Frequently Asked Questions –
Specialty Pharmacy

When your doctor prescribes a specialty medication, our clinical pharmacists work with you and your care team. We’re knowledgeable about your condition and medication.  

Your prescription has already been sent to Emory Specialty Pharmacy. We’ll provide information about your new medications and answer your questions.  

Our team will contact your insurance company to request coverage of your medication. This is called a “prior authorization” or “PA.” It typically takes 2-3 business days, but it may take longer depending on your insurance or medication. 

Emory Specialty Pharmacy submits claims to your insurance company when your prescription is filled. If a claim is rejected, we’ll work with you to resolve the issue. 

If your medication isn’t approved by your insurance company, we’ll tell your doctor. They’ll discuss other options with you.  

Even if your insurance company approves your medication, your copayments or coinsurance may still be high. Please tell a pharmacy staff member if you can’t afford the medicine. 

You may be eligible for medication assistance through drug companies or other foundations. Our team will research programs that may lower your drug cost.  

Before your care begins, we’ll tell you what isn’t covered by your insurance or other third-party sources. This may include deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket limits. 

If you have a copayment or coinsurance fee for your medication, it must be paid before delivery or pick-up.  

We don’t take cash. We accept all major credit cards and Health Savings Account (HSA) cards. The pharmacy can maintain your credit card information on file. 

If Emory Specialty Pharmacy is out-of-network in your insurance plan, we’ll give you the cost of your medication in writing.  

Delivery is free and on-time. Our team ensures your medications are safe and secure. 

If you live within a 50-mile radius of our pharmacy, a local courier service will deliver your medication. If you live outside of this range, we ship all medications overnight via FedEx.  

We have retail pharmacies at Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory University Hospital. You can pick up your medicine at these pharmacies.  

Please call Emory Specialty Pharmacy at 404-686-5020 at least 24 hours before picking up your medication. This way, we can make sure it’s ready.  

We will remind you when your refills are due. Please call 404-686-5020  if you have questions or need help.

Our pharmacy has access to most specialty medications. In some cases, we may need to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy. Reasons include: 

• We can’t get the medication you need 
• You don’t want to fill your medication at Emory Specialty Pharmacy 
• Your insurance requires filling your medication at a different pharmacy  

We monitor your medications and progress through a disease- specific Patient Management Program. This free program helps manage side effects and enhance your health. You may opt out of the Patient Management Program. 

To get the best results from your medication, follow the pharmacist’s directions. Take the right dosage at the right time and for the prescribed length of therapy.

Also, ask questions. These may include:  

• Can I take other drugs with my medication? 
• Do I need to avoid alcohol or any foods? 
• How and when do I take it? For how long? 
• How should I store my medications, and how long can I keep them? 
• Is it safe to become pregnant or breast-feed while taking this medication? 
• Should I expect any side effects? 
• What is my medication supposed to do? 
• What should I do if I forget to take my medication or take it incorrectly?