Services Provided by GCHC

Prescription Assistance Medical Services Program (PAMS)

On May 28, 2004 the Gadsden County Community Health Council, Inc. a group of concerned citizens and community leaders, implemented a prescription assistance program that is currently housed in the Gadsden County Community Hospital and operates Monday through Friday from 8 am to 2pm. The Prescription Assistance Medical Services Program (PAMS) is a subsidiary of the Gadsden Community Health Council, Inc. and our VISION for Gadsden County is a community with a comprehensive and integrated health care delivery system that helps all its citizens accept responsibility for becoming informed about, and committed to healthy lifestyle choices. The program is a collaborative effort between the Gadsden County Community Health Council, Inc., the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners, the Gadsden County Health Department, the Big Bend Rural Health Network, and local physicians. The Prescription Assistance Medical Services Program currently serves well over 300 patients in Gadsden County.

Patient Needs to Provide:

• Patients Social Security Card
• Patients Picture ID
• Last Year's W2s
• Most Recent Income Tax Return
• Doctors Name, Address and Phone Number
• Original Prescriptions

Steps in the Application Process:

1. Patient is referred by a physician or hears about the program.
2. Staff takes minimal medical history, reviews patient's medications and income. Staff then matches them with possible drug company programs.
3. Once a match is found, staff creates a data file for the patient and completes the application to the proper drug company for each prescription.
4. Staff then sends the application to the physician's office for their signature.
5. The physician reviews the application and prescription and signs the application.
6. The physician's office mails application(s) and script(s) to the PAMS office.
7. Staff contacts the drug company via mail or phone and facilitates the application process. (Average 4-6 weeks to process)
8. Medication is then shipped directly to the physician's office.
9. Physician's office staff contacts the patient and dispenses the medication to the patient.