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What is IMPAC? |
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IMPAC, Inc. is dedicated to the promotion of consumer safety and quality improvement in the international and domestic mailorder pharmacy industry.
IMPAC, Inc is an accreditation company located in the United States. As an accreditation company, we develop quality
standards for specific industries and offer accreditation based on those standards. The IMPAC quality standards are the ‘gold
standard’ for the industry and are reviewed by members of the Advisory Panel.
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Why should my mailorder pharmacy seek IMPAC accreditation? |
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Accreditation provides consumers, physicians, payers, and state and federal agencies an assurance that a pharmacy has met essential quality standards. Many consumers look for the IMPAC seal when they are selecting a mailorder pharmacy. Some states in the U.S. require IMPAC Accreditation as a part of their eligibility requirements to be on state website program.
IMPAC Accreditation differentiates a pharmacy from others in a very competitive market place. A pharmacy with IMPAC Accreditation has met the highest standards for quality and customer service.
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How does a consumer know that a mailorder pharmacy is accredited? |
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IMPAC accredited pharmacies receive an IMPAC seal when they are accredited. The pharmacy can display the IMPAC seal on their website and on any marketing materials.
Consumers can also go to the IMPAC website, www.impacsurvey.org, and click on Consumer Information to get a complete list of IMPAC accredited mailorder pharmacies. Consumers can also call 1-800-677-7019 during normal business hours for a complete list of accredited mailorder pharmacies.
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Who is eligible for an IMPAC Accreditation Survey? |
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Mailorder and internet pharmacies located anywhere in the world, including the United States, are eligible to apply for IMPAC Accreditation. Retail and hospital pharmacies are not eligible.
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What is the cost for an IMPAC Accreditation Survey? |
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The cost for a mailorder pharmacy in one location and with up to 3 websites is $21,000 plus the surveyors’ travel expenses
for the IMPAC Accreditation Survey. This includes a $1000 application fee. Then $10,000 is paid prior to the survey and
$10,000 plus surveyor’s travel expenses is paid before final accreditation report.
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What is the IMPAC Accreditation Survey process? |
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The IMPAC Accreditation Survey is conducted by a pharmacist surveyor and an administrative surveyor at the mailorder pharmacy. It is usually two days. The survey includes a review of documents; interviews with the staff and pharmacists; inspection of the facility; observation of work processes; and review of human resource files. At the end of the survey, there is a verbal preliminary report. Within two weeks of the survey, the mailorder pharmacy will receive a Written Summary of Findings and any recommendations.
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What is the scope of the IMPAC Accreditation Survey? |
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The IMPAC Accreditation Survey is based on the IMPAC Mailorder Pharmacy Standards and includes the full scope of the mailorder pharmacy industry as follows:
Quality Assurance: There are mechanisms in place to assure the quality of pharmaceutical dispensing and distribution.
Pharmacy Management: The pharmacy is organized and functions to assure drug integrity and safety.
Consumer Safety: Consumers are assured safely in the dispensing of pharmaceuticals.
Customer Satisfaction: Performance quality is determined by consumers satisfaction.
Health Information Management: Privacy and protection of consumer health information is maintained.
Website Content: Website provides consumers pharmacy access
Shipping and Handling: Shipping and handling process is disclosed to consumers and provides ease of access.
Consumer Call Center: Customer Call Centers assure consumer access and timely response.
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How is IMPAC Accreditation earned? |
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The mailorder pharmacy must be in 100% compliance with the IMPAC Mailorder Pharmacy Standards and the compliance must be fully verified during the survey. When the pharmacy is in full compliance, it earns the IMPAC Accreditation.
If the pharmacy is found in 75% compliance with the IMPAC Mailorder Pharmacy Standards during the survey and there are no consumer safety issues, the pharmacy will be given recommendations for the standards not met. The pharmacy has 90 days to submit evidence that meets the standards. If they are in full compliance within the 90 days, the mailorder pharmacy will earn IMPAC accreditation.
If the pharmacy is found with less than 75% compliance with IMPAC Mailorder Pharmacy Standard or if there are consumer safety issues, the pharmacy will not earn IMPAC accreditation. The mailorder pharmacy can re-apply for an IMPAC Accreditation Survey after a six month waiting period.
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How long is the IMPAC Accreditation term for mailorder pharmacies? |
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The IMPAC Accreditation term is two years.
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