Resources for Clinics
FAQ
FAQ
1. What is in-house/direct dispensing?
In-house dispensing is the process of preparing and giving out prescription medications to patients by a licensed healthcare provider, usually in a clinical setting. This practice allows for immediate access to medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
2. I’m a physician and I want to dispense at my practice. How do I get started?
Getting started with VVRX is easy! Contact VVRX or call us at (503) 563-6878 for a consultation. We will guide you through the necessary steps, including training, compliance, and setting up our integrated system in your practice.
3. How much does it cost to get started?
Time is your initial investment. We provide an integrated software platform and complimentary training as a part of your onboarding. The products you order are also invoiced on a net 30-day basis.
4. What do I need to get started?
To initiate the VVRX integration, you will need the appropriate licenses, a suitable space for medication storage, and access to our dispensing software. VVRX will assist you with these requirements. Contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 for a consultation.
5. Do I need to provide any equipment to get started?
To initiate the VVRX integration, you will need the appropriate licenses, a suitable space for medication storage, and access to our dispensing software. VVRX will assist you with these requirements. Contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 for a consultation.
6. What are the startup fees to implement a dispensing program?
See answers to questions 3 and 5 above.
7. I’d like to request a demo.
To request a VVRX demo, please contact our team or call us at (503) 563-6878, and we will arrange a demonstration at your convenience.
8. How long does it take to get started?
Once we receive a completed application packet, we can have your account set up in as little as one business day. At the most, it should take two or three business days.
9. Will you help me customize a formulary based on what other clinics of my same specialty are doing?
Yes, VVRX can assist in customizing a formulary tailored to your specialty, ensuring you have access to the most relevant medications for your patients.
10. What if we have more than one Provider in one office?
VVRX’s medication dispensing program has the flexibility to account for multiple providers per office as well as multiple sites, with each provider being assigned their own password and reporting.
11. I’m starting a new practice and want to dispense; when should I contact you?
We recommend starting early in your planning process so we can assist with the necessary setup and compliance requirements from the beginning. Contact VVRX or call us at (503) 563-6878 for a consultation.
Legal / Regulatory
1. Is in-house dispensing legal?
Yes! In the US, physician dispensing is legal in most states, provided that state-specific regulations are met. There are a very small number of states where in-office dispensing is heavily regulated or illegal. These regulations are constantly changing, and we advise doctors and administrators to contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 to discuss your specific situation.
2. In what states is Physician Dispensing Legal?
Physician dispensing is legal in most states in the US, though in some states, it is highly regulated. As of early 2019, the only states in which physician dispensing is completely illegal are Utah and Texas. We recommend that you contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 so that our expert compliance experts can help with your specific situation.
3. What licenses do we have to have to dispense medication in-house?
Every state in the US has different requirements. Don’t worry – VVRX has an expert compliance team that stays on top of each state’s regulations and knows exactly how they work. Please contact us through our contact form or give us a call at (503) 563-6878.
4. Can I dispense medication if I am a Chiropractor?
In many states, chiropractors can dispense certain medications, but this is subject to state regulations. Consult with VVRX to understand your specific eligibility.
5. What storage guidelines do I have to follow for medications?
Medications must be stored securely and according to manufacturer guidelines. VVRX will provide you with specific storage requirements to ensure compliance.
6. Does the doctor have to physically hand over the medication as part of the in-office dispensing process, or can staff assist in the dispensing process?
Regulations vary by state. In some cases, staff can assist in the dispensing process under the physician’s supervision. Consult with VVRX for state-specific guidelines.
7. Does VVRX have a compliance department I can talk to about what steps to take to obtain appropriate licenses?
Yes, absolutely. Please contact us or give us a call at (503) 563-6878.
8. Are Nurse Practitioners and Physicians’ Assistants allowed to dispense medication?
Yes, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants can dispense medications. This is known as “mid-level dispensing” and it is permitted in many states, but the specific regulations vary widely by state and are often changing. We advise you contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 for a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation with an expert.
Operations
1. Will our staff have to count out pills for each patient or label bottles?
No, that’s (part of) our job! We will set you up with your most commonly ordered package sizes and strengths so that you have the right medication and dosage for your patients.
2. Does having the dispensing system open our clinic up for more inspections more frequently? What kind of inspections will my clinic be subject to?
Your state pharmacy board and the FDA have the right to inspect your facility. In practice, these inspections are rare. In any case, VVRX spares no expense to ensure that all requirements for packaging and labeling are met, so as long as you are storing medications appropriately, this should not be a concern.
3. Does dispensing require additional staff?
No. With VVRX’s integrated solution, dispensing should take no more than two minutes, and not require any additional staff (or equipment).
4. How much time does it take our staff to become proficient with the medication dispensing system?
VVRX’s best-in-class integrated software is easy to navigate and master. After a complimentary training session (provided by a VVRX expert), your staff should be extremely proficient with the software platform. If you have any questions, we’re just a phone call, email, or live chat away.
5. How much time does it take for a medication to be dispensed?
With VVRX’s integrated system, each prescription should take no more than two minutes, often less.
6. Do you supply the label paper for RX labels?
Yes, VVRX provides the necessary label paper for prescription labels as part of our program integration.
7. Can I bill a patient’s medical insurance or workers’ compensation insurance through VVRX?
Yes! VVRX has both workers’ compensation billing and private insurance reimbursement capabilities to support our clinic partners. Please contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 for more information.
8. Will this dispensing program have an operational impact on physicians or staff?
No. You don’t need to restructure your operations, hire staff, or buy equipment. In-house dispensing usually takes less than two minutes. You will be able to integrate VVRX without making any significant changes to how your practice operates.
9. Is there a minimum order I must meet to order medications?
No. There is no minimum order size.
10. Which medications do you carry?
VVRX carries a full catalog of over 4,000 medications in pre-packaged, sealed, counted, and ready-to-dispense packages, including non-narcotic pain management products. Please contact us for access to the most up-to-date formal list.
11. Does the software provide reporting? Can I customize reporting?
Yes. VVRX’s best-in-class software platform provides both simple and detailed reporting depending on your needs and is easily customizable.
12. How secure is the software?
VVRX prioritizes data security, implementing industry-standard measures to protect patient information and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. To the best of our knowledge, we have never had a single security breach. Our software is also 100% HIPAA compliant.
Business / Financial
1. Are dispensed medications covered by insurance companies?
Many insurance plans do cover dispensed medications. It’s essential to verify coverage with the specific insurance provider.
2. What are the benefits of dispensing?
There are many powerful benefits of in-house dispensing, including increased revenue potential, improved patient outcomes, increased operational efficiency, greater patient convenience and satisfaction, and more.
3. Why don’t more doctors dispense?
In-house dispensing isn’t new, but it’s only in the last several years that it’s been easy enough that virtually any practice can make money dispensing medication. In the past, dispensing at the point of care was a very manual process, requiring significant staff time to count pills, maintain records, and submit data to regulators in a timely manner. Today VVRX has solved those problems with our integrated solution. It takes less than two minutes to dispense with VVRX, and PDMP reporting and record-keeping are automatic with our software platform. With VVRX, you won’t need to take on any additional staff or equipment or change how your practice operates.
4. Is there a long-term contract I have to sign? Is there any benefit to signing a contract?
No.
5. How much income could my office potentially make with this program?
We’ve seen practices increase profit by up to 50% just by introducing in-office dispensing of medication – without taking on any additional staff, patients, or equipment.
6. What if my patients have medical drug insurance? / Can I bill my patients’ insurance through you?
VVRX provides many medications at such low prices that your practice will often be able to provide them to patients at a lower price than what their co-pay would be at the pharmacy. As a result, even patients with insurance may end up being cash-and-carry patients at your practice. That said, you can also bill the patient’s medical insurance or workers’ compensation insurance through our software. Please contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878 for more information.
7. Will I have a dedicated account manager with VVRX?
Yes, each client is typically assigned a dedicated account lead to provide personalized support and guidance. You will also be able to leverage a full-service Concierge Support Team based in our corporate offices.
8. What is your refund policy?
Our staff will review online payments for refund eligibility within 30-days of payment being made.
9. My question isn’t listed here. How can I ask it?
If your question isn’t listed, please contact us or call us at (503) 563-6878. We are here to help and will gladly address any inquiries you may have.
