Why do pharmacists take so long to fill prescriptions?

So why does it take so long to fill a prescription? There are a number of reasons. One major reason is that pharmacies are very busy and understaffed. It takes time and staff to complete all the steps needed to fill a prescription, counsel patients, and contact physicians if there is a question about the prescription.

How long does it take pharmacy to fill prescription?

In chain pharmacies, new prescriptions generally take 20 to 25 minutes to fill, while refills can take 10 to 15 minutes in smaller pharmacies.

How do pharmacists count pills?

Pharmacists only count pills In reality, we double-check the dose, drug, route, frequency, interactions with other medications, etc. before giving out a medication. There is a considerable amount of regulation that goes into filling your prescription.

Do pharmacists actually count pills?

Do doctors know when prescriptions are filled?

No. Most doctors will not know what pharmacy you are using or will call to see if you had your prescription filled. You are discharges with instructions and it is up to you to follow or not the plan of care laid out for you.

Can a pharmacist not fill a prescription?

Can the pharmacist refuse to fill my prescription? Yes, a pharmacist in his or her professional judgment may refuse to fill a prescription.

How do pharmacists count out pills?

Should you count the pills you get from your pharmacy?

There are important reasons why you should count the pills you get from your pharmacy at least periodically—your own home quality control check. When should a home quality control check (self-counting) be done on the prescriptions you pick up from your pharmacy?

What should I do if I’m missing pills from the pharmacy?

In extreme cases, you may need to stand at the pharmacy counter and count out the pills yourself in view of the pharmacy staff because pharmacies cannot take “returns” and may not believe you if you claim to be missing high-value pills again and again, which would be the case if someone in the pharmacy were deliberately short-changing you.

How often should I check the price of my prescriptions?

3. Every few months do a spot-check of your most expensive prescription at least, unless you suspect one of the other problems, to make sure you’re getting what you (or your prescription insurance company) paid for. The corollary of this is to keep pharmacy staff honest and are not short-changing you on the expensive pills (stealing).

How do you get a prescription filled at the pharmacy?

There are a number of options to get it filled, including by phone, online or in person, but most people just bring it in and wait for it in-store. You walk in, lurk around the counter until the person speaking with the pharmacy technician leaves, and you “place your order,” announcing that you, too, will wait for it.