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Whois info, public info, on March 25th, 2008:

Per the Web site:
As of today, 8/10 SWMG switched back to UPS, (from DHL).

Where have they gone? No website found ! ! !

They're there.... just having tech. difficulties.

yes my SIL uses them and she called at 8 am est and they picked up on the first ring, and said they aware of the web site and are working to get back up, and so if you have a fefill that needs refilling, then you should either call them or their pharmacy universal RX

I just signed up with South West and I have to say it has been the WORST experience I have had. I have a hard time getting a hold of anyone, and it has taken 3 days to get my order shipped! I am not impressed at all with the office...Dr. Raza was very kind and thorough however. I wished I had chosen another group.

I agree with you! I have had the WORST experience with SWMG! The CS is extremely RUDE and can't seem to get the paperwork straight! My meds have never been shipped out on time either. I would NEVER recommend them to anyone!

UPS GETS THE AWARD FOR LOUSY SERVICE AND RUDE OPERATORS. FEDEX IS NUMBER ONE IN MY BOOK.

I have great records and never have been questioned once. Very recent and thourough. SWMG contacted me to use them because of the EPHY things and I faxed my records day one , called day 2,3,and 4 and they sent me a weird email response that due to the nature of my business they cannot work with me. I am not sure how they know what I do maybe from my email addy. I own a medical fraud business but nothing against stuff like this but workers comp and disablity. Needless to say I went elsehere day 2 and had my meds the next day.

SWMG HAS THE RUDEST CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY MIXED UP MY MEDICATION ORDER AND REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE PHARMACY to correct their error. Find a place that treats you like a human being.

FYI: SWMG CHARGE's AN EXTRA $15 EACH TIME YOU GET a REFILL (this is stated in the order form) but ive asked why they have this fee and never got an answer! I have yet to hear of another ROP that PROFIts on the consult and EACH REFILL which adds up to millions so i think they could afford to have customer service reps that are professional and kind

UNIVERSAL PHARMACY could care less who you are and what your issue is, they dont want to deal with a customer.THEY INSIST YOU CONTACT SWMG WITH YOUR PHARMACY QUESTIONS and SWMG cant even get in touch with the pharmacy themselves.

UNIVERSAL PHARMACY sends out automated TRACKING INFORMATION before they even check to see if they have your meds in stock (which i unfortunately learned today) and NO ONE NOTIFIES YOU that theres a delay, THEY KEEP THE SAME TRACKING NUMBER so you assume your meds are being delivered until its too late.

JULIA the MANAGER at SWMG was not only rude but she REFUSED to contact the pharmacy to Notify them that SWMG MADE A CLERICAL ERROR and they had the WRONG MEDICATION bc my meds were "IN STOCK" all along and should have been here were it not for their error (we are all human but there is no reason i should have been emailed a tracking number at 8am yesterday notifying me my package shipped on the 20th and all along there was never a package to ship bc the meds mistkenly ordered by SWMG werent even in stock).

Considering i ordered with them weds. if they had sent out the wrong RX i would still have had ample time to correct the problem or if someone just notified me on weds, or yesterday OR EVEN TODAY but after never receiving my package it took hours to finally get in touch with SWMG and then OVER AN HOUR before the issue was figured out bc the manager at SWMG told me she "couldnt get in touch with the pharmacy at the moment"...??? SHE said she "DIDNT THINK IT WAS HER RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSIST with the situation"... HUH???

This is an anti seizure medication and i tried to evplain this to her but she told me it DIDNT MATTER and JULIA AT SWMG informed me that she cant help with issues at the pharmacy (ironically, it was still shipped today but for MONDAY DELIVERY; although there was time to switch it to saturday, UNIVERSAL REFUSED to change it bc thats their policy on fridays??? huh??? doesnt make any sense). Its one thing when someone makes an unreasonable demand (asking for refills to early or demanding delivery at a time that isnt an option) but when a pharmacy and the ROP both wont assist with getting your meds to you on time when its in their capacity to do so is really incredulous.

GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND SAVE YOURSELF THE HASSLES. NO ONE TAKES ANY ACCOUNTABILITY HERE and ive read some posts on this site about ROP's that treat therir customers with kindness, I hope to find one! I also hope that by posting this SWMG doesnt refuse to deal with me bc im already signed up and that would be really unfair retalitation for putting out the word... (do places do this??) .
ive never posed a bad word about anything but this situation needed to be put out there.

(this is in no way a reflection of their doctor(s) who prescribed the correct medication).

UPDATE: SINCE MY POST EARLIER THIS EVENING, I no longer can access my account and when trying to sign in im told my email doesnt even exist with the company anymore. THIS IS REALLY appalling. WOW. Im shocked. Guess there is such a thing as retaliation for customers who post negative feedback. This is so incredibly unprofessional as i have an active order with them. FIND A DIFFERENT COMPANY bc i sure need too.

does this site ship to ky.

SWMG has never failed me, they've always been top shelf. The pharmacy on the other hand, pisses me off !! My last 2 fills (initial fill and 1st refill) fell on a friday (refill on saturday) and each time I requested saturday delivery I never got it. I've been with swmg for 4 years and this pharmacy is the worst, the most expensive and they can't be contacted by reasonable methods.
It's states right on the refill page that if your refill date falls on a saturday then you can have it filled on friday and delivered on that saturday....horseshit.... and whadda ya know, my next refill falls on a saturday once again, so we shall see what happens. I know I should start requesting the refills earlier instead of waiting 30 days... but it's the principle people!

I've called at least 20 times this morning to try to get a tracking number out of these people and they do not answer the phone. Forget Universal - they never answer the phone nor do they care what your problem is.

Where's the care in customer care? Where's the service in service? We pay a lot for them to do their job and 15 bucks everytime you refill - the least they could do is get competent help and answer the dang phone.

Ugh.

Can you not get a tracking number from the southwest web site itself??

I'm deleting my post because I don't want to have the same problem Kele has had.

Try going to the UPS website and choose Track By Reference Number.

Then type in the first letter of your first name, your last name, and zip code in all caps.

For example if your name is John Smith, your reference number would be JSMITH12345. No Spaces.

This is always how Universal does it. Also, you should get a tracking number right from SWMG's web site. But the reference number is a sure thing if it shipped.

Are you sure today is day 25?

Shane

I'm deleting my post because I don't want to have the same problem Kele has had.

I posted this in the other thread....

I got this from the VIP side

_________________________________________

SWMG apologizes for the recent shipping problems. We have corrected the problems and shipments from Universal pharmacy are going out usual. There was a delay due to a minor problem byoand our control at UPS on Wednesday and Thursday and unfortunately some patient order shipments were delayed a 24-48 hours. SWMG is in the process of upgrading the refill system and that is why the poster above may have gotten a duplicate order message.

Here are the correct phone numbers for Universal Rx
Phone: 1-866-400-8343 ext 10
Fax: 1-813-471-1402

Please PM us if you have any further questions regarding services pertaining to SWMG

Thank you,

SWMG Staff - SWMG
1-866-295-5366
patientcare@southwestmedicalgroup.com

_______________________________________________________



Hope this helps ya....



Also.... didn't SWMG use UPS?

It says FedEx on their site now, and so does on the list here?

Are you still getting from UPS or FedEx now?
Just curious

I just looked and I see UPS on SWMG's website. That is who they use.

Shane

At least they posted something. Why the hell wouldn't they post that for us as well ? Free side folks don't count ? They mentioned Wednesday and Thursday as the days there were problems.... that's horsepoooo. My refill was supposed to ship FRIDAY.

I have been waiting on my refill since
WEDNESDAY.
No response by phone, email fax or even no
return call from pharmacy...
2 emails, one I got saying they had problems w/
current dr, but why, if they have a replacement dr, would they hold the RX from going out...
I have a friend on the VIP side that says they had trouble w/ their shipper (Pharmacy or UPS?)
and that is why the scripts were delayed.
No posting by SWMG on the free side, and the way
they aren't answering calls is very suspicious..
Can you say...
Belly up!
I have a feeling no one will be getting anything or why wouldn't they post or even answer the phones? The voice mail is "full"...very very very suspicious.
Just MHO.
Jo

Today my tracking page went from an invalid tracking number to an order acknowledgement with no number at all. I'm not sure that is better. I have been waiting since the 17th. I have received both the same emails that everyone else did. I'm convinced they are just being sent out to everyone, no matter what your question is. My question now is.....Was my cc charged? Hmmmm.....

at least you had a tracking #...mine still says "NONE"... I did get through on the phone today at lunchtime and I got the same response that everyone else got...problem w/
UPS machine, all orders messed up, I too, have been waiting since 5/17 and I am about to say cancel it and I will go with someone else....I hate this waiting endlessly, getting the same $(#$&# generic BS no matter what your question is.
Why can't you get a straight answer as to when it will ship,
the girl I talked to today said she didnt have a list of what was and what was not shipping, but I could call back at around 6pm and find out (like I could get through...)
I am tired of this and I won't use these people EVER AGAIN

Another thing that concerns me is that I went to my "refills" page to see if I needed to start from the beginning and place another order. The part where my refill information should be, where it tells whether or not it's due and what it is was all encrypted and coded. Not the normal page at all.

And I am also frustrated that no matter what question we ask the answer is the same....and it doesn't even make sense. Any business that cannot catch up with shipping in EIGHT days is in big trouble. If they had a glich for a couple days and fell behind, I can understand a delay. But then they should go back to the first person in line, the person who has been waiting the longest and fill that order, then the next. So far we haven't seen anything coming out of there in at least a week. So the explanation of a UPS cc machine being messed up doesn't make sense. UPS doesn't stop for 8 days. I will be surprised if they ship anything at all.

i agree AND i should be the first person in that line since ups had my package at their hub and then it disappeared. so, i've actually paid for the prescription and it's been lost.

seriously, though, ups has tried contacting them twice to let them know to re-ship since they (ups)lost the package, but they can't reach anyone, either. they left a message on universal's machine (since they were the shipper), but no one has called back. i think that if i don'[t know something by friday, i'm going to have to do a chargeback.

I dont like being negative, but I really thing swmg is having the same issues that YOD is having. No pharmacies. Kaput!
Could it be sheer coincidence that two of the most long standing and prolific OP's in the business stop filling orders at almost exactly the same time ?
This smacks of "task force" to me.

I just read on another board, that someone who ordered their refill yesterday, has a tracking number that works now, and that Universal called them to give COD amount.



I read in another post on here, that they had to hire on a new Doctor, and had to re-write all their new customers's new scripts for their remaining refills??????

Well, just because they fire or lose the Doctor that works for them, that doesn't expire everyones medications....
The pharmacy has track of the refills....

The only thing that could have happend, would be the Doctor had to have lost his license, which would void all prescriptions that he has written.

This would be the only cause for that.



I thought at first that the reception person that works for SWMG must have quit, and David the owner had to do all the work himself.....
It was because of the recep girl that works for SWMG is the reason why I quit using them.... I thought she was WAY too rude, and very un-caring, just to call with a question to her, she acted like I asked for her kidney!
Also, the $15 refill fee.... and Universal raising their prices every time I went to refill, from the first script to the last, it went from $119 up to $139, that doesn't include the admin fee either.

So, I then moved to PMC ( not a good move either )


I had also used YOD in the past, and wanted to go back to them after PMC...... Now what am I to do?

Hopefully this is just a minor set back, and SWMG will be back and running.

From reading other posts, it does look as though some are getting orders.

If you're looking for kind and compassionate customer service, prompt questions answered and a company eager for your business - GO ELSEWHERE. SWMG operates - or doesn't - like they're doing business out of someone's garage. I was with them years ago - left - and out of insanity I guess, returned as a "customer", although I'm surely not treated like one. And Universal Pharm? Same deal. Next time, I'm gone for good.

Too bad that will barely impact their business. Companies like this need to feel the pain of poor customer care. I'm not talking about hand holding here: just email a tracking number, do what you say you are going to do and answer the phone without a scowl on your mug. Basic stuff.

Vic

They've hired a few new girls to smother each caller in a cloak of lies. In the thread " SWMG new info here" you'll find that this OP has changed their billing methods, upgraded then crashed their CC processing system, switched out physicians, had trouble with UPS, lost communication with their pharmacy, found themselves understaffed, been attacked by robots and in all likelyhood .... gone on vacation.

SWMG, having established substandard practices and an unethical business model has actually raised their saturday delivery fee from $40 to $45.


.........one livid bi@tch

While my problem with SWMG has NOTHING to do with the current mayhem (new doctor, restructuring, 100 more excuses and blah blah blah)as described previously, today I get this note in response to my TWO emails. A canned response to both emails. Has nothing to do with my problem with my order. What a place. Love the caveat at the bottom. But with 16,000 patients, they can continue to treat thier "valued patients" like cows waiting for the slaughter. Good thing I'm not on benzos. I'd be in the hospital right now. This is "customer care"????

Vic

===============
Dear Valued Southwest Medical Group Patient,

We apologize for the time it is taking to process your order. We are trying to expedite this matter as quickly as possible for you. We are currently in a restructuring process to better serve you, and with this restructuring temporary delays have developed. We ask that you please be patient. Our patients are priority number one here at Southwest Medical Group and we are striving to serve you better.

Thank You,

Southwest Medical Group Management

Please do not call the doctor directly. The doctor cannot facilitate the speed in which your order is processed.

Update: still waiting to hear from SWMG. No email. No call. Zero! Good thing I don't give a fat sh*t!

This is totally insane...you would think that they would post something online or by phone message letting people know what is happening and what will be done...totally insane on their part..I called many, many times to get thru and did one time and before i could say hello, i was met with "thanks for calling SWMG please hold" and was placed on hold...6 minutes later a recording comes up and says the party you are trying to reach is not available, please choose another extension and i have not been able to get a hold of anyone since then...no email replies, no phone call replies and cant even leave a message at this point...even tried to call the pharmacy and ask if they had a different contact number and you can never get through to Universal...

robby

Yep. Still nothing from them for me. Someone told me in another thread that I can do a chargeback on a debit VISA. I don't want the RX now anyway. It's not like you can call and cancel your account either: NO ONE IS THERE! I tried calling and got the "mailbox is full" nonsense. I also called Universal to warn them about the chargeback and we know those messages are going unheard and unresponded to - it was an excerise in futility all around to call either of them.

SWMG and Universal have been around a long time. I think its a "statement" of sorts that they are having problems. (We'll never know what the real issue is because the CS people are liars). Universal surely fills for other ROPs. Has anyone using another provider gotten their meds? I'm not paranoid or an alarmist - truly - but SWMG going down would be a huge deal with a supposed 16K patients (probably under-estimated) out there.

Thank god I found Kratom. Screw these guys.

Vic

has anyone received their order from them...anyone? ..are they still up and running?

what happened to Dr. Raza, I heard he isnt with them anymore? IS this true where did he go I liked him as a doc and would like to follow him

Nope I have not recieved my order, nor have I recieved an answer why they are so screwed up! I ordered over a week ago! There is another one on my blacklist! BTW? Why isnt DB doing anything about SMG or YOD? They have both taken my money and ran! Nothing but a bunch of thieves at both places! Really funny why DB isnt doing anything about it????? isnt it????

What can db do? Besides, we're "freeboarders" anyway. LOL I wonder if the VIP side is having similar discussions re: db "doing something" about this. And again, what could they do anyway? As long as folks are willing to ante up moola, telemedicine patients will be taken advantage of. Look at the MROPs. I've been desperate enough to use those thieves too. Back in the day, db acted very much like an advocate for it's members. Now, I think this is just an information portal - but thank god we have it.

Vic

FROM SWMG'S WEB SITE DATED 12/11/06:

Quote:

---

Attention SWMG Patients - December 11th, 2006
We would like to say that we appreciate your understanding in the order delays we have been experiencing. Due to circumstances beyond our control our affiliated pharmacy partners as well as all pharmacies servicing other reputable online consultation services are all being effected by the recent medication shortages. We are currently working every angle with our affiliated pharmacy partners to expedite the resolve to these unforeseen issues. Most orders are still being shipped within 48-72 hours and we do apologize for these delays. Please check back here for updates as they become available.

---

I finally received a tracking number today. I ordered my refill on 12/16. Everyone waiting like I was should expect to pay more for this refill. They charged me $150 for this refill (my last for this consult period).This is the same rx that last month only cost me $138 (same shipping preference).


Jinx

Southwest appears to be trying to catch up on refills. Universal called me to confirm cc number in preparation to sending out, although nothing on cc yet. Good sign though!

Hello Flathead, I just want to know how fast they are moving. Hope you don't mind me asking, when was you refill due? Thanks Pru

I don't remember exactly when it was due, but I ordered it on 12-14-06 through website. No tracking shows on SWMG website or on cc yet, although all contact from Universal only started within the past 6 hours.

Thanks so much Flathead, and Jinx for your input on SWMG You have given me hope that they will get to me soon.
Pru

Well this really pisses me off! I checked my credit card, and see I was charged on 1/02/07 $150 but track my order still has order on hold, and no other info. I put in for my refill on 12/13/06 I was so happy and now I'm wondering if I'll even get my refill! I was hoping to get it by tomorrow. Guess that was to much to expect.

Pru

jinx (typo) did you receive today?

Well, it appears that my refill went out today, and UPS shows active tracking number for scheduled delivery tomorrow. Also, Universal called me today to let me know that the order had shipped (before any tracking info showed up anywhere). SWMG site shows updated tracking info also, so all seems to be working smoothly (fingers crossed).

I'm curious how long you had to wait? My order has been on hold since 12-8, and despite e-mail assurances on Friday morning (1/5) from SWMG nothing has been shipped.
They have really disappointed me and I will be done with them after this transaction.

I just wanted to tell all you guys to steer clear of Southwest until they find another pharmacy. It's bad enough that they can't get any order out. But what really burns me is that I cannot get Southwest or Universal to return a call or an e-mail. Of course they are probably going to lie to me anyway, but it would be nice if they would at least make an attempt to contact me. I had a consult last Tuesday (1-2) and nothing. They should tell you when you consult that it will be a while before you are going to see anything. My advice, find another OP with a reliable pharmacy. I'm done with Southwest.

i figured i would update people on here to let them know after ordering my fill on 12/18 a tracking number just showed up on swmg site. finally!!! still couldnt get ahold of anyone today through all their means of contacting them!! i'm so glad this is my last fill with them. time to move on!! good advice to everyone. let them suffer instead!!

i just received a new rx from southwest and they are apparently using a new pharmacy, which i am very unhappy about. the hydrocodone are the M367 type and the carisoprodol has the letters 'CAR' on them. both are horrible!!

i'm going to TRY to reach sw later today and see if they can transfer my refills elsewhere.

wow, i had no clue. i had a refill go smoothly in late nov and now have been waiting a week. anyone able to get these guys (either SW or Universal on the phone? I had been using them for years but this is crazy.

Do you mind telling what pharmacy they are using now. thanks Amanda

I have seen a few different names posted so I think they are forwarding them out to a few different places. I saw my friends Lortab when she opened it and it was from Senior Care Pharmacy in Tampa FL. They sent Watson Brand.

my rx was filled at caringwell pharmacy, but personally, i think they are a bunch of idiots (long story) AND they use the brand that doesn't do a darn thing, at least as far as i'm concerned.

if you want their phone number, pm me.

I did finally get a refill from Caring Well pharmacy about a week and a half after I ordered it. The shipping job they did was pretty crappy and so was the product. They just tossed it in a UPS envelope. At least I finally got it (and it wasn't cheap either). I agree 100% with you guys. I have another refill and then I'm done with Southwest. They are tricky. They'll be great for about 4 or 5 months, and then BOOM, they go into the toilet. I hope to see them crash and burn. There are too many other OP's that do a good job of customer service.

Good luck trying to get these clowns on the phone.

so last post was in late january, anyone using them now that are having good or bad exeriences with them? i heard somewhere they were using biwise, anyone have them fill an order from biwise in the last couple of months? and what pharmacy are they using now, i was happy with universal for the longest time. once an op starts using multiple pharmacies something is wrong in denmark, especially when there tossing them around withous letting you know what is going on.. so can anyone give me any input about what pharmacy they are currently using (or pharmacies) and has the service gotten any better. my time was up last refill and i dont wantto get into a trap where im waiting a week for a refill.. so if anyone has any current info i would appreciate it very much...
again. i heard that they were using for a while any way biwise....so if anyone has something else to add to the list of pharmacies and how badly or smoothly there order are going i would appreciate it.. thanks in advance.. this thread has been an eye opener for me...

One poster mentioned just a few days ago that he/she recieved a pkg from Caring Well pharmacy (I think they are in OH???), but I don't know, as I don't use this service...just know what I read. I hadn't heard about them using Bi-Wise...I agree it is a bad sign when they start using multiple pharmacies and are hit and miss with service like they are lately.

Hope this helps,
Katy

Please give me a hand, I need Carringwell Pharm phone number.
Thanks

Just an update for anyone waiting for a refill from SWM. Just got off the phone with Se**** Pharm. As of today they are still on refill date 3/12. So if your waiting for a refill submitted recently, forget it! it will take another week to get to it. Ugg! Pru

Anyone waiting for refills that were first filled at universal needs to reconsult. The new pharms need the rx hard copy and cannot get them from universal as they're just not around. I had a free re-consult with new doc on 3/21. Received from caring well this morning (3/23). They're shipping mallies, COD $162.

I am never sure where to post this kind of stuff, so excuse me if it's in the wrong place. Posted today at the web site, some very big changes in how they do business - see post below:

NEW PATIENT REQUIREMENTS

Please read the following important new requirements.

Posted May, 1st, 2007

In order to fully comply with the many state and federal regulations we are now requiring you, the patient, to be physically examined by the same physician you will engage in telemedicine with. We are implementing these changes to better serve your needs and eliminate any pharmacy fulfillment shortages many of you have experienced in the past several months.

The question of what constitutes a valid physician-patient relationship has long been argued due to the absence of a clear and concrete definition. One thing is certain however, if the physician performs a good-faith physical examination on the patient and his or her findings are conclusive with the patient’s medical complaint, a valid physician-patient relationship has been created, thereby satisfying the requirements for prescribing in almost every state in the country.

Southwest Medical Group is committed to providing our patients with quality managed medical services that they need and absolutely deserve. Over the past few months SWMG executives have been working to develop a large network of qualified, compassionate and understanding physicians throughout the United States to consult with patients, in-person. Follow-up telephonic consultations will then be provided for up to one year between scheduled face to face physical examinations. Southwest Medical Group has also contracted with the network of physicians to provide a full range of management services including patient scheduling, customer service, records management and billing .

In the coming months we will implement changes to our service that will include the addition of comprehensive health care services and patient care support as well as an improved consultation scheduling system. These changes are just a part of our ongoing commitment to providing our patients with the highest quality health care services available.

Our current goal is to make the transition for our patients as easy as possible. The only real change under our new procedures is that the patient will now be creating a valid relationship with a physician who is licensed in your state and managed by Southwest Medical Group. Once the physician has examined you and his or her findings are documented, he or she can then write a prescription for your medication(s). For your convenience, we will still offer you the option to have it filled at one of our affiliated pharmacies.

In the coming weeks you will be notified of physician availability in your area as well as how and when you need to schedule your appointment. The consultation fee for your in-office visit is $250.00. This price includes your 30 minute physical exam, medical history and 90 day prescription written and forwarded to the pharmacy. This fee does not include your medication. The pharmacy will bill you for your medication separately. Follow up telephonic consultations will continue to be billed at $155.

We sincerely hope to exceed your expectations while we implement this new program. We guarantee to do our best to make this transition as simple and easy as possible.

Thank you for your continued business,
Southwest Medical Group Staff

They are no longer servicing Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina and West Virginia, but say they want to start it up again there when they put these physicians in to do the face to face exams that are now required.

I am kind of horrified at the new expense - $255, on top of the $155 consult fee every 3 months, and the exam having to be repeated once evey year. On top of the cost of the meds, this is going to be costly.

I'm also wondering if these docs are going to become as problematic as what we are used to dealing with in their attempt to comply with the DEA guidelines and all that jazz. I'm wondering if this becomes standard across the board - people, please let us know what your experience is in the coming months.

Wow, I just did the calculation, with an assumption of the drug costing $140 a month, and got $1,242.00 a year to stay on your medication! Yeesh!

Yeah, that's what we are going to have to watch and see. I hope we can take them to our local pharmas, but it may not work out that way - like I read somewhere else here, they do get a cut from the pharmas.

Desiree99 I don't think we are suppose to change the name of the thread, I don't know how to change what you posted in the Subject line but in mine I am going to change it back to the original thread name.

Thanks so much for posting this information. This is interesting to me because it looks like when you read the thread they have been through a few pharmacies in the last few months? I know Caringwell isn't shipping anymore so I have no idea who they would currently be using other than maybe biwise that the poster above questioned.

My question now is to current patients with this place, have you been getting your refills? And what if somebody wants to use them now? I want to know more details, like you said desiree, on local drs, where are they going to be? I live in a very rural area so how is that going to work? I will probably have to travel 4 hrs at least one way to get to somebody that may be participating. Are they taking on new patients now? Any ideas? I think my main question is if you are in now as a patient I am assuming you will get your refills, but if you want to become a new member, at this time we can't? Or do we sign up and still fax in records and do it the old way until the new way is completely set up.? Maybe somebody that has dealt with them knows.

Thanks again for the info Desiree....

Mommyof1

Quote:

---

Once the physician has examined you and his or her findings are documented, he or she can then write a prescription for your medication(s). For your convenience, we will still offer you the option to have it filled at one of our affiliated pharmacies.

---

I could be wrong, but this sounds as if you are paying for the prescription and you can just take it with you and have it filled wherever you want. With insurance or without, that could make it a lot cheaper. I don't have insurance but when I transferred a #120 10/325 to walmart, I paid under $50.00. So it could SAVE a lot of money.

"For your convenience, we will still offer you the option to have it filled at one of our affiliated pharmacies. "

This is the part I find inconclusive.Is it in fact an option or something one has to do ? I can see it being affordable if you can fill the script where you want to and use your insurance but not if you are still dealing with Fed Ex/UPS etc and their choice of pharmacies.
It may well be the wave of the future. Only time will tell.

Eeexactly!!! They have some agreement with their pharmacies so the docs won't give it to us there. Hmm for somebody like me this doesn't sound like too good of a deal. Travel 4 hrs, pay 250.00, get seen, but have to leave with no script and travel 4 hrs back home to wait for the pharmacy to fill and ship to me to still pay all that money too for the meds. Yikes. I do like the idea of only once a year having the face to face but i mean if we still have to pay 155 every few months what is the savings in that?

Suzieo,
two great minds and all that

Since they used the word "option", why would it be anything else? You have the option to use their pharmacy or not. This could be a good thing, and I agree .... the wave of the future.

OK I that sounds good, sounds like you can do your script either way. That also made me wonder if we can use our insurance when we go to see the doctor or if we just have to pay 250.00 cash right there. Insurance would be nice.

It would seem like the patients that have to do the face to face with one of their docs is being able to use your own health insurance for the office visit. that is for the ones that do have heath insurance. it would seem soooo much cheaper and they will still get paid by the insurance company for the visit.Even if you had to pay a fee upfront even with insurance of like 50.00 or 75.00 they would still be making money and it would also benefit the patient.This is JMO and I hope they will drop their fees for you guys and let you use your insurance.

I'd bet almost anything any OCS that goes with this business model won't take insurance.

I dunno. Around here our annual physicals run about $250-$300. It takes a bit of time that the doc could spend seeing someone with a cold for 2 mins.
It's covered as long as it's only once a year it should be fine.
However it would get very costly for those who double and/or triple dip ;-)

No insurance company is going to pick up the $250 tab. Now, they might reimburse the doctor $ 50 or so, but that's it. Frankly, given the nature of this business I would be shocked if the doctor would even bother taking insurance. The patient can pay out of pocket, and send to his / her insurance company for whatever reimbursement they may or may not get.

For those of you that live in states with doctor shopping laws and states that report schedule meds being filled it may actually be worse for you. If you are currently supplementing what you are getting from your brick and morter doctor of lets say 30 Percocets per month with an ROP you will have to still use SWMG's pharmacy option. That or give up your other doctors script per month.

I'm trying to get into my pain management program, but won't see my PCP for a referral until my appt in June, so I hopefully won't need ROP's after a few months from now. Time will tell.

Thanks Shane!

I always sent my receipts in and when hubby started using an ROP, I sent his in also. Now once I used a place that I included payment for the consult into the payment of the meds. Do you know they reimbursed me all but 10%? No basing the 90% of what they paid on "normal customary charges" either. They must have known or figured because when I would only send in the med receipt, I would get all back but $5.00 (generic) which is our normal co-pay.
However, I would not send them in every month. I was getting #120 count a month but I would only send the receipt in every other time. I didn't want greed toi ruin a good thing. Now maybe I would of been fine but I didn't want to push the limit, just being thankful for what I was getting back.
My husband work for a union and has great insurance. The lady at the local union hall pays all the medical bills so I would just send her copies with our letterhead on it asking for reimbursement and it always worked. I never had to fill out any forms, nothing!
It all started by me seeing people here doing it (more so a few years ago then now maybe more people have HMO's who don't allow it or people are scared?) and I had to get reimbursed for one of my sons drs visits and I called asking what forms needed to be filled out. She was great and just send a letter saying you want to be reimbursed. I did and got the money within a week so after that I tried with a pharmacy receipt from an ROP and it worked like a charm.
BUT our coverage has a clause saying maintence meds are anyting that needs to be used 4 months out of 6. Once you reach that limit, it has to be mail order. That was another reason why I didn't send in so many receipts, I didn't want to exceed that because once I did, I had to always do mail order.

Read your policy and see what you can figure out. If in doubt, call and see what the procedure is about filing claims that you paid out of pocket for because it was an out of network.


Now onto what the OCS said. Did they really mean you would get all 90 days of meds at once? They didn't say an orginal script and 2 refills. They said 90 days, that made me wonder. Yes, it would be alot up front but you would save shipping charges PLUS you would have the meds in hand and not worry about losing refills, etc.

I just "re-consulted" with Southwest after using another op and primary doc for the last year or so. They told me next time I would have to do the face to face thing.

But, I did my consult with DR. R***, he issued/approved my scripsts and 2 refills, then I fan in copies of money orders, and SEND THEM NEXT DAY AIR)--(anyone who uses swmg cod knows what I'm talking about)--but when I called to confirm receipt of ny m.o. fax, they wanted additional records (even though Dr. already looked at records AND approved them)

Anyway faxed a bunch in, then they wanted a release for ALL records from my primary--It HAS prescribed meds I need etc just not in 120 count I need to function.

Problem is, I have paid them in advance my m.o. Priority Air. They WILL give me no indication how long this is going to take. "if they want my doc to pay for faxing all my records to them, that won't happen, he's been my doc for 12 years, SO many labs, exams, tests, etc, etc, they will want 2.00 per page or something

I just do not know what to do--went back to swmg, to get 120 count and other rops are taking 2-3 weeks to ship--I'm looking for something fast, MY records are adquate--I've been using swmg since 2002 (Dr. lockridge/cmc pharm days)

Also, I have lost 2 sets of 2 refills over the yearsa from this company--so I have no guarantee they will prescribe anything(even though DR. DID and they claim they nhave NOTHING to do with DR.s

Anybody else had to send in a signed release for your doctors med records(I mean they will know my choesterol-ALL lab tests etc--it just makes me uncomfortable--in the past, I faxed a few pages related to my main complaint and that was it--NOW nthey want access to ALL records.


Any input, suggestions?

Thanks, take care

Alan

Hmmmmm, that doesn't sound like the normal thing. Is the doctor going to read your entire medical records? I think not. Maybe you could get one sheet with all your meds, dx and problems and just fax them that. I also found that doing the online chat got better results when I used them. Good luck though!

i have used swmg for an extended period of time and although pricey they are a sure thing

Anybody know avg turnaround time for these guys after re-consult?

anyone know the phone number for SC with swmg...feel free to send privately.

Thanks sweep

anyone else experiencing a delay with swmg? I put in an order a week ago and it is still "submitted" Anyone?

If you dont mind me asking which pharmacy are you with? they have two pharmacies...

i don't use this service but from what i've heard the dr. only reviews and sends refills / prescriptions on certain days of the week. that could slow down the process. i would suggest always sending your requests a little early to avoid delays

Do you go see these Drs, in person?

Are they all over the country? The site was confusing to me.

Anyone using these guys, canyou tell us how it works with them?

Thanks!

like i said , i don't use them but i've heard from reputable sources that they have a couple of dr.,s. if you are close enuff you could have a face to face but other wise they operate like any other o.c.s.. , a call to there c.s. department would clear up any questions you have .

Hello, I am new here...as of today...well last night, but I was just a "lurker" then! Anyway, I have been using SWMG for the past year or so, and while I do like them...after looking at this board their consultation fees seem quite high to me. They raised them just last year. So this morning I sent my info in Pro-Paitent to give them a try. But now I'm a little worried because their fees are so low...what are the main differences between the two? Why is one so much lower in price? No refills? No Hydro? I suppose I'll find out soon enough huh!

xxx do not tell people how to post or what to post or not to post and read and respect the Rules xxx

My sentiments exactly luvharleys lol

anyone heard from swmg lately? or got a refill? ordered refill on friday 10/17, plus sent them a message, but have not heard from them nor has order went to the pharm yet. thanks

Just checking for any updates on them? Reconsult was on 11-11 and hasnt been filled yet...it's at the pharmacy but just waiting...anyone with updates would be greatly appreciated...

Hello..I was just checking to see if any one has any recent updates for southwestmedicalgroup.com? How long is it taking them to get orders out? Im due this week for a reconsult and just wanted to see what I am looking roughly..thanks

You have to now call EVERY month for a consult.It takes 5 days to schedule,3 days for the office,and then the pharmacy,and of course you can no reconsult early to avoid running out.And whatever you do,do NOT leave more than 1 message or they threaten to seal you off from this 500 buck a month fun.Oh and they do not honor any discounts any longer for this or any other site.

Well it sounds to me like this place needs to be at least Boycotted if not Blacklisted!! .....If what you say is Absolutly Correct!!....So there is no way to get your meds without running out every month! Not to Mention having to Rob a Bank to pay the Bill!!!....and then Threaten to cut you off If you email them More then once!!! No that sounds like Great Customer Service!!!.....NOT!

I am a 2 year customer, and I have had very little probelsm with SWMG. I'm bummed Dr. Lee won't see out of state paitents. I'd guess he's gettin while the gettin's good.

And he's a great doc!

Ive never had any problems either..i think it is different for everyone..however, I was told that my meds would ship today but I didnt recieve a tracking number which is odd since my meds have always shipped when theyve said..hoping for tomorrow..

Has ANYONE had a FTF yet? They want me to go see Dr.L in Seattle. $300 for FTF (once a year) plus $200+ med cost.
Then back to phone consults for that year BUT~ They won't say if it's a 3 mo scrip or $200 phone consult every month like they are doing now.
I want to know prior to going. Thanks!

I think it is every month. I know someone who has had the F2F and now they have a phone consult every month.

Thank you for the info, That's what I figured would happen.

Just found out the website is gone. In touch by telephone. Fortunately for my pain, they are not out of business. They are the best and most reliable and caring business I've had. It's at least once a year FTF, (mine asks for 2) and a phone consult every 3 months, very thorough. My doctor is great, very warm and compassionate. Not too far away. I consider myself VERY lucky!

We have removed this site from our list as the site is gone.