mvesuvius
Newbie
Reged: 12/22/02
Posts: 33
Loc: South
|
|
O.K. I'm sure everyone's sick and tired of this topic by now. But, should I have Woody's transfer a script to my local pharmacy or go with Bi-Wise/TDI? I thought I read a post on some board, (maybe its a state law somewhere) if you transfer an out of state prescription for controlled substances, you only get one fill as an emergency. If I go the local route, will that mean I will lose one of my two refills that's due me? I've read some posts where people are getting all of their refills transferred to either bi-wise or tdi. When I called my local pharmacy, I simply asked if they transfer out of state prescriptions, not telling them what they were for. They said, sure, no problem. Just give us the information from the bottles and we'll take care of it. Well, I'm concerned they will have a hard time getting through to Woody's for one thing. Does anyone think I should just e-mail Woody's and have them take care of the transfer to my local pharmacy or go the Bi-Wise/TDI route?
Thanks
|
NJ_Hoss
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/29/03
Posts: 263
Loc: USA
|
|
This is impossible to answer without first knowing if your particular state permits the incoming transfer of controlled substance prescriptions. If the answer is "no", your question is answered before being asked. Despite contacting your local pharmacy, you didn't ask the only question that would tell you what you need to know.
Reports have been relatively good about transfers to TDI and Bi-Wise; and although there has been some slightly longer than expected turn-around times and accessibility issues, nothing seems to indicate that it won't otherwise occur smoothly and probably require the least amount of overall intervention.
The single-refill transfer policy has no regulatory basis, but it undertandable from several perspectives. There is a financial incentive for OP prescribers and pharmacies to dispense through their own supply chain, and they are likely to release only as much business as they must to prevent an immediate interruption in care. It also behooves no one if an over-zealous pharmacy chooses to question the prescribing or dispensing practices of those from whom relatively large-quantity multiple-refill controlled substance prescriptions originate.
You've offered too little information to solicit any sort of specfic useful advice; but it does seem that you either don't have a great deal of experience or confidence in dealing with your local pharmacy, so despite the marginal additional cost of having your prescription filled through TDI or Bi-Wise (compared to a local pharmacy) I suspect you will be most comfortable and better-off letting them manage the process for you.
|
2muchpain
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 274
Loc: USA
|
|
I agree with hoss. If you were able to use your local pharmacy, you'd probably save a lot of money. The flip side is that you are raising a red flag. I would 'keep it in the family'.
|
okiedad777
Member
Reged: 01/12/03
Posts: 137
Loc: Oklahoma
|
|
Hoss,
This is off topic, but I really enjoy reading your posts! You seem to have a lot of knowledge, at least in this field.
If you don't mind me asking, what is your background. Writing I am sure. 
Jimbo
--------------------
Jimbo
|
Sky_Queen
Fly Girl
Reged: 12/03/02
Posts: 1984
Loc: Texas
|
|
I was wondering the same thing Hoss - and also - do you look like your avatar??  It's nice to read your posts and look at that pretty face. 
Oh, and so as to not be off topic here - I think it's a good idea to "keep it in the family" as well and use TDI or Bi-Wise - my local pharmacy would look at me like I had three eyeballs if I tried to fill a script of 120 Lortabs from an out of state doctor. 
|
wartyq
Stranger
Reged: 10/06/03
Posts: 9
|
|
It's a bit off topic, but I too find myself swooning over the idea of a George Clooney with an encyclopedic knowledge of narcotics..
|
Imago
Member
Reged: 01/12/02
Posts: 198
Loc: Lone Star State
|
|
I think it depends on your situation...
If you are getting meds from your doctor and using local pharmacies quite a bit, I'd recommend you transfer to TDI, Bi-Wise or United.
But if you never use your local pharmacies and get your meds mostly online AND it's legal in your state, I'd get it filled locally.
I just had mine transferred to TDI. (can't do it in Texas) I had a tracking number within minutes and was charged $25 for air saver but received on Saturday.
Imago
|
safe13
Enthusiast
Reged: 05/16/02
Posts: 219
Loc: ny
|
|
Hi, Does anyone know if Bi-Wise will send meds COD ?Thank You
|
Suzie
Member
Reged: 03/04/03
Posts: 123
Loc: Sitting on my computer?
|
|
I just got off the phone with Woody's and YOU CAN'T have scripts called into a local pharmacy. This so stinks. I love YOD, Kathy and Libby are the BEST & Woody's had the BEST prices out there. 40.00 more for me to have to go to TDI. I had no choice as biwise wont pick up there phone so I could get them to call Woody's & all Biwise has is a recording. I miss Woody's, but I guess you don't know what you have untill It's gone......
--------------------
True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.
|
NJ_Hoss
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/29/03
Posts: 263
Loc: USA
|
|
Quote:
I was wondering the same thing Hoss - and also - do you look like your avatar?? It's nice to read your posts and look at that pretty face.
Thank you for your compliments. I hope the information and prespectives I offer prove useful.
To be clear however, I in no way resemble George Clooney. George Clooney resembles ME!
|
Suzie
Member
Reged: 03/04/03
Posts: 123
Loc: Sitting on my computer?
|
|
Yes I forgot to mention, that great image/photo "NJ Hoss" has posted is VERY nice. That coupled with meds knowledge! WOW!!!!!
That said so I am not off topic either I know TDI is doing COD, sorry I couldn't speak for Biwise as I have been unable to reach them, but their web site is here.
--------------------
True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.
|
mvesuvius
Newbie
Reged: 12/22/02
Posts: 33
Loc: South
|
|
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I heeded your advice and went with bi-wise. Hope it was a "wise" choice. (No pun intented.) I requested 2nd day. I hope they come this week. I know they are inundated with back orders due to the ice storm. But I was good, sent only one e-mail and will patiently wait. Thanks again!
|
samw420
Member
Reged: 12/19/01
Posts: 142
Loc: NYC Metro Area
|
|
If the laws of your state permit transfers of controlled substances to your local pharmacy, you'll more than likely save a bundle of money doing that. However, you may not want to go that route even if you can because your local pharmacy may raise a suspicious eyebrow. If it's a choice between TDI or Bi-Wise, I recommend Bi-Wise. They are a real walk-in pharmacy chain in the South (like Eckerds or Walgreens) with very good customer service and a real, live pharmacist you can talk to with no problems. Bi-Wise ships COD if you request it and I beleive their prices are very similar to Woody's.
--------------------
SW
|
Sky_Queen
Fly Girl
Reged: 12/03/02
Posts: 1984
Loc: Texas
|
|
Oh dear - I must go way off topic for a moment. Hoss - I know you're in the USA but are you anywhere near Northeast Texas?
Ok - back on topic - I'm going with Bi-Wise because my good friend said that Midland used to use Bi-Wise way back when and they were good. I think think either way it's better than a local pharmacy, but I'm just the paranoid type.
Night Hoss!
|
BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 423
Loc: Highway to Heaven
|
|
Bi-Wise is a good choice and may be better for cust. service and price than TDI. The CS may start to lag a bit as they pick up more and more YOD customers and refill transfers.
You can send Bi-Wise an e-mail on their web site if you click the contact us button on the left side of their site via a fillable contact form - you have to select the St. Pete store from their 3 stores. www.bi-wise.com
You can reach the st. pete bi-wise directly by e-mail at - they replied to a my two direct e-mails to this address with questions last week in about 15 minutes each time! Their phone # is also on the web site - it is the one for the St. Pete store: (727) 343-7400 - here is a picture of "Walter, Pete & Dave" at the St. Pete pharmacy (sort of Pop, pop & pop - no mom)...
http://www.bi-wise.com/bin/site/wrappers/default.asp?pane_2=content%2Ddirections&objectid=B1D4BC0&imagenumber=6&NC=994X
They are only $5 more than Woody's for #120 norco 10/325 when you factor in overnight Fed Ex shipping vs. overnight UPS shipping for Woody's. Bi-Wise charged me $98 for meds + $20 for overnight Fed Ex and everything went incredibly smoothly and I got my order in 1 day. Watson yellow 853's without a hitch or glitch. They must be getting swamped more this week as word gets out about them as an alternative to TDI for new YOD consults and Woody's refill transfers. I happen to have another # for the St. Pete Bi-Wise that is not public that they answer (it's supposed to be for doctors). PM me if absolutely needed AND they don't reply by e-mail OR answer their regular phone # - but give them time first and let me know your contact history before I'll give it out by PM.
Hope this contact and price info. helps some folks...
|
hoop123
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/14/01
Posts: 258
Loc: New York
|
|
Blackcat,
Great Post. Sold me on transferring to Bi Wise. I have a refill do, my last , on 02/04. I emailed Woodys my request early as I suspect they are swamped. Sounds like you went directly to the St. Petes /BI-Wise Pharm with the info and they took care of it . Since the refill is not due till 02/04 , when do you think I should contact Bi-Wise? Thank you for you're time and consideration.
Best Regards, Hoop
|
BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 423
Loc: Highway to Heaven
|
|
Mine was not a refill transfer, it was a repeat consult at YOD, resulting in a new script with 3 refills which I had sent to bi-wise for fullfillment. Woody's will be out of the picture for the duration of this new script and the 3 refills.
For refill transfers from Woody's I think you are supposed to email Woody's a few days before you need the transfer from what I understand and tell them where you want it sent. (bi-wise or tdi)
|
wildlight
Stranger
Reged: 07/29/02
Posts: 7
Loc: Lowcountry
|
|
Wildlight here...been mostly a reader than a writer, but just wanted to let you know I'm in twilight zone right now. By that, I mean I've finally gotten Woody's to do the transfer today, and then sent a number of calls and emails to Bi-Wise with no response. It's probably just one of those nights...I'm in pain and anxious...Give me some more timelines if you've got one.
|
BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 423
Loc: Highway to Heaven
|
|
Here's the timeline you requested.
My script came from YOD as I indicated a few posts ago as a new script and not as a transfer from Woody's. This difference shouldn't affect the fill timing though, unless Woody's isn't promptly sending over transfers when you request them which could be the bottle neck. Bi-wise could also be getting tied down with premature phone calls, emails plus the jump in transfers and new scripts since my order was filled Monday...
- 11:50 am - I had my consult at YOD.
- 12:40 pm - YOD sent the script over to bi-wise (I called my cc company to verify the charge amount and they gave me the time of the bi-wise charge).
- 2:25 PM - I got a tracking # e-mailed from bi-wise (it may have been auto sent from FedEx).
- 4:30 PM - Fedex picked up the package from bi-wise (time listed on the tracking web site).
- 10:20 AM next day - Fedex delivered to me in padded envelope pack with invoice showing med price and shipping, instruction page, etc. (I paid for standard overnight (3PM) delivery and got lucky here with Fed Ex).
- 10:30 AM next day - All pills counted (I do it with every script) - #120 Watson yellow 853 10/325's - none missing. Bottle label indicated 3 refills at bi-wise with phone number to call for refills.
Now you can see why I was so happy with the service and timing I received from Bi-Wise this week! If Woody's just did your transfer today (Wed.), I would expect bi-wise to fill it by tomorrow (Thurs.), especially if Woody's sent it to them late in the day Wed.......
|
wildlight
Stranger
Reged: 07/29/02
Posts: 7
Loc: Lowcountry
|
|
Thanks Blackcat - it's morning and I'm still in the Twilight Zone - the transfer apparently takes time. Was about to call again, but reread your post regarding Bi-Wise being overloaded. I'll just hibernate for now - will let you know when the light at the end of the tunnel comes into view.
|
Terry11
Journeyman
Reged: 11/20/03
Posts: 55
Loc: Southeast
|
|
this sounds good----but I cannot get anyone at YOD to call me or even acknowledge they have my records. I have sent two emails to YOD and do not get any response---I did not see a phone number on their site to call---anyone have one? thanks
|
wildlight
Stranger
Reged: 07/29/02
Posts: 7
Loc: Lowcountry
|
|
Go to the website and click under "Contact Us" and you'll find a number for them
Since Mr. Rush-bo revealed he's a junkie (who didn't even use OPs), everything has gone is to slow-motion, the pregnant pause, wait and see...etc.
Contacted YOD about the transfer delay - received further instructions regarding Woody's comms - finally got through to Woody's after MANY attempts and was told the transfer would be faxed to Bi-Wise today...HOWEVER, was also told they and TDI are backed up...Meanwhile, I'm in pain with the distinct feeling that nobody gives a sh*t...BUT, WHADDYA GONNA DO?!?!?
I'm still in my state of waiting, however patience is long gone... 
Good luck to all of you who rely on OPs.
Wildlight sighs...
|
wildlight
Stranger
Reged: 07/29/02
Posts: 7
Loc: Lowcountry
|
|
Update from Wildlight:
Sent email to YOD yesterday at 3pm, indicating I was at wit's end from the week of frustration - also told them I was forced to go to half-dosing over the weekend. They were right on it and proceeded to get things done, QUICKLY. Received meds today.
Thank you Kathy, Libby, and YOD!
BTW, reasons for my problem were: the ice storm in NC, someone at Woody's not following through with the transfer to Bi-Wise, and Bi-Wise apparently being overloaded.
Suggestion: Start the transfer process AT LEAST 48 hours before the Rx date and try to stay on top of the transfer. This is not easy given the difficulty with getting through on the phone to any of the pharmacies.
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit 
Reply 
Quote 
