completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Bob Russell — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 11:05:43 GMT

Just get the client to fill in a further claims form and attach it to the practice claims form. A suitable comment explaining the extra form or forms can be added.

I will not be obstructive but do not feel obliged to get involved in what is really between the client and insurance company. I won't make any real effort to make it easier for someone to buy elsewhere despite watching Miracle on 34th Street at the weekend!

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Thomas Johnson — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 09:25:31 GMT

I have signed insurance claim forms for nutraceuticals that have been recommended by the practice but bought online by the client a couple of times, I check the wording of the form carefully and have phoned the insurance company to clarify that they are happy for me to sign for products supplied by someone else. I haven't charged for doing this yet, but if it starts to become a regular occurrence I will consider doing so.

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 08:56:13 GMT

[quote user="Braden Collins"]I think it would depend on the wording of the form. If I could fill the form for the client I would, but I think this would be the one occasion I would consider a fee (though doubt it would be a good idea) for the service as it's creating work for you with no financial return.[/quote]If the client produced all the relevant invoices to show they've paid I feel one would have no choice but I would charge a fee despite the fact I've already charged a fee for writing the prescription.

However the situation has not yet arisen once clients realise I charge £15 for a prescription and they will be enforced to come back every 3 months for a consultation no-one has bothered.

I haven't come across an insurance company that puts a restriction on where the client obtains their medication, I thought they'd all dropped that as a bad idea when they realised they were alienating the profession.

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Braden Collins — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 04:28:54 GMT

I think it would depend on the wording of the form. If I could fill the form for the client I would, but I think this would be the one occasion I would consider a fee (though doubt it would be a good idea) for the service as it's creating work for you with no financial return. I think customer service needs to be as the front of your mind, and to be unnecessarily difficult about something like this would potentially lose you a client. they may not be the most valuable client if they buy their products elsewhere, but if they're insured they could potentially be good clients wwith respect to services you could provide.

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Stephen Courtney — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 22:45:24 GMT

I have no problem submitting the internet pharmacy invoices to the insurance company - i wrote the damn prescription - and i make it clear on the claim that it is based on invoices provided by the client, issued by the internet medication provider.

I have never had any issues with this - and i'm surprised anyone else would either. If I refused to do it, i/m pretty sure these clients would be justifiably be very unhappy, and behaving like that doesn't fit with my own brand of client service.

there is at least one insurance company out there that won't pay our marked up prices in full - and the clients who use them are usually those least able to afford a decent policy, or indeed be able to afford to self-insure.

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Glenn Hodgson — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 15:45:35 GMT

Either client or pharmacy would have to submit. Not me. I would be happy to clarify for an insurance company if I had recommended a specific product. Or if I had not. You can't sign for something you have not done/dispensed..

Re: completing insurance forms on behalf of internet pharmacies

Michael Woodhouse — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 14:58:44 GMT

Absolutely 100% NO.