UCLA Health Pharmacy Services: Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Care for the UCLA Community and Beyond

UCLA Health Pharmacy Services provides comprehensive pharmaceutical care to a diverse patient population, ranging from UCLA students to individuals throughout the region managing chronic diseases. This article will explore the various facets of UCLA Health Pharmacy Services, highlighting its commitment to patient-centered care, accessibility, and innovation.

Bruin Health Pharmacy: Accessible Healthcare for UCLA Students

Bruin Health Pharmacy, located in Ackerman Union (A-Level), offers a convenient and cost-effective option for UCLA students' pharmaceutical needs. It provides a full range of prescription medications and a wide selection of over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Location and Hours

Bruin Health Pharmacy is easily accessible to students in Ackerman Union, room A-250, located at 308 Westwood Plaza. The pharmacy operates during the following hours:

Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm
Wednesdays: 8am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 5pm
Fridays: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm

During the summer, the pharmacy opens at 8:30 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Bruin Health Pharmacy observes all university holidays, which are listed on the UCLA academic calendar.

Services Offered

Bruin Health Pharmacy offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of UCLA students:

Prescription Medications: A full range of prescription medications are available to students. After an appointment, please allow one hour for Bruin Health Pharmacy to process your prescription(s).
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Bruin Health Pharmacy carries over 70 over-the-counter medications at a lower cost to UCLA students. These medications include cold and cough remedies, pain relievers, eye, ear, and nose drops, personal hygiene items, condoms, emergency contraception (Plan B), topical antibiotic creams, anti-itch creams, and vitamins. The over-the-counter medications list is brought to you in partnership with the UCLA Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). The cost of all over-the-counter medications you purchase will be billed to your BruinBill account.
Prescription Refills: Students can easily request prescription refills online through MyStudentChart.
Counseling and Advice: The pharmacy staff offers counseling and advice to students and works directly with clinicians to ensure they receive the appropriate medication and care.
Insurance Assistance: The pharmacy staff has a thorough understanding of health insurance policies and can assist students in obtaining coverage and approval for their medications. Bruin Health Pharmacy accepts UCSHIP.
Prescription Transfers: The pharmacy can transfer prescriptions from other pharmacies. Students need to provide the pharmacy name, phone number, medication name, and prescription number (if available). Please allow 1 to 2 business days for refills to be completed.

Accessibility

Bruin Health Pharmacy is committed to providing accessible services to all students. For wheelchair access, individuals can enter Ackerman Union/UCLA Store and take the elevators near U See LA Optometry (B-Level) to the A-Level. From the A-Level Elevators, turn right and proceed past the UCLA Blood Donation Center (right), and Bruin Health Pharmacy will be on the left.

Important Information for Students

If a student is feeling sick, they should authorize a well family member or friend to pick up their medication. To do so, they must contact Bruin Health Pharmacy at 310-825-5497 to authorize a proxy.
Disposable sharps should not be brought to The Ashe Center Lab or Bruin Health Pharmacy. Students should instead use the designated location on campus: WEST LOS ANGELES UCLA SAFE CENTER 550 Charles E. Young Drive South, Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90095.

UCLA Health Specialty Pharmacy: Comprehensive Care for Chronic Conditions

The UCLA Health Specialty Pharmacy, fully accredited by the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission, provides pharmaceutical services to patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, as well as outpatient services to people throughout the region. It specializes in helping individuals manage chronic diseases by providing access to medications not typically available at retail pharmacies, along with personalized care and support.

Services and Expertise

The UCLA Health Specialty Pharmacy distinguishes itself through several key services and areas of expertise:

Medication Access: The pharmacy carries drugs that aren’t available at typical retail pharmacies.
Drug Education and Research: Pharmacists provide detailed medication information to UCLA Health staff and develop and implement drug education, training, and research programs.
Personalized Care: Expert pharmacists help patients understand treatment plans and access life-changing medications. They work closely with doctors and specialists to coordinate care.
24/7 Consultation and Advice: A pharmacist is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for urgent questions.
Collaboration with Care Teams: The pharmacy works closely with doctors, caregivers, and care teams to adjust dosages, spot potential drug interactions, and help patients avoid and manage side effects.
Delivery and Pick Up: Fast and convenient medicine delivery to the patient's home, workplace, or other location is offered at no additional cost, including refrigerated products.
Financial Assistance: The pharmacy assists patients who are unable to afford their medications by exploring available options.
Insurance Support: Experts help patients manage claims, appeal denials, and explore all available insurance options.
Interpreting Services: Interpreters are available to assist with several languages to help patients understand treatment plans and improve access to medications.
Refill-Reminder Service: A team member contacts patients before their refill due date to discuss which drugs they need, update health and insurance information, and arrange a delivery date for their medications.

Conditions Served

The UCLA Health Specialty Pharmacy serves patients with a wide range of conditions, including:

HIV: A virus that attacks the immune system and causes AIDS.
Rheumatic diseases: Hundreds of different diseases, including several types of arthritis, that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Key Benefits for Patients

Experienced Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: Specially trained to help patients get the most out of their treatments so they can feel their best.
Delivery: Fast and convenient delivery of prescriptions, including refrigerated products, at no additional cost.
Collaboration: Pharmacists and technicians are part of the UCLA care team, facilitating open communication between patients, doctors, and caregivers.
Personalized Patient Care: Staff members discuss treatment plans with patients and address any questions or concerns.
Benefit Investigation/Insurance Billing/Financial Assistance: Assistance in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to explore every option available, including relationships with insurers for information and explanations of drug and medical benefits. The pharmacy bills most major insurance plans accepted, including Medicare Part B and D.
Convenient Refill Reminder Service: Staff contact patients prior to their refill due date to coordinate medications, update medical and insurance records, and set up a delivery or pick-up date.
Interpreting Services: A wide range of interpreting services are available.