Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families and facilities ask most often.
Is Pharm-Assist a pharmacy?
No. Pharm-Assist is a medication management service run by a registered pharmacist. We provide assessment, coordination, blister-pack management and ongoing oversight, in partnership with The Local Choice Pharmacy Sanlamhof, a licensed dispensing pharmacy.
Who dispenses the medication?
Medication is dispensed by our partner pharmacy, The Local Choice Pharmacy Sanlamhof, under a valid prescription. Tanya personally prepares each patient's blister pack on-site at this licensed pharmacy, working closely with the dispensing team to check accuracy before it reaches the patient, family or facility.
Does Pharm-Assist replace the patient's doctor?
No. Pharm-Assist supports and complements the care provided by the patient's doctor. We do not diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. Any concerns identified are raised with the treating doctor for their clinical decision.
Can you communicate directly with the doctor?
Yes, with the patient's or family's permission. We regularly liaise with doctors to clarify prescriptions, discuss medication changes and flag any concerns identified during a review.
Can you manage medication for someone living in a care facility?
Yes. We work with assisted-living and frail-care facilities to support medication systems, blister-pack coordination, medication rounds and reporting to both facility management and families. See our Care Facility Services page for more detail.
What information do you need to get started?
Typically we need the patient's current medication list, relevant prescriptions, basic medical information and contact details for the treating doctor and pharmacy. We'll confirm exactly what's needed once we understand your situation — please avoid sending detailed medical records through the website contact form; we'll arrange a secure way to share this once we're in touch.
How are medication changes handled?
When a medication change occurs, we update our records, adjust blister packs accordingly, and inform the family or facility. Any concerns about a change are raised with the prescribing doctor.
How often will families receive reports?
Families typically receive monthly reports, along with updates whenever a medication change occurs. Facilities receive monthly clinical and operational reporting, including traffic-light status summaries.
What happens when a prescription expires?
We monitor prescription and repeat status as part of our monthly management and follow up with the doctor or pharmacy ahead of time to help prevent gaps in medication supply.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes. Once blister packs are prepared at The Local Choice Pharmacy Sanlamhof, delivery to the patient's home or care facility is available as an additional service. Ask Tanya about this when you get in touch.
What areas do you service?
Pharm-Assist services Cape Town's Northern Suburbs and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether your area is covered, please get in touch and we'll let you know.
How much does the service cost?
Costs depend on the level of support required. At this stage, the individual or family is billed directly for the service, even when the patient lives in a care facility — though this can be discussed and arranged differently with facilities where needed. We'll confirm your specific needs during a consultation and provide a clear quote based on that.
Still have a question?
Get in touch and Tanya will get back to you personally.