Prescription Refills for Established Patients
Regular follow-up visits are essential for continuous monitoring of a patient’s health, allowing early detection of changes or complications and prompt adjustment of treatment plans. They reinforce preventive care, support adherence to medications and lifestyle recommendations, and help ensure chronic conditions are managed safely and effectively over time.
Between routinely scheduled follow-up visits, requesting a prescription refill without an in‑person visit may be appropriate for certain stable medical conditions and medications.
Prescription refills completed without a visit to a provider are generally not reimbursed by insurance and are therefore the patient’s financial responsibility. While no visit occurs, these requests still require clinical review, medical decision‑making, documentation, and coordination of care, all of which involve the provider’s time and professional judgment to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.
Our Current Policy
Subject to Change
Non‑Scheduled Chronic Condition Medications
Requesting a non‑scheduled chronic condition medication refill without a visit is appropriate on a limited basis only when the medical condition is stable and the patient is compliant with attending recommended routine follow‑up visits.
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Routine follow‑up visits are generally required every 3–6 months, depending on the patient's condition and treatment.
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Patients must be up to date on recommended laboratory testing and preventive care.
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New symptoms, medication changes, or abnormal results may require an earlier visit.
Examples of Non‑Scheduled Chronic Condition Medications Commonly Requested Include:
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High Blood Pressure Medication
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Lipid Lowering Agents
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Thyroid Replacement Therapy
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GERD medications
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Erectile dysfunction medications
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Diabetes medications
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia medications
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Asthma maintenance inhalers
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Certain antidepressants and anxiety medications
Scheduled Chronic Condition Medications
Controlled medications require regular monitoring and compliance with state and federal regulations. Follow-up appointments are REQUIRED EVERY 3 MONTHS.
Refills Between Required Visits:
During the two months between the required 3‑month follow‑up visits, refills may be provided under the following conditions:
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The patient is clinically stable on the current dose.
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The patient is compliant with scheduled follow‑up visits and monitoring requirements.
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No new symptoms, side effects, or concerns have been reported.
Refills provided during these interim months do not replace the requirement for the 3‑month follow‑up visit.
Please be aware that during the interim months, patients may choose either to schedule an appointment with their provider or to request a prescription refill without an appointment, provided all policy requirements are met.
Examples of Scheduled Chronic Condition Medications:
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Stimulants for ADD/ADHD such as amphetamine‑dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate
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Sedative‑hypnotics such as Lunesta, Ambien
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Certain weight‑loss medications such as phentermine
Requesting A Refill
A Non-Covered Services
Zelle
Scheduled Medications:
Refills in FL = $135.00
Refills Outside FL = $145.00
Non-Scheduled Medications:
Refills = $55.00
Medication rerouting after transmission to patient‑selected pharmacy = $35.00
Get Step-By-Step Instructions on Using Zelle By Clicking Here.
As Scheiner Medical Center has transitioned to Zelle as the main payment method, patients should familiarize themselves with its' use.
Requesting Cancellation or Transfer of Prescribed Medication
If you request cancellation of an active prescription at one pharmacy and transfer to another, please note that this is a non-covered service subject to a $35 non-covered service fee per reroute (subject to change), as it requires significant provider time and effort outside of regularly scheduled patient visits.
Medication availability is not the responsibility of the provider or the pharmacy, as providers do not have access to pharmacy inventory and pharmacists cannot predict medication stock. If a medication is temporarily out of stock, it will be dispensed once it becomes available.
Requests to adjust or modify an existing treatment or medication regimen are not appropriate via message or telephone, and an appointment is required to properly evaluate and discuss any changes to your treatment plan.
To submit a request for a cancellation or transfer, one must complete the $35.00 non-covered service fee using the following instructions, including their name, date of birth, and pharmacy of choice.
Requests are addressed at the provider’s earliest convenience, typically within 72 hours of submission.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or seek prompt in‑person medical care.