Camp Ramah in the Berkshires

How are the medications packaged?

Medications are packaged in blister packs that include a detailed label with your child's name, date and time to be administered, and any special instructions. A camp nurse opens the perforated packet and administers the medication. Only solid oral medications are included in blister packs.

How are medications that are not in pill form packaged?

Inhalers, creams, liquids, nasal sprays, eye drops, and similar items are packaged separately, clearly labeled, and shipped to camp along with your child's other medications. Gummy medications are packaged in blister packs when appropriate.

Will you package prescription medication we already have at home?

No. There are strict regulations against repackaging medications, and since we cannot control what happens to medication once it leaves our pharmacy, we cannot and will not accept prescription medications from another pharmacy.

Can PRN ("as needed") medications be packaged?

Yes. Prescription and OTC medications may be packaged as needed. These medications are packaged separately and labeled with administration instructions. Refills on PRN medications are sent automatically unless we are notified prior to shipment. No refunds will be issued for medications that have shipped.

Can a half pill be packaged?

Yes. Your child's physician must specifically write the prescription to indicate half-tablet dosing. You must also indicate this request during registration so we can confirm the medication is appropriate for splitting.

What time are medications dispensed at camp?

Most camps administer medications at mealtimes and bedtime. If a medication must be administered at a specific time, the prescribing physician must indicate this on the prescription. Prescriptions written as "once daily" will be administered at breakfast unless otherwise directed.

Will the pharmacy dispense brand name or generic medications?

Generic medications are dispensed whenever appropriate unless the prescription specifies "Do Not Substitute" or "Brand Only."

Do you supply OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements?

Yes. We provide a wide range of OTC medications and supplements based on availability, safety, and camp requirements.
Some items fall into special categories and require individual review.

How does the pharmacy decide which OTCs, vitamins, and supplements to provide?

We provide a wide range of OTC medications and supplements based on availability, safety, and camp requirements. Some items fall into special categories and require individual review. Families should assume they may be contacted if clarification or alternatives are needed.

My child takes a specific brand/type of OTC medication. Can you provide it?

Please have the specific brand of medication/vitamin/supplement listed on the Registration Form. If we are unable to obtain the requested item, we will contact you to discuss next steps. In rare cases, families may be asked to ship a sealed, unopened OTC item to the pharmacy. Prescription medications may never be shipped. If no specific information is listed on the OTC form we will dispense from our pharmacy stock.

What about injectables?

We handle many injectables. It is up to the individual camp to determine their qualifications and best practices of administering these medications safely.

Can the pharmacy supply non-pill form medications such as inhalers, creams, drops or liquid medications?

Yes. These medications are packaged separately and labeled with clear dosing instructions.

What if my child needs a refill during camp?

For campers staying longer than 30 days, refills are sent automatically unless we are notified in advance. Please do not refill prescriptions independently, as this may cause insurance rejections. No refunds are issued for medications that have shipped.

What if my child takes a controlled substance?

An original prescription is required for controlled prescriptions. If your camper is staying longer than 30 days, an additional original prescription will be required.
Due to nationwide shortages and insurance restrictions, some controlled medications may require additional coordination.

What happens to leftover medication?

Any remaining medication will be sent home with your camper at the end of camp.

Can you fill a prescription for less than 30 days?

Most insurance plans apply a standard 30-day copay even for shorter fills.

What does "short filling" a prescription mean?

We ask all families to "short fill" their prescriptions in the month leading up to camp. This means you should only fill your child's prescription up to the date camp starts, rather than filling it for a full 30 days. This allows us to manage the medication supply for your child once they arrive at camp.

For example, if camp starts on June 24 and your pharmacy normally fills prescriptions on the 15th, you should only fill the prescription to cover the time from June 15 to June 24. If your child takes one pill a day, you would only need 10 pills (enough for the 10 days between June 15 and June 24, inclusive). You can request that your doctor write the prescription this way or ask your local pharmacy to fill it in smaller quantities leading up to camp.

This is especially important for controlled substances, which require original prescriptions and are subject to stricter insurance and dispensing rules. Short filling helps prevent overlaps, insurance rejections, and gaps in therapy, and allows the pharmacy to appropriately coordinate medication management once camp begins.

How do I send you the prescriptions?

Your child's physician will either submit prescriptions electronically or provide you with written (paper) prescriptions.

If you are given a written prescription, it must be mailed to our pharmacy. Drug World can only accept original paper prescriptions submitted by parents or guardians.

Please mail paper prescriptions to:
Drug World of Cold Spring, LLC
Attn: Caitlin Chadwick
55 Chestnut Street, Ste B
Cold Spring, NY 10516

Drug World is not responsible for prescriptions lost in the mail. We strongly recommend using a trackable mailing method, such as USPS Priority Mail, UPS or FedEx, when sending prescriptions.

What if you don't receive a prescription from my physician?

It is the family's responsibility to ensure all prescriptions are received by the deadline.
Late prescriptions are subject to expedited handling fees.

How is my insurance billed? How am I billed for co-pays/vitamins?

Our pharmacy will bill your insurance company directly as prescriptions are filled. You will receive an email invoice for any costs not covered by insurance for your child's medicine/vitamins, which can be paid securely online using a credit card. If you have any billing inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us.

What if you do not accept my insurance?

Our pharmacy is contracted with all major and most minor prescription carriers. Once registration is submitted, we will review your insurance information and contact you if we are unable to accept your plan.

I need to fill a prescription for my child before camp begins. What do I do?

Go ahead and have the prescription filled, but be sure to request only the amount of medication your child will need before camp begins. Our pharmacy will not bill your insurance company until camp begins to avoid any conflict with your insurance company's billing cycle.

Will my insurance company pay for my child's medications if I recently filled their prescriptions?

Typically they will. Often times our pharmacy will need to request a "vacation override" from your insurance company. We will contact you if we have any questions about your insurance.

What happens if my insurance company will not provide a vacation override or if I have used my allowable vacation override?

Give us a call so that we can determine the appropriate plan of action. We will help to work with you and the insurance company.

What if my insurance denies coverage for a medication?

If a prescription or OTC medication is not covered, we will contact you before filling to discuss options.

What if my co-pay or medication cost is high?

If a co-pay exceeds $50 or OTC costs are unusually high, we will contact you to review options.

What happens if I do not pay my bill?

Failure to pay outstanding balances may result in your camper arriving at camp without medication available.