Almost Too Good to Be True
One of the common problems all doctors and patients face is the rising cost of pharmaceuticals. If you love a great entrepreneurial story, to the story of Doug Hirsch. Doug was an IT guru with no background in healthcare who decided to try to FIX the problem of rising and unexplained drug costs. I was skeptical when I first found out about this program, but it WORKS. Here are a few answers to common questions about GoodRX.
Who can use it? Anyone, no matter age or insurance type.
How much does it cost to use their program? The original service and discount cards are free. However, there is a new paid service called Good Rx Gold with over 1000 prescriptions at $10 or less.
What can you do with GoodRx? You can compare prices at local pharmacies, print or download coupons specific to your pharmacy, and, most importantly, save MONEY.
How can you access GoodRx? You can use a desktop computer(), their free app, or the free discount card.
Do pharmacists like GoodRx? Not always, because GoodRx charges the pharmacy a fee (roughly $5, I have heard). So, if they give you slack for using it, that’s why. Plus, it’s extra work, because they have to enter the coupon codes. To hear a pharmacist rant a little about why they don’t like it, listen. Nonetheless, it will SAVE YOU MONEY!
Is it hard to use? No, it is very easy. Printing out the coupons seems to be best, so you will benefit from a computer with a printer.
Below is a series of screenshots from the app. You can download the app free from the app store or go to their website from Google first. When the app opens, there is a search bar at the top for you to search for your medication. I searched for Efudex because that is a medication for which I often recommend patients use GoodRx. Once you select your medication, it will show you options for your medication to choose dosage, size, amount, and at the bottom, you can pick which pharmacies you want to check. Turn on your location services to find pharmacies near you. Then it will show you the price of your medication at nearby pharmacies. AMAZING!!! You can then print out, save, email, or text the discount coupon or card. Take that to the pharmacy you chose and VOILA!!
I have insurance, so I don’t need this, right? Not necessarily. Sometimes, your medication may even be cheaper with GoodRx than with your insurance.
If you are in the office and would like a free GoodRx discount card, just ask!
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