[House] Ordering refills from Optum Rx

[Ruth Anne]

On Tue, 7 Feb 2023, kj Cottrell wrote:

> There is a national shortage of Concerta and Optum is currently out, with no
> ETA on getting it in stock. As far as I know, there's no clear end point to
> the shortage. Many folks are switching to other options.
> There are several other forms of long acting methylphenidate we can try
> switching to.  

Thanks for the update and list of alternatives. We currently have 
about 35 days of generic Concerta left, as well as a 30 day supply of 
Ritalin LA that we had for emergencies. We are probably ok while 
you are on vacation. I don't really think that I want to start 
something new while you are gone. Do you disagree?

> Let me know what you'd like to do. Focalin XR makes the most sense to me. 
> You may want to check with your insurance to confirm it's covered (there is
> a generic, so it should be).  Also, let me know if you want me to send the
> new rx to Optum, and if you want a 30 or 90 day supply of the new med.  


I agree about the generic Focalin XR.  dexmethylphenidate 
hydrochloride ER does seem to be on their list of covered medications 
(though we have a high deductable and we pay for it until we meet 
the deductable). However, I don't like to get more than 30 days until 
we know that it works for Kelly, especially since we pay out of pocket 
for it. If you'd like to send a prescription so that we have it 
on hand, that would be great; send it to the Walgreens at 2494 SAN 
BRUNO AVE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134 as the 30 day cost seems to be the 
same everywhere. Once we determine how K handles it, we can discuss 
where to send the 90-day prescription.

> Optum has the rx for Concerta 36mg, and if they get it in stock, may let you
> know.  If we start something new, she can switch back to Concerta at any
> time, just *not on the same day*.

Indeed! :)

Thanks again for such detail.

--Ruth Anne

CC'd to other parents