You may get cross checking if you stay within the same company like if you go to more than one CVS or Walgreens (and best to tell them you have scripts at another store) but otherwise prescription records are not shared between pharmacies.
So if within the same pharmacy, would their software flag counter-indicated drug combinations? Personally at this point I have only eye drops (and an occassional med for flu / whatever). But I do have a variety of relatives with long lists of meds from a variety of subscribers.
One should be very careful about meds filled at different pharmacies - and sometimes even with same pharmacy. I know of a very sad situation where the series of antibiotics taken (possibly multiple MDs and different pharmacies) had very dire medical consequences – wiping out normal flora in digestive system. This can be fatal.
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With the new electronic health records, this is not SUPPOSED to happen, but always good to check when you are prescribed and pick up a new Rx. We mostly get our meds at our local pharmacy and he and his tech are very careful. We do have to get a few specialty meds from specialty pharmacies but those are also via CVS Caremark, so they should be aware of them. They do sometimes mention things, like being sure H doesn’t take his Synthroid medication too close in connection with antibiotics and other things. Also one of H’s medications makes him extra photo sensitive.
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Only if you stay within one companies records–and that can be iffy also. Your doctors don’t share records unless you bring them directly to a new practice. Same with pharmacies. If you have several sources of medicines then you would need to provide a list to each one with a total medicine record to go on your profile (but I’m not sure about the profile practices of various pharmacies).
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I do have to give HealthSpring credit - got a letter from them today telling me they’re dropping Synjardy from their formulary for 2026 - and suggesting alternatives to discuss with doctor. Thanks for the heads up, HealthSpring, but I dropped you for the other company that does cover the medication. But at least you did warn me!
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I’m adjusting to Medicare but it’s annoying to have three cards in my wallet.
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Interesting. Per Google, “there are several apps, like Epocrates, MyRxProfile, and Drugs.com, where you can list your medications to find potential conflicts, contraindications, and interactions with other drugs, food, or conditions. These apps offer various features, including medication tracking, interaction checking, and automated reminders.” Could be useful if folks who get meds from multiple sources.
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I like to check with the pharmacists and they are willing to consult with you. They have an app that can point out things like spacing your synthroid and your antibiotic at least x hours apart for best effects.
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I’m beginning to see several downsides to being on Medicare. I don’t see many providers but I’ve discovered that two of the 4 I see don’t take Medicare. Today it was my longtime gynecologist who I love. The lab couldn’t run the bloodwork she ordered since she isn’t a Medicare provider. Luckily I had my annual exam a month prior and this was a follow up. I hate how it seems at least in my area I’m being forced to use one of the big medical groups over sole practitioners.
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I haven’t seen that in my area, fortunately.
It’s really odd that the lab couldn’t run the bloodwork because the referring doctor isn’t a Medicare provider. I’ve never heard of that. Are you on a Medicare Advantage plan?
No I’m not, I’ve got traditional Medicare and a supplement. I’ve messaged my primary to see if she can out the order in.
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I really, really hope doctors and labs around here don’t start doing this.
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So far we have only had D’s dental surgeons not participate with Medicare. That was price if 2+ good cars but hopefully future visits will be lower. All our other providers are participating and between them and our insurer, no copays.
It sounds like physicians who opt out of Medicare are still allowed to order lab tests that will be covered by Medicare: https://djholtlaw.com/ordering-services-while-opted-out-what-providers-can-still-do/. Maybe a different lab - one that understands Medicare rules - could be used if your PCP doesn’t feel comfortable ordering the tests?
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What state are in you? Are you in a metro area? Thanks!
I’m in California. From some of the young professionals I’ve spoke with the cost of living is high, insurance reimbursement is low along with student loan debt makes it hard to stay here.
I think the gynecologist can file a form that allows them to opt out of Medicare but still allow labs and testing to be covered. I need to give them a call.
We moved to San Diego before age 65 and I set up a variety of doctors, gynecologist included. Had one annual exam. When I called the next year for an appointment, sorry, we don’t take Medicare patients.
It’s not like I still needed specialized care, but for much of my adult life, my annual gynecologist appointment was my annual physical. So it was a mind reset.
I also used my annual gynecological exam as my well exam. Several years after a very easy menopause, I had to get a PCP & have an annual wellness exam with them so my H could get a relatively sizable health bonus in his HSA. I started using the PCP for my gynecological exams, and because I’ve never had any issues, I haven’t been to a gynecologist in over a decade. My PCP would work to get me in to see one if I ever have a problem (she has encouraged me to never ignore any issues, concerns or changes).
I can understand why gynecologists don’t take medicare - they don’t have enough patients in that age group to make it worth their time to have additional insurance plans they need to learn about (or their back office staff needs to deal with).