POPSUGAR UK

What You Need to Know About Refilling Your Prescriptions During the Coronavirus Outbreak

27/03/2020 - 01:13 AM

In the weeks since the coronavirus [1] began sweeping the globe, people have taken to buying everything from toilet paper to canned foods in bulk, necessarily or not. But many Americans are equally concerned about having ready and safe access [2] to another necessity: prescription medications [3] that are crucial to staying well, physically and mentally. As we navigate this new reality, it's natural to be fearful that you'll experience problems or delays when you need a refill. POPSUGAR spoke with two doctors about how to best manage this situation and ensure that you don't miss a single dose of your medications. Keep reading for answers to your most-asked questions.

What's the Best Way to Reach My Doctor During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

As doctors work around the clock to treat patients with COVID-19 [4], private practices and medical centres are receiving an extremely high volume of phone calls. Georgine Nanos, MD, MPH, CEO of Kind Health Group in California, told POPSUGAR that it's best to communicate with your doctor via email or through an online patient portal if you can. "It keeps the phones from being overwhelmed and creates a record of your communication for future reference," Dr. Nanos said.

Coral Matus, MD, assistant professor of family medicine at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Science, also uses a clinical portal that allows her to communicate directly with patients about everything from test results to medication refills. "I check my portal box each night, and can answer messages from patients after normal business hours, which makes it much easier to manage," she explained.

If your doctor isn't accessible this way, you'll have to contact them by phone to inquire about prescription refills — just be prepared for longer wait times.

Can I Have My Prescriptions Delivered During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

Some pharmacies offer delivery services, but you'll need to do your homework to determine the cost. "It's best to call ahead and ask whether your pharmacy offers free delivery, or to verify with your insurance company whether delivery is covered," Dr. Matus advised. If local delivery isn't an option, you may be able to refill your prescriptions using a mail-order pharmacy — but again, check with your insurance. "Additionally, some pharmacies offer curbside pickup for medications," Dr. Matus told POPUSGAR, which at the very least, can help you keep a safe distance from others while you're out [5].

Should I Be Worried That There Could Be a Medication Shortage?

"It's important not to panic," Dr. Nanos said, emphasising that the current expectation is that pharmacies will remain open and continue to refill medications in a timely manner.

Dr. Matus told POPSUGAR that it's especially important during this time to take your medication as scheduled. "It's not necessary to 'conserve' medicine or skip doses to make it last longer," she said. "In order for medication to work for you the best possible way, taking your doses as prescribed by your physician is very important." Staying as healthy as possible decreases your risk of illnesses like COVID-19 — so effectively treating chronic medical conditions [6] is more important now than ever.


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https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/how-to-get-your-prescriptions-refilled-during-coronavirus-47346834