Ponderosa Veterinary Hospital Prescription Policy
At Ponderosa Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to the health and well-being of your pets. Our prescription policy follows Montana state law and is guided by the principles of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). As a private, family-owned practice, we strive to provide compassionate, personalized care while maintaining the highest standard of safety and accountability for our patients.
Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) Requirement
In accordance with Montana state law, a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is required to prescribe any medication. This means that your pet must have been examined by one of our licensed veterinarians within the past 12 months.Per ARM 24.225.301(23), a physical examination must be performed annually before prescriptions can be written. This ensures that medications are prescribed based on current, direct knowledge of your pet’s health, obtained through an exam or appropriate follow-up visits.
You can review the full regulations here: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/arm/CH-225-VET-as-of-06-30-2021.pdf
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Initial Examination and Ongoing Evaluations
Before prescribing or dispensing any medication, we must perform a thorough physical examination to assess your pet’s health. This may also include diagnostic testing, such as bloodwork, to ensure appropriate and safe medication use.For pets on long-term medications, regular monitoring is essential to identify and manage any potential side effects, such as liver or kidney issues. Routine evaluations allow us to detect these changes early and adjust treatment as needed.
Prescription Refills
To avoid interruptions in your pet’s medication regimen, please plan ahead.
•Outside Pharmacy Requests: Please allow 24-48 hours for processing. For medications requiring special orders or those not routinely stocked, we recommend contacting us at least 7 days in advance to ensure timely delivery.
•In-House Prescriptions: We may be able to accommodate these more quickly, but advance notice is still appreciated.
Outside/Online Pharmacy Policy at Ponderosa Veterinary Hospital
We will provide written prescriptions upon request, but due to numerous issues with online pharmacies—including incorrect medications, incorrect dosing, and lack of consent for changes—we no longer respond to direct fax or phone requests from these companies. Instead, prescriptions will be provided to you directly, allowing you to submit them to your preferred pharmacy.
Why This Policy Exists
•Medication Errors: Incorrect prescriptions and unapproved changes have been noted with some online pharmacies.
•Counterfeit Medications: There have been documented cases of counterfeit products, as well as medications manufactured for other countries being diverted for sale in the U.S. (FDA documentation: www.fda.gov).
•Voided Manufacturer Guarantees: Many pharmaceutical companies will not honor guarantees (e.g., parasite prevention efficacy) if their products are purchased outside approved channels.
•Pharmacy Disciplinary Actions: Several online pharmacies have been cited and fined for violating prescribing procedures.
Steps for Submitting or Calling in requests for written prescriptions
•Written prescriptions are currently provided at no additional charge as long as your pet has been examined within the past year.
•Allow 48 hours’ notice for written prescription requests. Note that weekend closures may extend this timeline.•Submit your written prescription directly to the pharmacy, ensuring accuracy in shipping and labeling.
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Our Online Pharmacy
As a small, family-owned business, we strive to keep our costs as competitive as possible. For those who value the convenience of ordering online and having medications shipped directly to their home, we offer an online pharmacy through our primary distributor. This ensures your pet’s medications come directly from reputable manufacturers, giving you peace of mind about their quality and authenticity.
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Partnering for Your Pet’s Health
We are honored to serve as your pet’s healthcare provider and are committed to offering guidance and support in all aspects of their care. By adhering to these guidelines, we can continue providing the exceptional service you expect while ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry family members.
Thank you for choosing Ponderosa Veterinary Hospital and entrusting us with your pets care. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.