So, I realized I was getting pretty low on my birth control pills the other day. Like, down to the last week low. Time to get that sorted.
Planned Parenthood has been my usual spot for this for a while now. It’s just convenient, and I know the drill, mostly.
Figuring Out the Process This Time
First thing, I went online just to double-check how they’re handling refills right now. Sometimes you need an appointment, sometimes you can just call or use their app. Looked like calling or using the app was the way to go for a simple refill if nothing changed health-wise.
I decided to just call them. Felt easier than navigating an app menu. Found the number for my local clinic and gave them a ring.
Making the Call
Got someone on the line pretty quickly, which was nice. I just said, “Hi, I’m a current patient and I need to get a refill for my birth control pills.”
They asked for my name and date of birth to pull up my file. Then they confirmed the type of pill I was on. They also asked a couple of quick health questions – any new health problems, any changes since my last visit. Standard stuff. I told them nope, everything’s the same.
Getting the Pills
The person explained I had a couple of options:
- They could send the prescription electronically to my regular pharmacy.
- Or, I could come by the clinic and pick up a few months’ supply directly from them.
Honestly, picking it up directly from the clinic sounded easiest. My pharmacy can sometimes be slow, and I was already planning to be in that part of town anyway. So I told them I’d prefer to pick it up there.
They said okay, noted it down, and told me I could come by during their open hours. No specific appointment time needed for just a pickup.
The Pickup Experience
Later that afternoon, I swung by the Planned Parenthood clinic. Walked in, went up to the front desk.
Check-in was simple: I just said I was there to pick up a birth control refill that I’d called about earlier. Gave them my name again.
I had to wait just a little bit, maybe 10-15 minutes. Sat in the waiting area. It wasn’t too crowded.
Then they called my name and I went to the little pharmacy/pickup window they have there. Confirmed my name and date of birth one last time for safety.
Payment: They told me the cost for the supply I was getting. I paid right there. They often have sliding scale fees based on income, which is great, though I just paid my standard amount this time.
They handed over the bag with my birth control packs inside. And that was pretty much it!
Walked out with my refill, all set for the next few months. Overall, it was a really smooth and straightforward process this time. Just a call, a quick visit, and done. Glad to have it taken care of without any fuss.
