hours to be a problem. When I call a refill in its ready in a few hours as opposed to 24 hours at Walmart. I have never waited more than a couple minutes to drop off or pick up a prescription.

[Abby10]

As a practicing internist in NY, at least for 5 more days, I can address the NY laws. Prescriptions can be transferred with 1 refill, after that a new RX is required out of state. Schedule II narcotics cannot be transferred, require a written RX with a max of 1 month supply, and depending on the state may not be accepted at all from an out of state physician. In NY, benzodiazepines (valium, xanax, ativan, etc) are treated the same as schedule II narcotics, required a written RX in NY and no refills, max 1 month supply. However, benzodiazepine RX written and filled out of state (except Calif.) may have refills, until state law changes there. Welcome to the tip of the government regulation iceberg---it only gets worse from here on in.

Many years ago I worked on the PA/NY border and do remember that there were many more restrictions in NY than PA. Thanks for the clarification.

[Abby10]

I looked at their website for Medicine chest and it looks like they are not open evenings or weekends. Am I seeing this right? That would take lots of adjusting on my part to get my prescriptions filled during just those business hours.

You will find that in general an independent pharmacy will have more restricted hours. The pharmacy that I currently work at is much the same, although we do have Saturday hours. We find that our customers work around it because they love the personal customer service that we give. Many have gone to chains for the convenience of the hours and end up returning back to us. Just depends on what works for you and what you value the most - definitely a personal decision.

[KathieI]

I used to use Walgreen's in Colony but found their customer service very poor. This was a while ago because I wouldn't go back after having a major problem with them. I changed to Walgreen's on Rolling Acres and have never had a problem with them. Their pharmacist is exceptional and really pays attention to detail, matter of fact, he found a prescribed med would conflict with something I currently take and called the doctor to make a change. Sometimes i have questions about one of my drugs and he is very helpful in answering the questions.

One thing that has happened lately is, no pharmacies are filling Schedule II drugs. Apparently there is a huge amount of paperwork now that must be filled in by the pharmacy, so the only place I found that would do that for me was Walgreen's on Buenes Aires (next to Denny's). I've called 3 other Walgreen's and all have declined to fill it stating that they don't have it in stock and it would take awhile to get it. Even Medicine Chest turned up their nose when I asked if they would fill it. Florida has changed many rules lately but always had some weird drug prescription rules. Meantime, go down into any seedy area and you could buy the stuff illegally. Probably this is the crux of the problem. A sign of the times, I guess.

[CFrance]

Yes, that is correct. I don't find their hours to be a problem. When I call a refill in its ready in a few hours as opposed to 24 hours at Walmart. I have never waited more than a couple minutes to drop off or pick up a prescription.
I went to three different pharmacies to get a refill of syringes to give our dog his allergy shots. They are not the same size as common syringes for diabetics, and none of the pharmacies had them. (The derm vet is an hour away.) I had a syringe with me, and nobody said anything about ordering them. Someone at CVS said try Medecine Chest.

I went to Medecine Chest--didn't even know it was there--and showed them the syringe. They didn't have it, but the lady looked it up online. There was no picture, so we couldn't compare, but she said I was under no obligation to buy them if they weren't the right ones. They were there the next day.

Nobody at Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS thought to offer to order them.

[Abby10]

I went to three different pharmacies to get a refill of syringes to give our dog his allergy shots. They are not the same size as common syringes for diabetics, and none of the pharmacies had them. (The derm vet is an hour away.) I had a syringe with me, and nobody said anything about ordering them. Someone at CVS said try Medecine Chest.

I went to Medecine Chest--didn't even know it was there--and showed them the syringe. They didn't have it, but the lady looked it up online. There was no picture, so we couldn't compare, but she said I was under no obligation to buy them if they weren't the right ones. They were there the next day.

Nobody at Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS thought to offer to order them.

That's what we hear a lot of in our little independent pharmacy too, CFrance. The big chains often send these types of requests to us because they know we will take the time to research the item and find a way to purchase it if we don't have it in stock. In defense of the pharmacists in the big chains though, they are under a great deal of stress. Many are performance reviewed by the number of scripts that they do per hour, they often work long days (up to 12 hours/day), and most of the time they do so without any kind of break including lunch. It can be very grueling. So for them to take the time to research an item like that, it becomes a real conflict as they're often having to consider how it will impact their "stats". It's certainly not healthcare at it's best, but with decreased reimbursement on everything these days you almost have to work faster and harder to make ends meet. Unfortunately, often times that does not correlate to better.

[Abby10]

I used to use Walgreen's in Colony but found their customer service very poor. This was a while ago because I wouldn't go back after having a major problem with them. I changed to Walgreen's on Rolling Acres and have never had a problem with them. Their pharmacist is exceptional and really pays attention to detail, matter of fact, he found a prescribed med would conflict with something I currently take and called the doctor to make a change. Sometimes i have questions about one of my drugs and he is very helpful in answering the questions.

One thing that has happened lately is, no pharmacies are filling Schedule II drugs. Apparently there is a huge amount of paperwork now that must be filled in by the pharmacy, so the only place I found that would do that for me was Walgreen's on Buenes Aires (next to Denny's). I've called 3 other Walgreen's and all have declined to fill it stating that they don't have it in stock and it would take awhile to get it. Even Medicine Chest turned up their nose when I asked if they would fill it. Florida has changed many rules lately but always had some weird drug prescription rules. Meantime, go down into any seedy area and you could buy the stuff illegally. Probably this is the crux of the problem. A sign of the times, I guess.

KathieI - you hit the nail on the head with your comment about the exceptional pharmacist. That is really what it is all about no matter what pharmacy you choose to patronize.

I also wanted to address your legitimate concerns about obtaining Schedule II prescriptions. The problem you are seeing is nationwide in many regards. I can only speak for PA, but each pharmacy has been given a quota on how many CII drugs that they can purchase from their wholesaler in a given period of time. I am not privy to the details because I'm not involved in the ordering of narcotics at our pharmacy. But because of this, it has become very difficult to take on new customers with these types of restrictions, especially if our quota and the number of prescriptions we are already filling is tight. It really is a huge problem for legitimate customers, but unfortunately what has happened is like most things - a few bad apples ruin it for everyone else. The only suggestion I can make is to find a place like you did and stick with them for all of your CII's - better yet for all of your prescriptions which you essentially did since they are both Walgreen's. It will at least decrease the likelihood of you having a problem.