On-Site Medical Dispensary
ECHO is proud to operate our own on-site medical dispensary to help you get the medications you need in a safe, convenient, and cost-effective manner.
Your doctor has prescribed medication for you to take by mouth to treat your cancer. We are here to assist you in obtaining the new medication and to support you through your treatment.
The information below will help you understand the process. A member of our team will meet with you during your initial education session. Or we will contact you within 24-72 hours if we were not able to meet you during your session.
About Oral Cancer Therapy
An “oral oncolytic” is cancer therapy taken by mouth; it is as strong as any other form and works as well. It may be easier for you because it can be taken at home, and you will not have to go to the cancer center for every treatment. Although you may not see your doctor or nurses as often, be sure to call with any questions or concerns. The success of your treatment depends a lot on you.
Let Us Guide You
For your safety, it is very important that you meet with your care team to review your new medication before you start taking it. It is important to take the right drug, at the right time, exactly as directed, and to ask questions. If you have not already done so, an education session will be scheduled soon.
What to Expect
You and your doctor have decided on a treatment plan. Here is how the process works:
Medication Order: Your doctor will send the prescription to the ECHO Dispensary
Benefit Investigation: The ECHO Dispensary team will review your insurance. They may have questions about it, so it is essential to answer all phone calls and return messages promptly.
Prior Authorization: We will work with your insurance company to obtain prior authorization for the medication. This may take 24-48 hours or more to complete.
Appeal: If your insurance does not authorize the medication, we may appeal and request that your insurance review the decision.
Specialty Pharmacy: Your insurance will determine if ECHO Dispensary may fill your medication. If we cannot dispense your medication, we will send the prescription to the requested pharmacy. If our pharmacy is out of network, we will inform you of the cost difference. If you want to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy, call (860) 886-8362, ext. 245 or 250 to discuss with our team.
Co-pay: The ECHO dispensary is able to determine your “out-of-pocket” amount for the medication.
Financial Assistance: If your copay is unaffordable, please discuss it with the staff. There may be assistance available to help you cover the cost.
Medication Pick-up: After your medication has been filled, our Dispensary team will call to arrange pickup.
Helpful Information & Tips
Communication:
• Keep the clinic and Dispensary team phone numbers in an easy-to-find place.
• Answer all phone calls and return all calls promptly. Many Specialty pharmacies use an “automated dialer”, after you answer, you are prompted to press a number, and then a live person will pick up.
• Keep a notebook or journal. Write down the names of those you speak to on the phone. It is OK to ask before you end the call!
Financial Assistance: If your copay is unaffordable, please discuss with the staff. There may be assistance available cover the cost. Please discuss this with the specialty pharmacy filling your medications if it is not being filled with ECHO. The pharmacies should also be able to provide assistance.
Information: Make sure you have access to your insurance information and medical bills and keep them in one place. Also, gather your income information and tax returns so you will have them when needed when applying for assistance.
Refills: You can request a refill by calling (860) 886-8362, ext. 245 or 250.e
You Will Hear from Us:
• In the event of a patient-level recall of a medication dispensed at ECHO, the practice will contact you.
• In an emergency or disaster, the practice will contact you regarding access to your medication.
• A team member will discuss storing and disposing of your medication in your education session.
We Need to Hear from You:
• If you are not able to pick up your medication at the scheduled time, please contact the us at (860) 886-8362, ext. 245 or 250.
• If you need to report any concerns or errors, please call promptly.
