Straight Dope Message Board

[Elza B]

I've recently moved from VA to Ohio - and I'm still under the care of my Virginia doctor. He's got me on a medication that I *have* to take every day - but I just realized that my prescription runs out tomorrow. If I don't take the medication, it does affect me badly and I really can't not take it for a day. I've had prescriptions *written* by him filled at the pharmacies here, so I know he can certainly write prescriptions to be filled here. Unfortunately, I don't know if he's able to call in a prescription for me here.

I've tried doing a Google search and AskJeeves, but I just keep getting the same links - and the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy isn't doing me any good either.

(I would go to a doctor here, but I don't have insurance yet, so it's really not an option - my doc has been my doc since I was fourteen, so he knows my medical history very well. I do plan on finding a local doctor as soon as I have insurance again.)

Does anyone know? Thanks!

Ava

[Shayna]

Yes, your doctor can call in a prescription for you to a pharmacy in another state. Or he can fax the written prescription to them, so no need to worry.

[jdc]

I think any big pharmacy chain can help you. Probably a local pharmacy as well:

(from www.cvs.com site):

Prescription Verification
As a licensed pharmacy, we only fill prescriptions from health care providers licensed to prescribe medications in the United States. When we receive your prescription order, our pharmacists will contact your health care provider to verify the medication, quantity, administration, and dosage. We reserve the right to request the original written prescription on all orders, but it is required for Schedule II controlled substances.

CVS site has 800 number to call w/ question or get a prescription by mail.

[Elza B]

Thanks a lot - you just made me feel VERY relieved. I had the original prescription filled at a Walgreens, so he really just needs to call in a refill there. I'm calling my doctor's office at 8 AM in the morning, and hopefully, it'll all work out.

The biggest issue was that I thought I'd be visiting my parents last weekend, and we weren't able to get away. So I totally forgot that the prescription would need a refill.

Ava