Skip to main content

      What to expect as a new Specialty patient

      Understanding the specialty process and your next steps

      Person seated at table using smartphone near laptop in home setting

      The Specialty onboarding journey

      Starting a specialty medication can bring up a lot of questions. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible, so you always know what’s happening and what comes next.

      Here’s a roadmap to help you understand the process:

       

      • Red number 1 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Prescription and enrollment

        Your prescriber will send your prescription to CVS Specialty. 

      • Red number 2 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Prior authorization (PA)

        If a PA is required, we’ll work with your prescriber and wait for your insurance to review the request. We’ll let you know when it’s processed so you can schedule your medication delivery.

      • Red number 3 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Confirm your information

        A member of our CareTeam may reach out to you to talk about details like your contact information, payment and insurance. 

      • Red number 4 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Explore financial help (if eligible)

        Optional support from our CareTeam may be available to help you enroll in manufactural copay assistance programs to help lower your costs. 

      • Red number 5 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Delivery

        Once your prescription is ready, we’ll schedule delivery to your home or for pickup at a local CVS pharmacy.

      • Red number 6 inside white circle on light gray patterned background

        Ongoing care & refills

        We’ll remind you when it’s time to order refills and get a new prescription. Our CareTeam is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.


      *Not all medications are eligible for CVS pharmacy delivery

      Step-by-step breakdown of what to expect from your onboarding journey:

      Your onboarding begins when your prescriber sends your medication to CVS Specialty. They can e‑prescribe, call 1‑800‑237‑2767 (TTY: 711) or fax the prescription to 1‑800‑323‑2445. Once received, we verify your insurance coverage and benefits. This helps us understand things like your copay, plan limits and any specialty pharmacy fulfillment requirements.

      If we need more information, we’ll contact you or your prescriber. While this is happening, you can register for a CVSspecialty.com account to stay informed and check your prescription status.

       

      Some specialty medications require prior authorization (PA). This is when your insurance plan reviews medical information to confirm the medication is appropriate and medically necessary.

      Our team works closely with your prescriber and insurance plan to manage this process for you. Once your insurance completes its review, we’ll notify you and move forward with scheduling delivery. The PA process usually takes about a week, and you can track your prescription status online during this time.

       

      As part of your onboarding, a member of our CareTeam may contact you to confirm key details, including:

      • Insurance information
      • Address and preferred contact information
      • Health history
      • Payment and billing details

      This step helps prevent delays and makes sure your care is personalized to your needs.

      There may be manufacturer medication copay assistance programs that can help lower your out‑of‑pocket costs after your insurance plan processes your claim. If you’re eligible, our CareTeam can help you enroll at no cost. Savings vary by medication and plan benefits and are typically applied automatically.

      When your prescription is ready to fill, we’ll contact you to schedule delivery. Most medications can be delivered to your home or a local CVS Pharmacy for pickup using UPS, FedEx, USPS or other couriers. In some cases, medications must be delivered to your prescriber's office.

      Here’s what you can expect:

      • Real‑time order tracking through your CVS Specialty account
      • Secure, temperature‑appropriate packaging
      • Clear instructions on what to do when your medication arrives

      Delivery timing may vary based on insurance plan approval and prior authorization.

      To track your prescription delivery order:

      You can also sign up for text alerts about your order status. Just go to My Account on CVSspecialty.com to update your preferences.

       

      Our support doesn’t stop after your first delivery. We help coordinate refills, reach out to your prescriber for renewals or additional approvals when needed, and remind you when it’s time to reorder based on your preferences.

      When you ask for a refill on CVSspecialty.com, we’ll need to know:

      • If you prefer delivery or CVS Pharmacy pickup
      • When you need your medication
      • If you have questions for the pharmacist
      • If you have noticed any side effects

      Your CareTeam is here for you

      Your CVS Specialty CareTeam is always available to answer questions and provide support. After registering, you can chat with us online or call 1‑800‑237‑2767 (TTY: 711).

      Starting specialty medication is an important step. CVS Specialty provides personalized care, clear communication and dependable support from day one and throughout your treatment.

       

       

       

      This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

      Your privacy is important to us. Our employees are trained regarding the appropriate way to handle your private health information.