FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions and gain knowledge about the services we provide at our pharmacy.
What is Compounding?
Compounding pharmacy is a special kind of pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of medications by mixing raw ingredients. In the early 20th century leading up to the 1940s, most of the medications were literally made by pharmacists preparing the medications that were patient specific.
The art of compounding has evolved significantly, and especially within the last decade. Now, new technology is available that allows a pharmacist to prepare custom medications with complete confidence in quality control. Certification standards were recently introduced by several non-profit organizations; more companies are offering quality control testing of compounded products; more classes are available to introduce new compounding techniques; and most importantly, several leading organizations are garnering evidence-based and health outcome data to demonstrate safety and efficacy of various drug preparations.
Is compounding legal? Is it safe?
The Food and Drug Administration has stated that compounded prescriptions are both ethical and legal as long as they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner for a specific patient and compounded by a licensed pharmacy.
What suppliers sell ingredients to compounding pharmacies? How are these suppliers regulated?
Just like big pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, compounding pharmacies get their ingredients for medications from suppliers that are registered and inspected by the FDA.
How are compounding pharmacies and pharmacists regulated? Should there be increased federal oversight?
All pharmacies and pharmacists are licensed and strictly regulated by State Boards of Pharmacy. Compounding is a core part of pharmacy and has always been subject to the oversight and monitoring of these agencies and the state legislatures who decide upon the way pharmacy compounding should be regulated within their borders. Additionally, the Food & Drug Administration has authority over some aspects of compounded prescriptions at the federal level under the direction of Congress.
Standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) are integrated into the day-to-day operation of pharmacy compounding and are mandated by law in most states. Even greater oversight comes through accreditation from a variety of non-profit agencies that establish and survey on guidelines designed to improve quality in the compounding process.
What is the difference between commercially available drugs and compounded medications?
Commercially available drugs are manufactured by drug companies in mass quantities for the general population with no specific patient in mind. Compounded medications are ordered by a physician, individually prepared by a compounding pharmacy and made specifically for your unique medical need.
What is PCAB Accreditation?
What is Accreditation?
When it comes to health care, accreditation refers to the official review process that allows organizations like ours to demonstrate their ability to meet official regulatory requirements and standards. Requirements differ per accreditation organization, but the intent remains the same: to prove that the healthcare organization’s commitment to meeting accreditation standards results in a higher level of performance and a greater focus on patient care.
What is PCAB?
The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB®) was established in 2007 by eight of the nation’s leading pharmacy organizations. PCAB offers the most comprehensive compliance solution in the industry, with standards based on U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) guidelines.
These standards focus on the quality and safety of compounded preparations, for example:
- Only chemicals from highly reliable suppliers are used.
- Pharmacists and technicians receive regular, specialized training.
- Facility must meet design and other related standards to help ensure the area is clear and free of contamination.
- Pharmacy must meet or exceed USP <795> standards for non-sterile compounding and USP <797> standards for sterile compounding.
- PCAB Accredited® compounding pharmacies agree to adhere to the PCAB® “Principles of Compounding”
Pharmacies seeking accreditation must submit documented proof that they meet PCAB / ACHC quality standards, submit their policies and procedures for regular review, and open their doors to regular onsite inspections. Achieving accreditation is a strong statement of Pharmacy Specialties & Clinic’s commitment to provide high quality compounded medications for our community and documents that we meet or exceed national quality standards. Pharmacy Specialties & Clinic is honored to be PCAB accredited It confirms our commitment to providing the safest, personalized solutions that meet the medication needs of our patients – and the needs of healthcare providers who rely on us for these specialized medicines. We believe this will further strengthen the bond of trust between our pharmacy and our patients and practitioners.
Our Accreditation Details
Date: 06/15/2021 Through 06/14/2024
Program: PCAB Compounding Pharmacy
Service: PCAB Non-Sterile Compounding, PCAB Sterile Compounding
Will my insurance cover compounded medications?
Compounded prescriptions are sometimes covered by insurance, and are plan specific. While you may be paying the pharmacy directly for a compounded prescription, some insurance plans may cover the final cost. Please call your insurance provider to determine eligibility for compounded medication coverage.
Can I get my compounded prescription filled at any pharmacy?
Innovation Compounding specializes in compounding. We have the equipment and expertise from special training courses necessary to create these prescriptions. Very few pharmacies have these tools or have trained their staff to make these compounds.
My doctor is calling in a script to your pharmacy, what should I do?
As soon as we receive your prescription, you will receive a call from us. We will obtain some basic information and discuss payment/shipping options with you. If you have not heard from us, please feel free to call us to review your medication needs.
How can I get my prescription transferred to Innovation Compounding?
Our pharmacist would be more than happy to call your doctor or the pharmacy where your prescription is to have it transferred to Innovation.
How long will it take for my prescription to be filled?
The time to make and fill each individual prescription varies. We recommend you get the prescription to us in advance so that we can ensure your medicine is ready as soon as possible.
Will I have to sign for my package?/Can I waive the signature upon arrival of my prescription?
This varies. You will be notified if your prescription is a controlled substance. If so, upon arrival of the package an adult will have to sign at your location of choice. No waives will be granted. All other prescriptions will be left at the discretion of the delivery driver.
What is your shipping policy?
Innovation Compounding strives to achieve patient satisfaction with each medication shipment. Although we strive for 100% accurate and timely delivery of medicine, we cannot guarantee handling by the USPS or FedEx once those medication(s) has left our facility.
