In case our supporters missed the podcast yesterday, I wanted to share the article that coincided with the podcast.
When I started advocating for patient's choice of pharmacy, I didn't expect to find myself being an advocate for the survival of America's local pharmacies. I didn't know that the survival of local pharmacies was at risk by the same companies that force patients to their own mail order pharmacies. I was unaware that Optum RX, CVS Caremark, and Express Scripts not only force patients to their own mail order pharmacy but also play a significant role in the price patients pay at a competitor's pharmacy counter if they so graciously allow patients to use a competitor. These three companies also oversee the reimbursements of competitors' pharmacies, such as independent pharmacies.
When it comes to temperatures, I found that there was one pharmacy type that ships medications safely. "One tip for other patients: Loretta found that many independent pharmacies will deliver prescriptions in temperature-controlled vehicles (possibly a private car with air conditioning). This is an option worth exploring even if it costs a bit more."
Most independent pharmacies do ship medications in a temperature-controlled delivery vehicle at a scheduled time. Instead of using unairconditioned USPS, FEDEx, and UPS Trucks, most independent pharmacies use standard passenger cars for medication delivery. These have air conditioning during the summer and heat during the winter. It is truly the only way to deliver medications safely as icepacks and coolers have failed patients at times.
An Arizona Board of Pharmacy meeting will be held on 8/17/2023 to discuss this issue of temperatures not being stored properly and the lack of regulation of temperatures with mail order pharmacies. Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas have also addressed this issue due to our advocacy. Next on the agenda is Tennessee. I've outreached to the Board of Pharmacy in Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago without a response. I've also outreached to Kentucky. A patient in Oregon is also trying to get the issue discussed at their Board of Pharmacy. Thank you to the many patients who are truly beginning to take a stand for patients like my son.
How can you get this issue on the agenda at your Board of Pharmacy that is supposed to protect the public from harmful pharmacy practices?
- Google your State's Board of Pharmacy. Locate the email of the Executive Director or call for the email.
- Let them know that this issue matters to you, and if you have a personal story, share it with them. There are also public meetings where patients can comment during a public comment session. More of these meetings are being held over Zoom.
- If you can successfully get the topic on the agenda, please let me know. If I can attend, I will. loretta@uniteforsafemeds.com
There are many issues that patients face today with pharmacy and medication access. Pharmacy Boards must do more to protect patients. There are issues with delays, interruptions in treatment, understaffing, and wrong medications received. If these issues were regulated correctly, these corporations wouldn't have been as successful at monopolizing the industry.
I will always advocate for stopping the forcing to mail order pharmacies and ensuring that those who choose for medications to be delivered that they are delivered timely and safely.
Thank you,
Loretta Boesing, Patient Advocate