How to become a mail order pharmacy
To become a mail-order pharmacy, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Meet the requirements: Check with your state's board of pharmacy and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to ensure you meet the requirements to operate a mail-order pharmacy. Typically, you'll need to be a licensed pharmacist with a valid prescription.
- Choose a business model: Decide whether you want to operate as a standalone mail-order pharmacy or partner with an existing pharmacy or healthcare organization.
- Develop a business plan: Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategy, operational processes, and financial projections.
- Obtain necessary licenses and certifications:
- State pharmacy license: Obtain a license from your state's board of pharmacy to operate a mail-order pharmacy.
- NABP certification: Obtain certification from the NABP's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program or the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) e-Prescribing Certification.
- DEA registration: Register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to handle controlled substances.
- Set up a fulfillment center: Establish a fulfillment center to store and ship medications. This can be a physical location or a third-party logistics provider.
- Develop a technology infrastructure:
- Pharmacy management system: Implement a pharmacy management system to manage patient records, inventory, and orders.
- E-prescribing system: Integrate an e-prescribing system to receive electronic prescriptions from healthcare providers.
- Shipping and tracking system: Implement a shipping and tracking system to ensure timely and secure delivery of medications.
- Hire staff: Recruit and train a team of pharmacists, technicians, and customer service representatives to manage the mail-order pharmacy.
- Develop a quality control program: Establish a quality control program to ensure the accuracy and quality of medications dispensed.
- Comply with regulations: Familiarize yourself with federal and state regulations, such as the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act and the Prescription Drug Marketing Act.
- Obtain accreditation: Consider obtaining accreditation from a reputable organization, such as the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) or the URAC (formerly known as the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission).
- Develop a marketing strategy: Create a marketing strategy to attract customers and promote your mail-order pharmacy.
- Launch and operate: Launch your mail-order pharmacy and begin operating. Continuously monitor and improve your operations to ensure compliance with regulations and high-quality patient care.
Additional tips:
- Consider partnering with a third-party logistics provider to streamline your fulfillment process.
- Develop a robust customer service program to ensure patient satisfaction.
- Stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and industry standards to maintain compliance and ensure the success of your mail-order pharmacy.
Remember, becoming a mail-order pharmacy requires significant investment, planning, and resources. It's essential to carefully consider the challenges and opportunities involved in this business venture.