Rx FAQ: How do I transfer a prescription between pharmacies?
You may be getting your medications from one pharmacy but have decided that another pharmacy works better for you. You need to move your prescription from your current pharmacy to the new one. But how?
Your current pharmacy has an essential role
The pharmacy you are currently using is the pharmacy of record for that prescription. Therefore, the current pharmacy must be involved in the transfer of the prescription. Pharmacies must follow state and federal rules when transferring prescriptions, including who at the pharmacy is required to be involved and what the communication method must be. These rules may vary by state.
A pharmacy will typically transfer a prescription upon patient request. There are reasons why a pharmacy may not be able to initiate a prescription transfer or accept a transfer, such as legal restrictions, availability of medication, or policy considerations. However, these situations are uncommon.
Ways you can move your prescription from one pharmacy to another
If allowable, there are few ways to get your prescription to a new pharmacy. Listed in order from easiest to more complex:
An efficient way to get your medication is not to actually transfer a prescription but to get a new one, thereby re-establishing the pharmacy of record.
To do this, contact your doctor’s office and request they send a new prescription to the pharmacy you want to use. Sending a message through a patient portal, such as MyChart, makes it hassle-free. Calling the doctor’s office and making the request works as well. Just be sure to have the name, and if a local pharmacy the location, of the new pharmacy where to send the prescription.
Contact the current pharmacy, or the pharmacy of record, and ask them to transfer the prescription to your new pharmacy of choice. Again, make sure you have the new pharmacy name, and if a local pharmacy the location, ready.
- Contact the new pharmacy you want to use, and request that they contact your current pharmacy to get the prescription transferred. You’ll need to have the current pharmacy contact information and prescription details, including patient name, date of birth, medication, and dosage, available to share.
Understanding how to get your prescription to the right pharmacy helps you quickly get your medication at the best place for you. If you have additional questions, you can always reach out to Express Scripts Pharmacy 24/7 to get the answers you need.
Posted date: January 31, 2025
