THE PROCESS

1. The client must
• deliver the prescription directly to the on-line pharmacy and often the only way to do this is via a copy of the prescription. Therefore, the original prescription must be faxed or scanned and emailed.
2. The pharmacy must now contact the veterinarian who wrote the prescription, because, when a pharmacy does not receive the original prescription, the Ontario College of Pharmacists regulates that the pharmacist must contact the author to verify the prescription.
3. When this call is made, regulations dictate that the veterinarian who wrote the prescription
• Respond to the inquiry him/herself directly
• Check the client's record
• Verify the prescription (usually this means that they have to call the pharmacist back)
• Make notes in the client's file about the call
4. Veterinarians must provide the client with the prescription and are entitled to charge the client a "Prescription Writing Fee" for that service.
5. With regard to # 2 & 3 above Veterinarians are entitled to charge a "Consultation with Other Professional/Specialist" Fee 

Note: Currently our Fee for these services is as follows:

Prescription Writing Fee                                         $18.40

Consultation with Other Professional/Specialist   $32.10

                                                                                    _______

                                                                                     $50.50

The CVO (College of Veterinarians of Ontario) has confirmed with the OVMA (Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) that the above-mentioned fees are appropriate. As a result, a client seeking to purchase from an online pharmacy is not necessarily saving money as these fees must be factored in to the decision.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

1. Our in-house Dispensing Fee is   $16.8 and includes the following
• Direct Client Communication
• This allows for all clients concerns to be addressed at the time of the prescription being filled
• Effort to ensure that best pharmaceutical product available is prescribed
• Alternative medication options if cost is of a concern (if there are any)
• Client Information Handout reviewing all pertinent product/drug details
• Appropriate notations in the patient file
• Follow-up to review response to medication (if appropriate)
• This allows for any questions that have arisen in the intervening time to be addressed (with regard to the prescription administration and with regard to the pet's response, if necessary).
2. We are unable to refill prescriptions whether obtained from a local pharmacy or on-line without a current Client/Patient Veterinary Relationship. This a legally defined relationship that we are compelled to recognize. In essence it means that you must be current in our records with regard to regular office visits and health examinations.
3. We are unable to refill prescriptions if the client has not fulfilled recommendations regarding monitoring. Some medications require that the patient be carefully tracked and laboratory tests be obtained to ensure that the medication is still of benefit and potentially harmful side effects are avoided.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

With regard to Internet Discount Pharmacies, We are not liable or responsible in any way if:

1. The prescription is filled, labeled, shipped and used incorrectly
• Some discount pharmacies have a reputation of poor customer service and we cannot be expected to take the time to oversee their operations and shortcomings.
2. The pharmacy sends counterfeit or unauthorized products
3. The pharmacy does not fulfill its obligations with regard to regulations enforced by the Ontario College of Pharmacists