When you’re dealing with a medication shortage, calling local pharmacies to check if they have your medication in stock can be stressful. To make the process easier, it’s helpful to have a script ready so you can be clear and concise. Below is a simple script you can follow when contacting pharmacies.
Step 1: Prepare Before the Call
- Know the Details: Have the exact name of the medication, dosage, and quantity you need. If possible, know the generic name as well.
- Be Ready with Alternatives: If you’re open to generic versions or therapeutic substitutes, have that information on hand.
- Prepare a Spreadsheet: If you have one of those really difficult medications to find, I like to keep a spreadsheet.
Step 2: Make the Call
“Hi, I’m calling to check if you have [Medication Name] in stock. I’m having trouble finding it due to the current shortage.”
Provide Details:
“The medication I’m looking for is [Medication Name], [Dosage], [Form, e.g., tablet, liquid], and I need [Quantity].”
Ask About Availability:
“Could you please check if you have it, either the brand name or generic, in stock?”
A Note on Controlled Substances
Either as a result of store policy or law, some pharmacies will not give you stock information over the phone. Usually this is because they are afraid of being robbed, which is perfectly understandable. If you can’t convince them you are just someone trying to find their medication during a shortage, thank them and note down the info.
If They Have It:
“Great! Can you please hold it for me? I’ll be there to pick it up today.”
If They Don’t Have It:
“I understand. Do you know when you might get more in stock?”
They might give you insight into how long it’s been out of stock. I’ve heard people say things like: “No, we haven’t had that for months.” Take down this info, it could be helpful in the future for knowing not to prioritize this pharmacy in future searches.
Step 3: End the Call
“Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it!”
Here’s where the work you just did can help you in the future. Using our spreadsheet in future months could come in handy for determining how to prioritize various pharmacies based on how helpful they were with telling you whether they have had it in stock recently.
Additional Tips
- Be Patient: Pharmacists are likely very busy, especially during a shortage. Being polite and understanding can go a long way.
- Follow Up: If a pharmacy expects to restock soon, mark your calendar or tell your smart assistant when you should follow up.
Using this script can help you get the information you need quickly and efficiently, saving you time and reducing stress during a medication shortage.