In-Office Dispensing
In-Office Medication Dispensing for Cancer Care
Katmai Oncology offers convenient access to certain oral cancer medications through our on-site, medically integrated dispensary.
Patients who have faster, easier access to their medication — and can leave their appointment with chemotherapy medication in hand — are more likely to take it consistently at home.
Streamlining the prescription process is one way Katmai helps make treatment more convenient while supporting the best possible outcomes.
How the Process Works
We confirm your coverage.
We will ask for your insurance or prescription benefits card. We will use this information to confirm your coverage and determine whether your prescription can be filled at Katmai Oncology.
We obtain prior authorization when required.
Most oral medications prescribed at Katmai require prior authorization from your insurance plan. We will work to obtain approval, which generally takes two to three business days. If the process takes longer, we will keep you and your provider informed.
We determine where your prescription can be filled.
Insurance plans sometimes require certain medications to be filled by a designated local, specialty or mail-order pharmacy. Once we review your benefits, we will let you know whether Katmai can fill your prescription on site.
You receive medication education.
When you begin a new chemotherapy or hematology medication, an appointment will be scheduled with one of our providers. During this appointment, you will receive instructions about the medication and have an opportunity to ask questions.
We coordinate pickup or transfer the prescription.
Our medically integrated dispensary technicians have a direct line of communication with your provider, allowing questions that arise while filling your prescription to be addressed more quickly.
If needed, we can help you identify copay assistance options, including manufacturer copay assistance cards.
Based on your benefits and coverage, we will determine if we can fill your prescription on site.
If yes:
If Katmai can fill your prescription, we will contact you to let you know. Once your medication is ready, we will make arrangements for pickup.
Refills
We will contact you before your next refill is due. Once we have spoken with you and confirmed that the medication is still needed, it generally takes two to three business days for the refill to be ready.
Limited Supply
Due to the high cost of medications, Katmai keeps only a limited supply on hand and orders more when needed.
No Automatic Refills
Katmai does not automatically fill or refill medications. We must receive confirmation and authorization from you before preparing each refill.
Please Stay in Contact With Us
Some medications can cause significant nausea, vomiting or other side effects. Please answer or return our calls, and contact us if:
Your condition changes
You experience concerning side effects
Your provider changes your treatment
You stop taking your medication
If no:
If insurance restrictions prevent Katmai from filling your prescription, we will send it to the appropriate local, specialty or mail-order pharmacy and let you know where it was sent.
Local Pharmacies
Your local pharmacy may send you a message when your prescription is ready. Contact the pharmacy directly if you are unsure about its status.
Specialty or Mail-Order Pharmacies
If your medication must be filled by a specialty pharmacy, we will tell you which pharmacy received the prescription. The pharmacy should contact you to arrange payment and delivery. They cannot send your medication until they have spoken with you.
Our in-office dispensing service provides convenient access to medications prescribed as part of your cancer treatment.
FAQs
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We can fill most oral chemotherapy and hematology medications, subject to insurance requirements and medication availability.
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Many prescriptions are available within two to three business days. Insurance requirements or prior authorization may extend that timeframe. We will keep you informed about the status of your prescription.
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We will coordinate your medication pickup with your appointment whenever possible. An additional trip may be necessary if your appointment does not coincide with the date your insurance allows the prescription to be filled.
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No. Depending on the medication and your insurance requirements, you may use Katmai Oncology, your preferred local pharmacy, or a specialty or mail-order pharmacy.
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We can bill most major prescription benefit plans, as well as Medicare Part D. Once you provide your insurance information, we will confirm your specific coverage.
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Yes. Please arrange the pickup with the dispensing technician when discussing your prescription or refill. If you have a copay, payment must be processed by phone because the Eagle River location cannot accept payment for oral prescriptions.
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No. Prescriptions for nausea medications are normally sent to your preferred local pharmacy.