Sometimes you may need to send a prescription to a different pharmacy due to inventory shortages, location, or other reasons outside of our control. The process differs based on your type of medication, and this article provides more details about how to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy.
Non-controlled substances
For non-controlled substances (like antibiotics or blood pressure medications), pharmacies can transfer prescriptions directly to each other.
How to request a transfer for non-controlled substances:
Contact the new pharmacy where you want your prescription sent.
Provide them with your insurance details and current pharmacy details.
The new pharmacy will handle the transfer for you.
Need Help? If the new pharmacy needs a new prescription or you have any concerns, contact our Care Team through the Circle Medical app or web portal.
Controlled substances
Controlled substances are strictly regulated by federal and state laws. Pharmacies cannot transfer these prescriptions. Your provider will need to cancel the old prescription and issue a new one.
How to request a transfer for controlled substances:
If you have experienced a delay of more than a week:
Open the Circle Medical app or web portal.
Send a message through the chat feature.
Follow the prompts to provide the Care Team with the necessary information.
Once received, the Care Team will review your request. If approved, your provider will cancel the old order and issue a new one to the updated pharmacy.
Note: This process typically takes up to 1 to 5 business days. Please be on the lookout for updates from the Care Team. You’ll receive a notification in your Secure Care Inbox once the prescription has been sent.
Important notes for controlled substances
State lines: If you travel to a different state, sending a controlled substance prescription to a pharmacy in that state may not be possible. Please keep in mind:
Provider licensing: Your provider must be licensed in the state where you are physically located during your visit.
State availability: Circle Medical does not operate in every state.
Planning ahead: We recommend planning your refills before you travel. Controlled substance prescriptions cannot always be transferred across state lines.
Note: If you are in a state where your current provider is not licensed, you may need to schedule an appointment with a provider licensed in that state or wait until you return home.
Prescription expiration: The validity of your controlled substance prescription varies by medication schedule and state laws:
Schedule II prescriptions: These may only be filled within 30 days of the date they are sent to the pharmacy. Some states may be valid longer.
Schedule III-V prescriptions: These are often valid for up to 90 days.
Note: Circle Medical policy. If you need a new controlled substance prescription and more than 30 days have passed since it was sent to the pharmacy, please book a new appointment to request a new prescription.
Wait period: Due to regulations and potential stock resolution, we ask that you wait one week after the initial delay before requesting a re-route. Pharmacies usually restock within that time.
Early fill: If you would like to fill your prescription before the effective fill date, you must discuss this with your provider during an appointment, and approval is on a case-by-case basis.
General tips before you switch pharmacies
Check pharmacy policies first: Before switching, confirm the new pharmacy accepts new patients for your specific medication, accepts telemedicine prescriptions, and takes your insurance.
National Backorders: If a medication is in short supply nationwide, switching pharmacies may not help. You can always discuss alternatives with your provider during your next appointment to ensure that your treatment plan stays seamless.
Build a pharmacy relationship: We recommend using the same pharmacy consistently to build a relationship with your pharmacist and ensure your medication is filled on time.
Questions?
If you have any concerns about your medication, please contact your Care Team through the Circle Medical app or web portal. We're here to help.