Be Wary of Discount Prescription Drug Cards

by: Stephen Dayton

The newest thing in the American medical savings game is prescription drug cards, where users pay a monthly fee (anywhere from $10-100, approximately) that nets them discounts at their local medical establishment. Doctors, pharmacists, dentists and even hospitals are all jumping on the discount prescription drug card bandwagon.

And although they sound like an excellent idea to most consumers, these discount prescription drug cards do carry some risks. This article will detail what to look out for so that you remain an informed medical consumer.

How Does it All Work?
Usually, discount prescription drug card programs work in the same way. The card company works on the clients’ behalf, getting discounts at a variety of medical establishments. However, the discounts that are ‘purchased’ are not done with the provider directly, but rather with a ‘preferred provider organization’ (PPO). At times, this system works so poorly that cardholders have walked into their medical establishment with their discount prescription drug card, just to be told that the institution has no knowledge of the discount program.

Since there is no regulatory body for discount prescription drug cards, the people who sell these cards need not be licensed or even knowledgeable about the health care field. And when you do walk into the pharmacy with one of these cards, it’s hard to even tell if you are getting any sort of discount at all; many health care providers do not offer any sort of price list for their services in the first place.

Is There a Problem Here?
Well, some legislators in Georgia and Kansas think so. They’ve passed laws stating that discount prescription drug card providers state in ‘prominent type’ that they are not insurance programs, since more than a few consumers were making this mistake.

Other states have taken legal action against these discount prescription drug card companies. In one instance, Argus Health Plans was sued because allegedly they signed customers up for a free trial period, and then charged those same customers’ credit cards with no prior authorization for a discount card membership. More than a dozen other suits are still pending investigation or trial with other discount card providers throughout the US as well.

So How Do I Save Money on My Prescription Drugs?
OF course, not all discount prescription drug cards are poor consumer choices. However, without more legislation in place, consumers are at risk to be scammed while trying to save money. Of course, there are still other ways to save on your prescription drug costs, such as:

- Keep dibs on the fluctuating prices of your prescription drugs, as costs can differ

quite dramatically between pharmacies:

- Ask your doctor to prescribe the generic version instead of the brand name version; and
- Try and get health insurance coverage if you don’t have it already.

With a bit of know-how and investigative work, you’ll be able to save on your medications without having to resort to discount prescription drug cards anytime soon.

Copyright © Stephen C. Dayton 2005

About the author:
Stephen C. Dayton is the staff writer for http://www.rxmexonline.com/A-mexican-pharmacy/discount-prescription-drugs.html and author of many articles relating to health issues helping the public to be better informed of the options available to them in today's online world.

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Before You Look for Health Insurance

by: Richard Keir
Copyright 2005 Richard Keir

Shopping around for medical insurance can be a confusing business. You need to keep your wits about you and keep track of the benefits and costs of each policy and each type of policy. Too often we tend to look at the price first and the rest of the policy becomes a blur of fine print. And we're off to check the next policy.

Slow down. There some important things you should do before you start chasing around to get a policy. Doing these few things will make the whole process simpler and clearer - and you're much more likely to make a good decision.

You need to carefully consider your situation. Think about these questions and note your answers:

What's the general state of your health?

How old are you?

Do you have any serious medical problems currently or in your medical history?

Do you have any history of recurring or on-going medical needs?

Do you use tobacco? How much?

Do you drink? How much?

Are you over- or under-weight for your height, body-type and age?

Is your job hazardous?

Do you participate in any activities or sports that could affect your health?

Now this may be unpleasant but if there's any chance an insurance company could discover a history of drug or alcohol abuse or sexual behavior that might put you in a high risk group, you may want to be direct and upfront about it - especially if it's in the past. Having a claim denied later because you had failed to disclose medical information to the insurance company would be far more upsetting - and very expensive. The same goes for any significant medical condition. Insurance companies are in it to make a profit - at least most of them are. Paying large claims isn't their favorite activity, so they often do investigate.

If you're seeking a family policy you'll need to make the same analysis for everyone and consider carefully what kind of coverage you want.

Do you need dental, orthodontic, pregnancy, mental health, and/or drug coverage? Do you need long-term care coverage, either inpatient or in a nursing facility? Assisted living coverage? What about traveler's or international coverage?

If there's a possibility that you may require - or want - in-home care as opposed to a residential nursing or assisted living facility, be sure that coverage is included and be sure you understand exactly what you can expect to receive.

Think about deductibles and what you could afford pay to reduce your insurance costs. But be very careful here, because medical expenses tend to pile up quickly and reach nearly insane levels for complex treatments or inpatient stays. Many drugs in common use are ridiculously over-priced and depending on the specifics of your insurance you may not be able to use the least expensive sources.

If you will end up with multiple sources of coverage, be clear about how they fit together and what the rules are about overlapping or combined benefits.

Once you are clear on your current situation, your (and other family member's) medical history, and your projected needs, you can begin looking in a organized way with a better sense of where you're going and what will actually meet your needs. This may seem like a tedious process, but it will serve you well in finding appropriate and affordable health insurance and making sure your health care needs can be met by the medical insurance you choose.

Take some time to work through these questions. Write down your answers. Make a chart with your desired coverages and any special conditions the policy must meet. As you look at health insurance policies, note the rules, exclusions, information about pre-existing conditions, any limitations, the dollar amounts covered and especially any deductibles.

Don't try to do too much at once. If you hurry, it'll become confusing and tiring. You may hate it (I know I do), but you really do need to read all that fine print and understand it. That's not a task to rush through. You might as well face up to it, because it's a lot better to do it BEFORE you need medical services than after you get a bill for the uncovered portion that sends you into shock.

So is it an impossible job to find health insurance that works for you? Not at all. There's a world of resources on the internet to help you find the policy you need. Just be sure to do your homework first.

About the author:
Richard is a writer, educator and consultant providing services to medical, scientific and business professionals. For more on choosing a health insurance policy or finding the best medical plan for you, visit http://www.aboutinsurance.info/

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Bariatric Surgery Costs

by: Eddie Tobey

The cost of Bariatric surgery can be quite high. The typical price of an operation can be $25,000 or more. Medical insurance coverage varies by state and insurance provider, and although some states have legislation in place that requires insurers to offer weight loss surgery for patients, providing it meets health criteria laid down by the National Institutes of Health, other states do not. This means that patients who would benefit from bariatric surgery often have to contend with providers that have not yet accepted that this kind of weight loss surgery can deliver powerful medical benefits that will save them money in the long run. A patient encountering this problem may have to work with his or her surgeon to prove to the health insurance provider that the proposed surgery is not a cosmetic procedure, but a potentially life-saving operation that will minimize future health problems.

Individuals who are interested in bariatric surgery and are on Medicare will be glad to know that it covers weight loss surgery for morbidly obese patients with an obesity-related or condition. Morbid obesity is defined as 100 or more pounds overweight or a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

Of course, the costs do not end once a patient successfully undergoes bariatric surgery. Because weight loss can be significant, many individuals are left with loose, sagging skin that no longer has the elasticity to fit the new, slimmer shape. Since neither exercise nor diet will help tighten loose skin, many bariatric patients choose plastic surgery as a remedy. The cost of bariatric-related plastic surgery operations can vary significantly, depending on the patient’s condition, complications, the type of anesthesia, and other factors.
Some of the more popular post-bariatric surgery procedures include: abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), body lift (circumferential panniculectomy), brachioplasty (arm lift), breast lift, augmentation, or reduction, face and/or neck lift, and thigh lift.

About the author:
Bariatric Surgery Info provides detailed information on bariatric surgery, including cost, patients, centers, diet, financing, and complications, as well as specific procedures like laparoscopic and bypass surgery. Bariatric Surgery Info is the sister site of Gastric Bypass Surgery Web.

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Arizona Drug Rehab Finding Help in Arizona

by: Jeff Lakie

The state of Arizona has one of the worst drug problems in the United States. Historically and currently, the state is known as a transhipment location for a variety of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and marijuana, which are imported from other countries. As a result, these and other drugs are widely available in the state, and their abuse is common. There are probably few states that require the presence of rehabilitation centers as this one does - thankfully Arizona drug rehab centers are some of the best in the world.

There is a wide range of treatment centers in Arizona that employ a range of different techniques to help the patient break their addiction. Some of these will have particular specialisations, which might be more appropriate for certain types of patient, so it is always sensible to find out as much as you can about an Arizona drug rehab before making an appointment. Services like drugs-rehabs.org will be able to provide you with treatment center listings in your area, with basic descriptive information to help you make the best decision for you. Some of the features that might help influence your decision for the best:

_ Does the center have a particular religious affiliation? While Christian centers, for example, might be willing to accept non-Christian patients, many will feel more comfortable in a non-denominational center, or one that practises their own faith.
_ What type of care is available? Ensure that your chosen center has a program specifically for drug detoxification. Other kinds of therapy will be useful, but it will be necessary for the patient to make a commitment to ceasing drug use also.
_ What facilities are available? Some Arizona drug rehab centers will only cater to outpatients, which may not offer enough support to a badly addicted patient. Find a center that provides inpatient care.
_ What payments options are available? Does the center accept Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance? If you are not involved with any of these programs, can your center offer sliding scale payments?

There are many high quality Arizona drug rehab treatment centers available, but it is important that you choose the best one for you or your loved one. Never hesitate to contact a center directly to find out more about their facilities, or to find out whether they can cater to any special needs you might have. The right treatment center is out there, and with a little investment of time and effort, you will find it. The best treatment for you or your loved one will be well worth it.

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Rehab Resources a website providing information on drug and alcohol rehabilitaiton treatments

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Are You Sometimes Confused by Written Medical Instructions?

by: Emily Clark

Now, imagine what it would be like if you were sick, scared and
had only third grade reading skills. Your doctor tells you, "You've
got to follow these instructions exactly, or you could die."

About 200 recent studies have shown the reading difficulty of
most health related materials FAR exceeds the average reading
abilities of the American adult. One of the biggest silent health
problems today is the gap between health materials and reading
skills.

In the United States, the average reading level is eighth grade.
In 1992, the Educational Testing Service determined that half
U.S. adults read at between first and eight grade level. That is
about 148 million people. It gets worse. One quarter of Americans
read BELOW FOURTH GRADE level, meaning 74 million people would
struggle with even the simplest, most well written health
materials.

Does it matter? Do you remember the anthrax scare, when someone
was putting deadly white powder into our mail system?

During that terrorist scare, the U.S. post office mailed millions
of post cards to Americans. The post cards told people how to
protect themselves from the deadly infection. They gave
instructions on how to handle and report suspicious mail. These
post cards were written at between ninth and eleventh grade
reading level.

More than half the people who got that mailing could not read it
well enough to protect themselves and others. Does it matter? Do
148 million people matter? Will it matter the next time the
terrorists strike?

Do you remember the mailing the Surgeon General sent out
explaining how to avoid contracting HIV? He made every effort to
see that it was written in clear, simple language. He got
criticism for just how plain talking it was in places. A later
evaluation of that document showed that it was written at between
seventh and ninth grade level. Half the people receiving it read
at a level BELOW what was required to read it. No wonder the
infection keeps spreading.

Think about it. For millions of people, the problem is not just
the tiny print on prescription bottles. The problem is the words
themselves. What does "take on an empty stomach" mean exactly?
When should you "take four times a day"? Perhaps your doctor
explained to you at the office. Do you remember what the doctor
said a week later?

Have you ever read the instructions for testing and assessing
blood sugar levels? Have you ever tried to fill out a Medicare
form? Do you struggle with letters from your health insurance
provider?

Only 45% of asthmatics with literacy problems knew that they
should stay away from things they are allergic to even if they
WERE taking asthma medication. 89% of the people reading at high
school level were clear about the same information. It's not a
matter of intelligence. It's a matter of a missing skill which
well-educated health providers presume is present in their
readers when they sit down to write.

There are two parts to the problem: the writer and the reader.
Recently, the public health community has begun efforts to raise
awareness. They are alerting the medical providers to the impact
of health literacy issues. Some fledgling efforts are underway to
provide clearer, simpler materials for the public. People are
finding alternatives to reading for presenting the same
information.

There is a long way to go. Sign up now with your local literacy
program as a volunteer.

Drop in on your elderly neighbor and help her learn to read the
specialized health material so critical in her life. (You may
want to ask her about her life first, to save embarrassment when
you learn you're talking to a retired English teacher). Start
with all those ridiculously obscure materials her doctor sent
home with her about glaucoma. You can go on to that Medicare form
she needs to send in tomorrow.

Do you want to know what eighth grade reading level is? You just
read 700 words of it. 74 million Americans reading at below
fourth grade level could have found it too hard for them to
understand.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

About the author:
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

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An Introduction to Medical Billing

by: Damian Sofsian

A growing number of professional, experienced health consultants and medical claim processors are needed in the country today. Healthcare is such a large and technologically driven industry that knowledge and procedures used today are likely to be seen as far outdated only a few years from now. To keep pace with all the various procedures, techniques, and technologies available and distinguish one from the other in a clear manner, definitions are made and coded for every kind of surgical procedure, diagnosis, and complaint. These definitions and codes help doctors ensure that they are compensated accurately for their services by the health insurance companies.

Medical billing is the process by which the needed data for completion of all the necessary forms (insurance cards, patient info, encounter forms, diagnosis, treatment, etc) is collected and processed for payment. This data is then entered into one of a variety of competing medical billing/patient accounting software programs. Medical billers are also responsible for following up using effective paperwork and time-management skills. Having been trained to understand an insurer’s EOB (explanation of benefits), the medical biller must review all claims for errors. If not all of a patient’s balance is covered by insurance, the medical biller has to decide if the balance will be written off or billed to the patient. The main job of the medical biller is to ensure that the physician or facility receives optimal reimbursement for services rendered. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly reports are often generated by the accounting software to show the client (physician, facility) whether they are losing or making money on various insurance contracts.

Besides the above main responsibilities, a medical biller must have or develop the following skills:

_ Understand and be able to explain insurance terms and benefits to clients and patients
_ Accurately read and complete claim forms
_ Perform bookkeeping activities
_ Bill insurance companies and patients promptly and accurately
_ Handle everyday medical billing procedures
_ Document all activities using the correct terminology
_ Schedule appointments
_ Follow-up with insurance companies and patients on unpaid bills

Medical billing is a growing opportunity to the ever-expanding health industry and many people are finding satisfying and well-paying careers working both at hospitals or small clinics and from home running their own medical billing small business.

About the author:
Medical Billing Info provides comprehensive information about medical billing software, services, jobs and companies. Medical Billing Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Software Web.

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An Explanation of Medical Billing Software Prices

by: Damian Sofsian

Medical billing software prices can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your practice and the software package you choose. Medical billing software is offered in many forms to the discerning customer. Innovations in the technology of medical billing software have created a new benchmark of digital accuracy. There are many packages offered, such as software with equipment lease, software lease via the Internet, or the software along with installation and training. When you are evaluating the needs of your practice, consider the factors that will affect the cost of your medical billing software such as the number of users, the number of patients, amount of use, and amount of data storage.

Many software packages will not fill all the diverse needs of your practice, so make sure you identify vendors who are familiar with health care management solutions and who will work with your practice to sustain your advantage in the business. When investigating prices for medical billing software it is a good idea to ask how and for what purpose the system was designed, and the cost for all the data to be secure, backed-up and protected on servers that are compliant with the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). Also find out what the total price will be including ongoing costs, like upgrades, maintenance and training.

Other significant factors that will affect the price of medical billing software are the price of user licenses, and the costs involved with customization to fit your medical practice. Check to see if you can configure the software without assistance, and whether a first time user can quickly learn the program. If the answer is yes to these questions, you will save a bundle on training your staff. Selected vendors will allow you to create your own medical software quote by asking a series of questions that will identify your precise needs. Keep an eye out for companies who provide free updates to ensure continued HIPAA compliance.

There are medical billing software options out there that require a minimal provider investment, such as the web-based solution that allows the medical billing provider to manage and maintain all of your data and hardware within a totally secure remote environment. You could have all of the advantages of great medical billing software, including exclusive access to patient information, at sharply reduced costs. Some points of sale to look out for are: no hardware or software to buy, no need for installation, and no upgrade costs. Carefully evaluate the needs of your medical practice to see if this easy and popular option is right for your practice.

Finding a comprehensive selection of medical billing software prices can be a simple task if you are certain from the outset of your medical practice needs, and the size and flexibility of your budget. Medical billing software does not have to be costly to work efficiently. Once an expensive bundle of complicated interfaces filled with cumbersome textual fragments, today's electronic medical billing suites are reasonably priced, straightforward and intuitive.

About the author:
Medical Billing Software Info provides comprehensive information about medical insurance billing software, HIPAA compliant medical billing software, easy and free medical billing software, and medical billing software prices and reviews. Medical Billing Software Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Web.

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An Explanation of Medical Billing Software

by: Damian Sofsian

Medical billing is an increasingly popular office or home-based small business opportunity that involves using skills and knowledge in medical terminology, insurance claims, and customer service to ensure that physicians and clinics receive payment from patients and insurance companies.

Whether working from home based small-businesses or at large hospitals, every medical biller utilizes medical billing software. Though still referred to as medical billing software, today’s electronic medical billing software is also more accurately called medical practice management software and covers many functions. Up-to-date medical billing software will generate a variety of reports based on data, manage appointments, as well as collect, transmit, and track billing information and payments. Current medical billing software will also make sure that records are kept in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act security standards. When deciding on software to buy, compliance with this act is an important consideration and will help you steer clear of some of the software scam artists out there.

When considering software for a medical billing business, here are some things to ask yourself or potential suppliers:

_ Does the software include the ability to manage several different accounts?
_ Can the software handle multiple doctors or multiple offices?
_ Does the software recognize current procedure and diagnosis codes and it is updatable for the future (very important!)

Many vendors will allow a trial use of their program to see if it fits your needs. You will also be able to address whether the supplier answers questions in a timely fashion and if the are helpful in a trouble-shooting situation. Remember that a good medical billing software suite will cost at least $500 so don’t be fooled by people trying to sell $50 products that don’t even function.

Though electronic billing is still mainstream, there is a movement towards online billing where a subscription is setup on the web allowing a paperless entry of patient information, claims, and more. This service will cost more than $200 per month so you have to research and weigh the benefits of a one time investment for electronic medical billing software that is local or the online web-based software that can be used from any web-connected computer or device.

About the author:
Medical Billing Info provides comprehensive information about medical billing software, services, jobs and companies. Medical Billing Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Software Web.

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Alert: New HIPAA Rules Could Affect Your Organization's Email System

by: Matt Coers

On April 21, 2005, a new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule went into effect. The requirements of this rule, which are basically information security best practices, focus on the three cornerstones of a solid information security infrastructure: confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.

The HIPAA regulatory requirements encompass transmission, storage and discoverability of Protected Health Information (PHI). Given the widespread use and mission-critical nature of email, enforcement of HIPAA encryption policies and the growing demand for secure email solutions, email security has never been more important to the healthcare industry than it is right now.

Although many assume it applies only to health care providers, HIPAA affects nearly all companies that regularly transmit or store employee health insurance information. HIPAA was signed into law in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton, with the intent of protecting employee health and insurance information when workers changed or lost their jobs. As Internet use became more widespread in the mid-to-late 1990s, HIPAA requirements overlapped with the digital revolution and offered direction to organizations needing to exchange healthcare information.

HIPAA in the Workplace
Collaboration between employers and healthcare professionals has grown increasingly digital, and email has played an ever-increasing role in this communication. However, email’s increased importance can lead to severe consequences without proper security and privacy measures implemented.

In addition to the usual concerns about privacy and security of email correspondence, even organizations that are not in the healthcare industry must now consider the regulatory compliance requirements associated with HIPAA. The Administrative Simplification section of HIPAA, which, among other things, mandates privacy and security of Protected Health Information (PHI), has sparked concern about how email containing PHI should be treated in the corporate setting. HIPAA, as it relates to email security, is an enforcement of otherwise well-known best practices that include:

* Ensuring that email messages containing PHI are kept secure when transmitted over an unprotected link
* Ensuring that email systems and users are properly authenticated so that PHI does not get into the wrong hands
* Protecting email servers and message stores where PHI may exist

Organizations regulated by HIPAA must comply and put these practices in place. However, the need to comply with regulations puts particular pressure on the healthcare industry to enhance their use of technology and “catch up” with other industries of similar size and scope.

Privacy and Email Security
The privacy protection provisions in HIPAA pose a major compliance challenge for the healthcare industry. These provisions are intended to protect patients from disclosure of any of their individually identifiable health information. Organizations that fail to protect this information face fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for each instance of unauthorized disclosure. If the disclosure is found to be intentional, HIPAA provides for fines ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 and possible jail time for individuals involved in the violations.

The clock is ticking – it’s time to get started
Bringing an enterprise into compliance with the rules set by HIPAA can seem like a very daunting task to even the most experienced executives. Nonetheless, the growing dependence on email as a mission-critical application requires that your organization implement comprehensive security and privacy policies – and soon. A solid combination of security policies and the technologies to enforce those policies can ensure improved security as well as HIPAA readiness and ongoing adherence.

About the author:
Dr. Paul Judge is a noted scholar and entrepreneur. He is Chief Technology Officer at CipherTrust, the industry's largest provider of enterprise email security solutions. Learn how to make your email system comply with HIPAA regulations by visiting www.ciphertrust.com

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A Canadian Pharmacy is a Lifesaver for Some Americans

by: Jay Moncliff

Many of you may have heard about the ongoing war between the Canadian pharmacy and the American pharmacy. The American FDA has recently been trying to crack down on prescription drugs imported from Canada to the United States. But why is this? What exactly got the FDA's feathers ruffled?

The FDA states that it is illegal to import any prescription drugs from overseas. Anything found at the United States border will be seized. But this shouldn't include a Canadian pharmacy. Canada isn't even overseas... right? That's what many Americans say who frequently cross over the American border into Canada to go to a Canadian pharmacy. This has gotten the FDA a tad angry.

Now why on earth are Americans going to a Canadian pharmacy? With the rising prescription drug costs and the lack of good affordable health insurance many can't afford to buy it in America. Canadian pharmacies often save people as much as 40%, if not more. For some people, a Canadian pharmacy is the only way they can afford to get their much needed medication to survive. Just recently, you can now order from a Canadian pharmacy online and have it mailed directly to your home.

The FDA states that getting prescription drugs from a Canadian Pharmacy is not safe. However, they have never shown any evidence of this. They also state that purchasing prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy will lead to lost jobs for us Americans. There is no evidence of this either. Besides, people still can't afford to buy there prescriptions in America anyways. In fact, some states (like Wisconsin and Texas) encourage people to buy prescriptions from Canada and they are even attempting to incorporate a prescription drug plan with Canada.

A Canadian Pharmacy is safe and legitimate. There is no evidence that a prescription from a Canadian pharmacy poses any health risks. They also insure the same quality and potency as American prescriptions but at a much cheaper price. To make you feel more at ease, all Canadian pharmacies ask that you have a prescription from your doctor and include you medical and allergy history before you can purchase any prescriptions. This is also the same if you order from a Canadian pharmacy online. Before ordering online from any company, make sure that the company has a legitimate address and that they provide a toll free number with live operators to assist you.

Purchasing prescription drugs from Canada is an answered prayer for many Americans. Some Americans wouldn't know what to do if it wasn't available. It gives peace of mind knowing that there is still an affordable way to get the prescriptions people need, even if the FDA doesn't like it.

About the author:
Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.1-online-pharmacy.info a blog focusing on the Medical, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on medicines. For more info on medicines visit: http://www.1-online-pharmacy.info

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