Appointment-Based Prescription Refill Program

If you have to take a lot of medications, refilling prescriptions can be a headache.

You not only spend a lot of time running to the pharmacy, but it can be hazardous to your health. A new program at a local pharmacy aims to make it easier.

Monica Reuland has spent a lot of time waiting for prescription refills. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She's now in remission but is still taking ten medications, which can be confusing.

"Well, I have so many of this left and so many of these left, and how come I only have this many left of that," Reuland said.

But now Reuland has a prescription to make the process less confusing. She's started taking part in the appointment-based model at Lewis Drug. It allows customers to choose one day a month to refill all their prescriptions.

"It simplifies people's lives. Instead of having to stop into the pharmacy multiple times and pick up medications, they're able to stop in once a month and everything is taken care of for them," Lewis Drug ABM Coordinator Kasey Wagner said.

Along with the convenience of a single monthly trip, the program also allows the pharmacist to know if you're taking your medications as directed.

"We're able to see how well they're taking them, if they're not taking them as often as they should be and asking those questions as to why and following up with the doctor's office and letting them know," Wagner said.

Wagner says that can be extremely helpful, especially for seniors who have to fill multiple prescriptions.

"Sometimes they're doubling up on medications. They're taking the ones that should be discontinued," Wagner said.

As for Reuland, she recommends the program not just for seniors but also those with health problems or even parents.

"It's just reassuring to know that I have everything at home when I need it instead of, 'Am I going to have enough for that day? Do I need to go to the pharmacy and pick up some more?'" Reuland said.

Seniors may benefit from the program the most. A recent survey found 23 percent forget to get their refills on time.