Can workers' comp prescriptions be delivered to your home?

How it generally works

Four things decide whether your workers' comp prescription can come to your door. First, your doctor: they choose where the prescription is sent, so delivery begins with them. Second, the medication: most can be sent by mail, but some can't. Third, your claim: some claims have pharmacy requirements, such as a particular pharmacy or process. Fourth, your state: workers' comp rules differ from state to state.

If all four line up, the doctor sends the prescription to a pharmacy that delivers, the pharmacy processes it using your claim details, and the medication arrives at your door.

If one doesn't line up, that doesn't necessarily mean no. It may mean a different pharmacy, an extra step, or a local pickup for one medication while others are delivered.

It can also depend on timing. Very early in a claim, before a claim number is assigned or the injury is accepted, there may be extra steps. Asking your employer and adjuster about the status of your claim helps you understand where things stand.

• Your doctor chooses where the prescription goes
• The medication must be one that can be mailed
• Your claim may have pharmacy requirements
• State rules vary

Questions to ask

Ask your doctor first; they choose where the prescription is sent. Then ask your adjuster whether your claim has any pharmacy requirements. Finally, the pharmacy can confirm whether a specific medication can be delivered.

Asking in that order avoids the frustrating loop of each person telling you to ask someone else.

• Doctor: Can you send my prescription to a pharmacy that delivers?
• Adjuster: Does my claim require a particular pharmacy?
• Adjuster: Is there anything you need from me first?
• Pharmacist: Can this specific medication be delivered?
• Pharmacist: What should I do if I'm not home for a delivery?

What to have ready

The pharmacy will usually need the same details for a delivered prescription as for one you pick up. Gather them before your doctor sends the prescription so nothing holds it up.

If you're staying somewhere other than home while you recover — with a relative, for example — make sure your doctor's office and the pharmacy have that address, not your usual one.

• Claim number, if assigned
• Adjuster's name and phone number
• Employer name and date of injury
• Delivery address and a phone number where you can be reached
• A list of your other medications and any allergies

About the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program

Prescriptions.plus is an educational site, not a pharmacy. Through the Prescriptions.plus Home Delivery Program, doctors can send prescriptions to our licensed partner pharmacy, and medication is dispensed by our licensed partner pharmacy and delivered to the patient's door.

Ask your doctor whether your prescription can be sent to our partner pharmacy. A $5 dispensing fee applies, and a delivery fee applies. Eligibility depends on the prescription, the doctor and the claim, so we can't promise that any particular prescription can be delivered.

Some medications, such as Schedule II controlled substances, may not be available by mail — your partner pharmacy will advise. The prescribing doctor decides refills.

If something goes wrong

If you're told a medication can't be delivered, ask why and what the alternative is. It may be possible to pick that one medication up locally while others are delivered.

If the problem is with the claim, ask the pharmacy exactly what is missing and then ask your adjuster. If you have a workers' comp attorney, keep them informed.

If you run low while things are sorted out, call your doctor's office. If you have a reaction to a medication, call your doctor or pharmacist. Medical emergency? Call 911.