My last post was about a patient who appeared confident and somewhat arrogant when discussing her medications. In contrast, the patient in this example pleads with the pharmacist to order her a nicotine patch. She appears very anxious and depressed:
Pharmacist: “How long have you been using Nicorette?”
Patient: “About two months.” (“I’m trying to kick my smoking,” she tells me.)
Pharmacist: “So, do you have patches?”
Patient: “Yes.” (“I’m sorry, but I need something for my cravings.”)
Pharmacist: “Just got them today.” (He keeps looking at his computer screen.) “What time of day do your cravings get bad?” he asks. “Like 2 or 3 pm?” she asks as if keeping track on a calendar. “Yeah,” he says, shaking his head no now that she mentioned it. “And they’re terrible at night too.” (She nods affirmatively.) Phrma-COUGH! ) He shakes his head again as if in disbelief. Patient: “They’re terrible at night too.” (She nods affirmatively.) Patient: “Oh, no! Tonight I’ll be able to sleep because they’re out of patches!” (The pharmacist smiles patiently while nodding yes again and writing on his computer screen). **patient coughs **you cough* **patient coughs **you cough* **patient coughs **you cough* **patient coughs **you cough* *patient stops** *patients eyes are closed in concentration* *patients mouth is full of saliva,,like she’s been coughing for a long time** *patients eyes open wide** And then it hits her; the answer! The light bulb over her head turns on bright as a full
1. Contact your local pharmacy manager.
The first step is to speak with your pharmacist about the possibility of ordering a supply of patches at no charge for you and other patients in your area. Explain that you are a new patient and will frequently be visiting to maintain treatment, so it would be helpful if they could provide this service for us all (you). It will also help if they know who else might benefit from such a scheme; nicotine patches are not just for smokers!
2. Give the manager a tip about getting a nicotine patch.
3. Explain that you are a new patient and will frequently visit to maintain your treatment.
You can tell them that you’re just starting on the patch or a returning patient using patches for years. The important thing is to make sure they know when you’ll be coming in for refills and how often you’d like them sent out—and if there’s anything else they should know about your health needs (like allergies), too!
4. Ask whether the pharmacy can order you a supply of patches at no charge.
If a pharmacist is willing to order you a supply at no charge, ask them how often it will be stocked. The answer should be “as needed” or “as needed for the next three months” (or whatever length of time you prefer).
If your insurance doesn’t cover nicotine patches and gum, ask whether there is another way for them to provide their services without paying out-of-pocket.
5. Ask when you will be eligible to receive your first shipment of nicotine patches.
Once you have completed the first two steps, ask when you will be eligible to receive your first shipment of nicotine patches. Explain that you are a new patient and will frequently visit to maintain your treatment. Ask whether the pharmacy can also order you a supply of patches at no charge.
If they cannot help with this request, explain that there may be delays in processing orders during peak periods such as holidays or weekends due to shortages in supplies from manufacturers; however, this should ensure they provide excellent customer service!
Patients who ask their pharmacist to order nicotine patches can sometimes get free samples from the pharmacy in exchange for their support.
If you are a smoker, know that asking for help is not only a good idea but also necessary. Nicotine patches can effectively reduce withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to smoking for many years.
If you’re looking for help with quitting smoking and want some free samples of nicotine patches from your pharmacist in exchange for your support, here’s how it works: First, start by asking them if they can order some free samples from their company (this should be arranged before trying to get the patches). Then when they send them over, remember to get yourself one too!
4 . Although I didn’t receive any free samples when
