3336M0002X Mail Order Pharmacy

Definition: A pharmacy where pharmacists compound or dispense prescriptions or other medications in accordance with federal and state law, using common carriers to deliver the medications to patient or their caregivers. Mail order pharmacies counsel patients and caregivers (sometimes independent of the dispensing process) through telephone or email contact and provide other professional services associated with pharmaceutical care appropriate to the setting. Mail order pharmacies are licensed as a Mail Order Pharmacy in the state where they are located and may also be licensed or registered as nonresident pharmacies in other states.
Grouping: Suppliers
Classification: Pharmacy
Specialization: Mail Order Pharmacy
Section: Non-Individual
Notes: Source: Developed by National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), National Home Infusion Association (NHIA), and Pharmacist Services Technical Advisory Coalition (PSTAC) [1/1/2006: new]

Related Taxonomies

Parent Classification

A medical facility where licensed pharmacists prepare, store, and dispense prescription medications to patients. Pharmacies provide medication counseling, answer questions about prescriptions, offer immunizations, and help manage ongoing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Patients can expect to receive their prescribed medicines, learn how to take them safely, and get advice on over-the-counter treatments.

Other Specializations

Clinic Pharmacy

A medical facility that provides prescription medications to patients at clinics, emergency rooms, or hospital outpatient settings. Clinic pharmacies fill prescriptions ordered by healthcare providers, offer advice on how to take medicines safely, answer questions about side effects, and help patients manage their treatments. Patients can expect support with medication refills, instructions for self-administration, and guidance for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

Community/Retail Pharmacy

A pharmacy where pharmacists prepare and provide prescription medications, offer advice on how to take medicines safely, give vaccinations, and answer questions about health and wellness. Patients can expect help managing chronic conditions, support with over-the-counter medicines, health screenings, and information about staying healthy. Pharmacists also work with doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective care.

Compounding Pharmacy

A pharmacy that prepares customized medications for patients based on a doctor's prescription when standard drug forms are not suitable. Compounding pharmacies create specific doses, flavors, or forms of medications, such as creams, liquids, or allergy-free options. Patients can expect these pharmacies to provide personalized medications for needs like hormone replacement, pain management, pediatric dosing, or medications without certain allergens or dyes.

Home Infusion Therapy Pharmacy

A pharmacy that prepares and delivers medications for patients to receive intravenous (IV) treatments at home or in other non-hospital settings. They provide medications, supplies, and equipment needed for at-home infusions, as well as support from pharmacists and nurses. Common services include administering antibiotics, chemotherapy, nutrition, or other IV therapies for conditions like infections, immune disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Patients can expect coordinated care, medication management, and education to safely continue treatment at home.

Institutional Pharmacy

A medical facility that prepares and provides medications for patients staying in hospitals or other institutions. Institutional pharmacies ensure patients receive the right medicines, offer advice to patients and caregivers, give vaccinations, and may provide health screenings, medication counseling, and educational classes. Patients can expect safe delivery of needed medications, support with understanding their treatments, and help managing conditions like infections, pain, or chronic diseases while in the hospital.

Long Term Care Pharmacy

A pharmacy that specializes in providing medications and pharmacy services to people living in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and hospices. They manage and deliver medications, offer medication reviews, coordinate with care teams, provide education to staff and patients, and help ensure safe and accurate medication use for residents with chronic conditions or complex medication needs.

Managed Care Organization Pharmacy

A pharmacy that is part of a managed care organization, serving only members covered by that organization. This pharmacy fills prescriptions, provides medication counseling, manages refills, and helps answer questions about medicines. Patients can expect support with insurance coverage, guidance on how to take their medications, and assistance with medication reviews for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and other chronic or acute illnesses.

Nuclear Pharmacy

A pharmacy that prepares and provides special medicines containing small amounts of radioactive material used for medical tests and treatments. These medicines help doctors see how organs and tissues are working, often used for diagnosing heart disease, cancer, or bone problems. Patients can expect this pharmacy to supply safe, carefully measured doses for imaging scans like PET or SPECT, ensuring accuracy and safety in each procedure.

Specialty Pharmacy

A pharmacy that specializes in providing medications for patients with serious, long-term, or rare health conditions such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. This pharmacy helps patients get high-cost or hard-to-find medicines, often offers support with insurance and medication education, and provides guidance on how to safely use and manage complex treatments.

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