Mail Order Pharmacy/Internet Pharmacy

I would like to differentiate Mail Order Pharmacy from Internet Pharmacy.   I have gotten calls asking to consult on Internet Pharmacies.

Mail Order Pharmacy -

    Often they are run by Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBM) which are companies designed to reduce prescription cost.   This is accomplished by administering pharmacy benefits for a healthcare plan.  For instance Healthcare Plan A will contract with an employer or directed with the insured for medical and pharmacy services.   Healthcare Plan A will then subcontract out the pharmacy portion of the coverage to a PBM.   In addition coordinating benefits with retail pharmacies, many PBM have their own mail order pharmacy service.   In effect, the PBM performs at least two roles, pharmacy insurance administrator and possibly prescription filling directly to the patient.

Internet Pharmacy -

    Internet pharmacies are completely different.  They too use the mail order premise.   However, they are operating as an independent pharmacy.   The are using the internet to solicit  patients and filling prescription in various ways.   The is really no insurance connection.

Because I have received several questions concerning internet pharmacies, my answer here is simple be careful, if you have questions regarding the laws in your particular state, seek qualified counsel and it probably is not a wise decision the enter in such a business.

These are my general views and should not be applied to your particular situation.   Seek counsel in your particular state.