Every line has a ▶ button — tap it to hear that line spoken, one word at a time.
Mia: Hi. My doctor sent in a prescription for me this morning. Is it ready?
sent it in — about ninety-four percent of US prescriptions go straight from the doctor's computer to the pharmacy · nothing to carry
Jordan: Let me check. Name and date of birth?
Name and date of birth? — the two questions at every window, every time · they find you by both, because names repeat
Mia: Mia Carter. March twelfth, nineteen ninety-eight.
how to say your date of birth — month · day · year, the American order · on a form: 03/12/1998 · "twelfth", not "twelve"
Jordan: Got it. It came in, but it's not filled yet. It'll be about twenty minutes.
filled — filled = counted, bottled, labeled and checked · "it'll be about twenty minutes" · waiting is normal
Mia: Okay. Should I wait, or come back?
Jordan: Either one. There's a bench right there, or we can text you when it's ready.
ready for pickup — the bag waits on the shelf about ten days · then it goes back to stock
Mia: A text would be great.
Jordan: Perfect. I'll text this number, ending in four seven one two. Pickup is at the other window, on the right.
drop-off · pickup — hand in your prescription at one, collect and pay at the other · a third one, CONSULTATION, is for questions
Mia: Hi, I'd like to drop off a prescription.
a paper prescription — the doctor's name, your name, the drug, the dose, refills · hand it in at drop-off
Jordan: Sure. Have you filled with us before?
Have you filled with us before? — = are you in our system? · a new pharmacy makes your profile: date of birth, phone, insurance, allergies
Mia: No, this is my first time. I just got this at urgent care.
urgent care — a walk-in clinic for a sore throat, a cut, a sprain · faster and cheaper than the ER · they send the prescription in or hand you a paper one
Jordan: No problem. I'll need your date of birth, a phone number, and your insurance card.
your insurance card — the pharmacy keeps it on file · member ID · group number · the small RxBIN and RxPCN numbers are for the pharmacy
Mia: Here's the card. And it's March twelfth, nineteen ninety-eight.
Jordan: Thanks. Any allergies to medications?
Any allergies to medications? — penicillin is the common one · say the medicine and what happened · it goes in your profile forever
Mia: Not that I know of.
Not that I know of. — = no, as far as I know · a soft, honest no
Jordan: And do you take anything else regularly?
Do you take anything else regularly? — your daily medications, vitamins and supplements too · the pharmacist checks the new one against them
Mia: Just an allergy pill, once a day.
Jordan: Okay, I'll put that in your profile. This will be ready in about thirty minutes.
your profile — your record at this pharmacy: medications, allergies, insurance, phone · it follows you to every store of the chain
Mia: Great. I'll walk around the store.
Mia: Hi, I'm here to pick up a prescription.
pick up a prescription — = collect it · pick up FOR someone = collect it for them · "I'm here to pick up"
Devin: Last name?
Last name? — last name = family name = surname · spell it if it's unusual: C, A, R, T, E, R
Mia: Carter. C, A, R, T, E, R.
Devin: And your date of birth?
Mia: March twelfth, nineteen ninety-eight.
Devin: Here we go. Can I see your ID? We ask on every pickup now.
Can I see your ID? — a photo ID: driver's license, state ID, passport · more pharmacies ask on every pickup · always for controlled medications
Mia: Sure, here's my license.
Devin: Thanks. Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today?
Any questions for the pharmacist? — by law they must OFFER to explain a new medication · "no" = you sign that you declined · "yes" costs nothing
Mia: No, I think I'm okay.
Devin: Then sign here on the pad. That's fifteen dollars with your insurance.
sign here on the pad — the signature pad · you sign for the pickup, the privacy notice and "no questions" · then the copay
Mia: I'll pay by card.
Devin: All set. The directions are on the label, and the leaflet inside explains the rest.
the bag, the label, the leaflet — the bag · the label: your name, the drug, the directions, refills left · the leaflet: side effects and warnings
Mia: Hi. I'm picking up for my husband, Ben Carter.
picking up for someone else — allowed for family and friends · you need their date of birth, often their address · your own ID for a controlled medication
Devin: Sure. What's his date of birth?
Mia: August thirtieth, nineteen ninety-four.
Devin: And his address, just to confirm?
just to confirm — = one more check · "just to confirm, that's apartment three?"
Mia: Two fourteen Maple Street, apartment three.
how to say an address — number · street · apartment — say the number in pairs: "two fourteen" · on paper: 214 Maple St., Apt. 3
Devin: Thanks. I have two for him. One is ready, but the other still needs the pharmacist's okay.
the pharmacist's okay — the tech types it in, the pharmacist checks and approves every prescription before it goes out · okay = approval
Mia: Oh. Is something wrong with it?
Devin: No, it's a new medication, so she checks it against his other one. Give me two minutes.
checks it against — for an interaction — two medicines that shouldn't be taken together · the reason they ask what you take
Mia: Sure, no rush.
No rush. — = take your time · the opposite: "I'm in a bit of a rush"
Devin: Okay, both are good. Since it's not your prescription, I'll need to see your ID too.
Mia: Here you go.
Devin: Thanks. Sign here, and I'll staple the receipt to the bag. His directions are on the label.
the receipt stapled to the bag — it shows your copay and what the insurance paid · keep it for a reimbursement or a flexible spending account
Mia: Hi, I'm picking up for Mia Carter. I dropped it off this morning.
Devin: Let me see. Carter. Ah, it's not ready. We're out of stock on that one.
out of stock — = not in the store right now · on back order = the supplier is out too · a partial fill = some now, the rest later
Mia: Oh no. When will you have it?
Devin: It's on the truck tomorrow, so tomorrow afternoon at the latest.
on the truck — "It's on the truck tomorrow." · the daily delivery from the warehouse · at the latest = no later than
Mia: Hmm. I'm supposed to start it today.
supposed to — supposed to = the doctor told me to · "I'm supposed to take it with food"
Devin: Then let me check our other location.
our other location — = another store of the same chain · same profile, same insurance on file, same app
Mia: Yes, please.
Devin: The store on Fifth Street has it, about ten minutes by car. I can transfer it there, and they'll have it ready in twenty minutes.
transfer a prescription — move it to another pharmacy · the new pharmacy calls the old one · you can transfer everything when you move
Mia: That works. Thank you.
That works. — = that's fine for me · "Does Monday work for you?" · "Tuesday doesn't work"
Devin: That'll be fifty-five dollars.
Mia: Fifty-five? Last time it was ten.
Devin: Let me look. Ah, this one was filled as the brand name. Your doctor wrote "dispense as written."
dispense as written — the doctor's note: this exact brand, no substitution · rare — ask why · also "brand medically necessary"
Mia: What does that mean?
Devin: We can't swap it for the generic without asking. Normally we do that automatically.
the generic — same active ingredient, same dose, same rules · another company makes it, so it costs less · every state lets the pharmacy swap
Mia: Is the generic really the same?
Devin: Same active ingredient, same dose, different manufacturer. And your copay would be ten dollars.
the copay — your fixed share of the price — $10, $25, $50 by "tier" · the insurance pays the rest · set by your plan, not the pharmacy
Mia: Then I'd like the generic. Can you check with my doctor?
Devin: I'll message the office now. It usually takes a day. Do you want to wait on this one?
wait on this one — = leave it for now, not take it today · they hold it for you
Mia: Yes, it's not urgent.
Devin: Okay, I'll put it on hold and text you when we hear back.
on hold · hear back — on hold = paused · hear back = get an answer · "we'll text you when we hear back from the office"
Devin: I'm sorry, your insurance rejected this one. It needs a prior authorization.
prior authorization — the insurance must approve this medication before it pays · your doctor sends the request · days, not minutes · a denial can be appealed
Mia: A prior what?
Devin: Prior authorization. Your insurance wants your doctor to explain why you need this one.
Mia: How long does that take?
Devin: Usually two to five business days. We've already sent the request to your doctor's office.
business days — business days = Monday to Friday · a request sent on Friday afternoon moves on Monday
Mia: And if I need it today?
Devin: You can pay the cash price. Without insurance it's a hundred and forty dollars.
the cash price — = the full price with no insurance · always ask — for a cheap generic it is sometimes lower than your copay
Mia: Ouch.
Devin: But let me run a discount card for you. With the coupon, it's thirty-two.
a discount card — free apps like GoodRx: show the coupon, the pharmacy applies it · not insurance · works on the cash price
Mia: Thirty-two is fine.
Devin: Just so you know, a coupon can't be combined with insurance, and it doesn't count toward your deductible.
the deductible — what you pay each year before the plan starts paying · a coupon purchase doesn't count toward it
Mia: That's okay for today. Thank you.
Devin: Hmm, it says your coverage ended. Did your insurance change?
your coverage ended — coverage = what the plan pays for · the card on file is no longer active — plans often change on January first
Mia: Oh, yes. My company switched plans in January. I have a new card.
Devin: Perfect. I need the member ID and the group number, on the front.
member ID · group number — on the front of the insurance card · the pharmacy types them in once · "is my new card on file?"
Mia: Here you go.
Devin: Thanks. Let me update your profile and run it through again.
run it through — = send the claim to the insurance company · it went through = accepted · it was rejected = denied
Mia: Okay.
Devin: Good, it went through. Your copay is twenty dollars on this plan.
Mia: Twenty? It was ten before.
Devin: Different plan, different copay. For questions, the number is on the back of the card.
the number on the back of the card — member services · call them about the copay, the deductible, a rejection · the pharmacy can't change your plan
Mia: Okay. I'll pay with my card.
Devin: Sign here. And the new card is on file now, so you won't need it next time.
on file — = saved in the system · "do you have my new card on file?"
Mia: Hi. Could I ask a quick question about this one?
Priya: Of course. Let me see. This is an antibiotic. One tablet twice a day, twelve hours apart.
twice a day, twelve hours apart — the label says "take one tablet by mouth twice daily" · about eight in the morning and eight at night
Mia: With food or without?
Priya: With food. On an empty stomach it can make you nauseous.
with food — a full glass of water · not on an empty stomach
Mia: And for how long?
Priya: Seven days. Finish the whole course, even if you feel better after two or three days.
the whole course — all seven days, even when you feel better · stopping early lets the infection come back stronger
Mia: What if I forget one?
Priya: Take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for the next dose, skip it. Don't double up.
a missed dose — take it as soon as you remember · almost time for the next one? skip it · never double up = never take two at once
Mia: Got it. Anything I should avoid?
Priya: Alcohol, while you're on it. Everything else is on the label.
while you're on it — on = taking a medication · "I'm on antibiotics" · "are you on anything?"
Mia: Thank you so much.
Mia: One more thing. I take an allergy pill every day. Is that okay with this?
One more thing. — = one more question · the polite way to keep a busy person one minute longer
Priya: Which one?
Mia: The prescription one, at night. It's in my profile.
Priya: Let me check. Yes, those are fine together. No interaction.
an interaction — two medicines that change each other's effect · the pharmacy computer checks every new prescription against your profile
Mia: Okay. Are there side effects I should watch for?
side effects — the unwanted effects a medicine can have · the leaflet lists them: common, less common, rare · watch for = pay attention to
Priya: An upset stomach is common. But if you get a rash or hives, stop and call your doctor right away.
a rash or hives — hives = red, itchy bumps · a sign of an allergic reaction: stop and call · trouble breathing = call nine-one-one
Mia: Hives?
Priya: Red, itchy bumps. It's rare, but that's an allergic reaction.
an allergic reaction — your body fights the medicine · it goes in your profile so nobody prescribes it again
Mia: Okay, I'll watch for that. Thanks.
Priya: Anytime. That's what we're here for.
That's what we're here for. — = happy to help, it's my job · the reply to "thanks" at any counter
Mia: Excuse me, do you have anything for a stuffy nose? I have a bad cold.
a stuffy nose — stuffy = blocked · runny = it drips · "anything for…?" = what do you sell for…?
Priya: Sure. Just your nose, or is your chest congested too?
congested — = blocked, full of mucus · chest congestion = a cough with mucus · a decongestant clears it
Mia: Just my nose. And I can't sleep.
Priya: Then a decongestant. The good one is behind the counter, so I'll need to scan your ID.
behind the counter — no prescription, but you must ask, show a photo ID and sign · the decongestant pseudoephedrine · a monthly limit by law
Mia: Behind the counter? Do I need a prescription?
Priya: No, it's over the counter. The law just limits how much you can buy, so we log it. And take it in the daytime. It can keep you awake.
over the counter — = no prescription needed · on the shelves: pain relievers, allergy pills, cold medicine · ask the pharmacist which one
Mia: Got it. And for the night?
Priya: A nighttime cold medicine, aisle five. The store brand is the same as the name brand, for half the price.
the store brand — the pharmacy's own label · the same active ingredient as the name brand · compare the small print: same drug, same dose
Mia: Perfect. Thank you.
Priya: Feel better. If it's not gone in a week, see your doctor.
Feel better. — what you say to someone who's sick · also: get well soon · take care
Mia: Hi, I need a refill on my allergy medication.
a refill — the same prescription again, no doctor's visit · at the counter, by phone, or in the app · "thirty tablets, two refills"
Jordan: Sure. Name and date of birth?
Mia: Mia Carter, March twelfth, nineteen ninety-eight.
Jordan: Okay. You have two refills left on that one. But it's showing "refill too soon."
refill too soon — an insurance message, not a law · about three quarters of the last fill must be used first · a week early on a thirty-day supply
Mia: Too soon? I'm almost out.
I'm almost out. — = I have almost none left · I'm out = I have none · running low
Jordan: Your insurance won't cover it until Monday. They only pay when three quarters of the last one is gone.
Mia: Okay. Can I get it Monday, then?
Jordan: I'll set it up for Monday morning. Do you want auto-refill? We fill it every month and text you.
auto-refill — the pharmacy refills it by itself each month and texts you · cancel any time · "ready for pickup"
Mia: Sure, that's easier.
Jordan: And ask your doctor about a ninety-day supply. Three months, one copay, fewer trips.
a ninety-day supply — a thirty-day supply · a ninety-day supply: three months, one copay, one trip
Mia: I'll ask. Thanks!
Mia: Hi, I'd like to refill my allergy medication, please.
Jordan: Let me check. Hmm, you're out of refills on that one.
out of refills — "thirty tablets, two refills" — the refills are used up · a new prescription must come from the doctor · a prescription expires after a year
Mia: Oh. What do I do now?
Jordan: We'll send a refill request to your doctor. Most offices answer within a day or two.
a refill request — the pharmacy asks your doctor electronically · usually a day or two · your call to the office speeds it up
Mia: I only have one pill left, though.
Jordan: Then I can give you a few days' worth to tide you over. An emergency supply, while we wait.
tide you over · an emergency supply — : a few days of a daily medication while the doctor answers · the pharmacist decides
Mia: Really? That would be great.
Jordan: Just this once, and only because it's a daily medication. Three days' worth.
Just this once. — = one time only, as an exception · the polite warning before a favor
Mia: Thank you. Should I call the doctor too?
Jordan: It wouldn't hurt. A call from you usually speeds things up.
It wouldn't hurt. — = it's a good idea, it can't do any harm · "it wouldn't hurt to call"
Mia: I will. Thanks a lot.
Mia: Hi. Do you do flu shots? Do I need an appointment?
vaccines at the pharmacy — flu, COVID, shingles, tetanus, travel shots · no doctor's visit · the pharmacist gives them, age three and up
Priya: We do, and walk-ins are welcome. Do you have your insurance card?
walk-ins welcome — = no appointment needed · book online to skip the wait in October
Mia: Yes, here. Is it covered?
Priya: Flu shots are covered at no cost on almost every plan. Let me run it. Yes, no charge.
covered at no cost — $0 on almost every insurance plan and on Medicare · without insurance: roughly $25 to $75
Mia: Great.
Priya: Fill out this form for me. And a few quick questions. Are you feeling sick today?
fill out this form — the consent form: name, date of birth, insurance, the screening questions, your signature · fill out = complete
Mia: No, I'm fine.
Priya: Any allergies, or a bad reaction to a vaccine before?
the screening questions — feeling sick today? · allergies? · a bad reaction to a vaccine before? · pregnant? · they decide if today is safe
Mia: No, never.
Priya: Then you're good to go. Sign at the bottom, and I'll take you back in a minute.
I'll take you back. — " · the consultation room: a small private room behind the counter for vaccines and questions
Mia: Great, thank you.
Priya: Come on in and have a seat. Which arm would you like it in?
Which arm? — usually the arm you use less · the upper arm, so wear a short sleeve or one you can roll up
Mia: The left. I'm right-handed.
Priya: Good choice. Slip your arm out of your jacket and roll up your sleeve. Perfect. Relax, let it hang loose. Okay, little pinch.
little pinch — the tray · an alcohol swab, the syringe, a bandage · "little pinch" = here comes the needle
Mia: Oh. That was it?
Priya: That was it. All done. Here's a bandage; take it off in an hour.
All done. — = finished · the bandage comes off in an hour · the shot itself takes ten seconds
Mia: Will my arm be sore?
a sore arm — sore = hurting a little · normal for a day or two · keep moving it, a cold pack helps
Priya: A little, for a day or two. That's normal. Keep moving it.
Mia: And I wait fifteen minutes now?
Priya: Fifteen minutes on the bench, then you're free to go. Here's your vaccine record, in case work asks.
your vaccine record — a card with the vaccine, the date and the pharmacy · schools and some jobs ask for it · also in the pharmacy app
Mia: Thanks so much.
Priya: You're welcome. Have a good evening, Mia.