Natural disasters are frightening, especially for those coping with PH, but good preparation can allay some of the fear. This information can help you be ready for the worst when it comes to your safety and your health.

  • In case of emergency, call 911.
  • Stock up on necessities, especially water, food, first aid kits, flashlights and batteries.
  • Get extra medication if need be, overriding the “refill too soon” payor rejection using Submission Clarification Code 13 – Payer-Recognized Emergency/Disaster Assistance Request. Infusion medication users should also get extra supplies (cassettes, syringes, etc.).
  • Oxygen users should contact their oxygen company to have tanks filled to avoid running short. Ask about extra batteries as well.
  • Keep a list of your medications with you at all times. Infusion patients, specify on the list that medications should NEVER be interrupted or shut off.
  • Keep a list of contact numbers, including your specialty pharmacy, PH doctor/clinic and emergency contacts.
  • Keep a copy of your electrocardiogram (EKG) in case you need to go to the local ER.
  • Power outages are very dangerous for infusion medication and oxygen users. Before disasters occur, contact your power company to alert them that you are a high priority in case of power outages. Have a generator; infusion users, fill a cooler with ice for medication storage.
  • If you are having medication issues, contact your specialty pharmacy. You can locate pharmacies open in disaster-affected areas here (https://www.healthcareready.org/rxopen).
  • Contact information:
    • Accredo/Curascript/ExpressScripts: 1-866-FightPH (1-866-344-4874)
    • Cigna Tel-Drug: 1-855-326-7463
    • CVS/Caremark: 1-877-242-2738
    • Humana Specialty Pharmacy: 1-855-478-8405
    • OptumRX: 1-855-856-0536
    • Walgreens/Medmark: 1-888-347-3416
    • Mike Knaapen, PHA: 1-240-485-0758