Dispense Direct FAQs
Getting Started
How can I access specialised medicines and become a patient?
To access specialised medicine, you will first need a valid prescription from your practitioner.
An authorised prescriber will assess your medical condition and determine if specialised medicine is a suitable treatment option for you.
If you’re not sure where to begin this journey, Care Direct offers free eligibility calls.
How do I get started with Dispense Direct?
Upload your scripts here or ask your healthcare professional to email your scripts to pharmacy@dispensedirect.com.au. Our team will then set you up with a Dispense Direct account and you will receive a welcome email. You can then follow the link to access our online ordering portal.
We may reach out via email/phone to obtain more details from you to finalise your account setup.
How do I access the ordering portal?
Once your account is set up, you’ll be notified by email. You’ll be able to see the prescriptions you have on file with us by visiting our portal and logging into your account.
Once you’re ready to place an order, simply click on your cart on the navigation bar. As a measure to safeguard your payment details, we do not retain credit/debit details on record.
Scripts
Brand Substitutions and Open Scripts
We do not dispense open scripts (prescriptions that only specify the active ingredient and concentration). However, if you have an open script, we can reach out to your prescriber on your behalf to obtain a prescription that meets our requirements.
We understand that patients may experience less therapeutic benefits than expected for certain products and may wish to have a similar product dispensed as a substitution. Our pharmacists do not have the ability to make a substitution without the prescriber’s approval. If you do have a substitution request, please make it known to the pharmacist and they will endeavour to discuss the option with your prescriber.
Dispense Intervals
A dispense interval is a time frame specified by the prescriber indicating the number of days that must elapse before a repeat is dispensed for a specific prescription.
Most prescriptions for specialised medicine have a dispense interval, however the dispense interval on e-scripts is usually not visible to patients.
If you require a repeat to be dispensed before the specified number of days have elapsed, please let our pharmacist know – along with a valid reason – and they will pass the information onto the prescriber. Prescribers may grant a one-time exemption under reasonable circumstances (travelling etc.)
Monthly Limits
Prescribers may specify a monthly limit to the quantity of product that may be supplied over a period of time, usually monthly. This monthly limit applies to products obtained from any pharmacy in Australia. If you have reached your monthly limit and require additional supply, please let our pharmacist know – along with a valid reason -and they will pass the information onto the prescriber. Prescribers may grant a one-time exemption under reasonable circumstances.
AP and SAS-B Documentation
Prescriptions from Authorised Prescribers will be accompanied by a letter of authorisation from the Department of Health confirming the authorisation of the medical practitioner to prescribe specialised medicine.
Prescribing healthcare practitioners are also able to prescribe specialised therapy via the SAS Category B pathway.
As the patient, a letter from the prescriber should accompany your prescription authorising the supply of your medication.
IMPORTANT: Please provide the pharmacy with the letter of authorisation or SAS-B form along with the prescriptions when making an order.
Health Insurance Coverage
Select private health insurance companies cover prescribed natural therapy, but the best way to find out is to check with your private health insurance representative.
If you are eligible for health insurance coverage and require a pharmaceutical receipt, please email us with this request.
Shipping and Returns
How much do you charge for shipping?
We charge a flat rate of $9.99 for express delivery, orders over $180 get free shipping.
Who is your logistics partner?
All our parcels are shipped via Star Track (signature required)
What happens if there is an issue with my parcel/it gets lost?
In the rare event that a parcel is lost, please contact us at 1300 420965 and we will be able to assist.
What is your return policy?
Please see our return policy here. We do not offer refunds or exchanges for change-of-mind situations. However, if you notice any defects in the product, please contact us and we will be able to assist you further. Please do not use the defective product as it may affect the return process. If you have a Storz & Bickel warranty enquiry, please read the information here first.
What are your order processing times?
Our cut off time for same-day shipping is 2pm (AEST). Orders placed during the weekend will be processed next business day.