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Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

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Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

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At Alto Pharmacy, a patient’s financial wellness is of the utmost importance. We understand that cost is one of the most common barriers to medication access, and we go above and beyond to connect patients with any savings opportunities that they may qualify for. 

Alto Pharmacy’s Product Controls for Coupons

At the same time, as a specialty pharmacy, we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of assistance programs and ensure that only eligible patients benefit from these resources. Our integrated technology stack provides the controls needed to restrict savings access to qualifying patients. Take a look.

The two components of Alto’s technology stack are both integral to our coupon controls.

Our proprietary pharmacy management software, Wunderbar — through which more than 80% of our prescriptions are automatically billed by algorithms — gives us both control and flexibility, with the ability to set custom workflows and requirements.

Our patient app — which the majority of Alto patients use for intake, medication ordering, and delivery scheduling — integrates with Wunderbar. With many areas for patient input, including coupon sign-ups, the app allows us to easily provide data to partners and further supports our controls.

Multiple guardrails for controlling coupon use

Our robust technology platform gives us multiple ways to ensure that coupons are applied to those who are eligible.

Providers often include ICD-10 diagnosis codes on prescriptions to aid in prior authorizations and coupon use. The provided information is entered into Wunderbar during our automated intake process. Our billing controls can limit coupon use to a specific diagnosis code if necessary, allowing for proper distribution of a medication. 

If a provider did not include the necessary diagnosis code for coupon verification, the patient can verify their diagnosis through the app. Our tech capabilities allow us to create pop-ups or notifications as needed for patient input. This patient attestation can be customized for different medication coupon scenarios and reported outcomes.

With a flexible tech stack, we can easily create additional workflows or automations to further regulate savings applications. These are some of the filters we can use:

Since we use proprietary software, we’re not only able to ensure appropriate application of savings opportunities — we have so much available data about coupon use to share with partners like you.

We can provide NDC and patient-level insights, including coupon application, the exact amount of money saved, and how many fills were delivered. These data insights could help develop market access strategies by monitoring gross to net gaps and identifying the opportunities for copay accumulators and maximizers.

Choose Alto Pharmacy for your limited distribution network

Alto’s end-to-end dispensing model is specifically built for specialty and specialty lite products. To learn more about partnering with us, reach out to partnerships@alto.com.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

At Alto Pharmacy, a patient’s financial wellness is of the utmost importance. We understand that cost is one of the most common barriers to medication access, and we go above and beyond to connect patients with any savings opportunities that they may qualify for. 

At the same time, as a specialty pharmacy, we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of assistance programs and ensure that only eligible patients benefit from these resources. Our integrated technology stack provides the controls needed to restrict savings access to qualifying patients. Take a look.

A great pharmacy is so much more than a place where patients fill their prescriptions — it’s a partner in their care. The quality of a pharmacy is especially important for specialty medications, which typically include additional considerations like cost, storage requirements, administration, side effects, and more.

There’s no better judge of pharmacy care than the patients themselves. Alto is an industry leader with an NPS score of 85, positioning patients and caregivers to regard your medication in the highest possible light.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Limited Distribution Drug Partner

A great pharmacy is so much more than a place where patients fill their prescriptions — it’s a partner in their care. The quality of a pharmacy is especially important for specialty medications, which typically include additional considerations like cost, storage requirements, administration, side effects, and more.

There’s no better judge of pharmacy care than the patients themselves. Alto is an industry leader with an NPS score of 85, positioning patients and caregivers to regard your medication in the highest possible light.

Here’s what makes a great patient experience at a specialty pharmacy, and how Alto offers support for specialty medications at every step.

It can be time-consuming and stressful for a patient to get started with any type of medication, from getting that medication covered by insurance to searching for savings opportunities. With limited distribution drugs in particular, there are usually many steps between getting a prescription from a provider and actually beginning treatment, as these medications often require a prior authorization for insurance coverage. And since they are typically more expensive, thorough research into medication cost savings is essential from the standpoint of both a patient’s physical and financial wellness.

Your specialty pharmacy partner should offer the support patients need to access their medications as quickly and affordably as possible. Alto supports the prior authorization process, keeping both patients and providers informed at every step. And with Alto Connect — our free pharmacy communications portal for providers — it’s fast and easy for clinical teams to collaborate with our team on administrative work as needed.

We also conduct price investigations to help patients save on each prescription through manufacturer coupons, assistance programs, and other resources.

Once a medication has been approved by insurance, there shouldn’t be any additional barriers to receiving it. Not only should it be as simple as possible to fill a prescription and place a delivery, patients should be able to trust that their medication will arrive on time, and in the right condition.

Alto’s easy patient onboarding experience features proactive multichannel communication. We send patients a welcome text within 60 minutes of receiving their prescription to help them schedule their first delivery. (Those with a landline will get a call.) And our team is available to answer any questions via in-app messaging or phone.

Our same-day delivery service allows for quick and easy medication access seven days a week, and in-house couriers guarantee reliability and quality. We also offer a free medication bundling service, so those who take multiple medications have the convenience of one easy delivery. And patients are never left wondering where their medication is — the Alto app offers simple and accurate delivery tracking.

Additionally, we use special packaging to ensure that temperature-controlled medications are always stored appropriately before they reach a patient, with clear instructions about safe storage at home. Those who wish to pick up their medication can always visit our pharmacy in person.

Ongoing support with care and patient education is extremely important with specialty medications and limited distribution drugs, which typically require patients to make an ongoing commitment to their health and wellness. Treatment often includes routine testing, clinical monitoring, and side effect management to ensure proper drug utilization and maximize adherence.

So that patients can follow their treatment plan as directed by their doctor, your specialty pharmacy should have robust clinical expertise in specific conditions. It should also have a high-touch model that makes it as easy as possible for patients to benefit from that expertise.

At Alto, patient education and care isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a must. To ensure that our pharmacists can actively participate in patient health journeys, we have a team of medication therapy management pharmacists who focus entirely on disease state education and support for chronic conditions.

These pharmacists regularly contact patients who take multiple medications or specialty medications to review their regimen by phone. During these calls, our pharmacists ensure that patients understand the purpose of each medication they’re taking and are staying on track with necessary testing.

Coupled with medication management tools like auto refills and medication bundling, our disease state education keeps patients coming back to Alto month after month, improving adherence for the long term.

No industry is immune to burnout, including pharmacy. At many traditional retail pharmacies, individual pharmacists are often asked to do more than is possible on any given workday. Not only does this deprive talented and extensively trained health professionals of a manageable working environment, it deprives patients of the exceptional care they deserve.

pharmacists-spotlight-roni-hein

The better pharmacy model we’ve created at Alto makes life easier for everyone involved in the prescription process: patients, physicians, and pharmacists. And in restructuring how pharmacists work, we haven’t just separated fulfillment and patient care responsibilities into different roles — we’ve ensured that there’s ample support for each specialization, as there should be in any profession.

To wrap up our series of pharmacist profiles in celebration of American Pharmacist Month, we spoke to Roni Hein, a patient care pharmacist lead who takes care of her team so that they can in turn care for patients.

What motivated you to pursue a career in pharmacy?

It all began with my high school and college job at Target. I interacted a lot with the pharmacy team while working in the health and beauty section and eventually moved into that department.

I never expected it to be more than a college job, but it turned into the beginning of my professional path. As I worked there, I was able to see the impact pharmacists made in customers’ lives each day. It really struck me that in many communities, including mine, pharmacists were the most accessible healthcare providers. That accessibility is so impactful on a person’s well-being.

What challenges have you encountered as a pharmacist?

Limited time and isolation behind the counter, without question. In retail pharmacy, more and more responsibilities were added to my job description, with fewer resources to accomplish them.

All pharmacists value the personal connections we make with patients. I think many of us would say that making an impact through patient counseling is the best part of our day, but that is often what gets lost when pharmacists are asked to do more. Our primary driver for entering the profession is the first thing to go. I found a very refreshing change at Alto.

Everyone at Alto, no matter their department or role, has the same shared goal of improving patient lives by transforming the pharmacy model. As a patient care pharmacist lead, I do that by supporting my people. I create the space for our pharmacists to do their best work. They are able to have better interactions with patients because they are taken care of.

The pandemic has been a trying time for many companies and teams, including mine. I am constantly looking for new ways to ward off burnout and maintain a sense of camaraderie, not only for the pharmacists I manage, but for the benefit of our customers as well.

The individual locations of many retail pharmacies can feel very separate from each other. Each one often serves a single population.

The centralization of Alto’s patient care team is a contrast to that model. We have a cohesive, unified team serving all patients. That means there’s a depth of resources available to each pharmacist, which is also really important for retaining great talent.

Our pharmacists have a great support system in their colleagues. There’s other smart, driven pharmacists to bounce ideas off of. Unfortunately, you don’t always get that in our profession.

It also means that you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks if something comes up outside of work. It's a game changer to be able to take time to grieve a loved one or to care for your child if they’re sick while knowing that your patients are still in expert hands. I never had that in retail pharmacy.

Finally, what is one thing people would be surprised to know about life as a pharmacist?

At a tech-oriented pharmacy like Alto where there’s so much innovation, you’re constantly thinking of new and creative ways to problem solve. It’s challenging in the best possible way. There isn’t a day when I don’t have to put my critical thinking skills to use.

This is part of a series of pharmacist profiles to recognize American Pharmacist Month 2022. Meet the other pharmacists featured in this series: patient care pharmacist Travis Allison, specialty patient care pharmacist Gabrielle Kaplan, and medication therapy management pharmacist Wei-Lin Chang.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Roni Hein

For many Americans living with a chronic health condition, prescription medications are necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications. But following a treatment plan can be easier said than done. There are many considerations involved, from managing medication interactions and side effects to staying on track with related testing and follow-up appointments. And of the 66% of U.S. adults who are prescribed medication, only half take their medication as prescribed.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Wei-Lin Chang

At Alto, medication therapy management pharmacists like Wei-Lin Chang help patients navigate all the complexities of managing a chronic disease. As part of our coverage of American Pharmacist Month 2022, we spoke to Wei-Lin about her professional path, the challenges of retail pharmacy, and the importance of medication education.

I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do when I first entered college. My parents encouraged me to pursue a career in healthcare, but I knew I was a bit too squeamish around needles to become a doctor or nurse.

I took a chemistry class that I really enjoyed and decided to do all the pharmacy prereqs. I then did an internship with the head of pharmacy at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Through that experience, I saw firsthand that pharmacists were a critical liaison between patients and doctors, with so much valuable information about medication strength, directions, dosing, and administration.

After that, I pretty much knew that pharmacy was for me. I’ve been practicing since 2002.

Before Alto, I worked in traditional retail pharmacy. In that setting, you’re so busy as a pharmacist — it’s one customer after another after another.

I worked both daytime and night shifts, and it was during the night shift, when the store was much more quiet, that I could really counsel patients without feeling so pressed for time. During the day, I simply didn’t have the free minutes to always answer patient questions or give recommendations.

Another challenge I faced was the perception of our profession. At the beginning of my career, in the early 2000s, many people I encountered didn’t know a pharmacist did much beyond putting pills in bottles and handing them off to customers. Not only did this lead to frustration from my customers, who would wonder what we were doing and why it was taking so long, it led to missed opportunities to more actively participate in a patient’s health journey. 

More medication education for patients is an urgent need within American healthcare. People taking multiple medications have to be mindful of potential side effects and medication interactions.

The growing field of medication therapy management is an opportunity for pharmacists to play an even bigger role in patient health, and I’m very proud to work for a company that prioritizes this particular area of pharmacy.

As a medication therapy management (MTM) pharmacist, I contact patients who take multiple medications — often multiple heart medications — and review their entire regimen over the phone. I make sure that they understand the purpose of each medication they’re taking and are on track with related testing.

For example, it’s important to get your liver function checked every 6-12 months if you’re taking cholesterol-lowering medications that are processed by the liver, or to get your A1C levels checked every 3-6 months if you’re taking diabetes medication.

We also discuss side effects, interactions, when to take medication, and what food to take it with. Too often, there isn’t the space for these conversations between pharmacists and patients, but they are so essential to a patient’s overall health. 

I love our pharmacy specializations. It’s unique to have a team that focuses solely on patients and another team that focuses on fulfillment. Not all pharmacies have a medication therapy management program, and it’s possible at Alto in part because of our smart allocation of resources.

Being able to use all of my time to focus on my core job functions is such a contrast to retail pharmacy, where you’re constantly bombarded from all sides at once.

As a pharmacist, what does “care” mean to you?

Care to me means going above and beyond for your patients and making sure all loose ends are tied. As an example, I recently initiated a transfer for one of the heart medications a patient takes. At Alto, we always complete every single step of the prescription transfer process on the patient’s behalf. He was so appreciative, and when I got off the phone, I could tell from his voice that he was smiling ear to ear. That’s the experience I want all of my patients to have.

This is part of a series of pharmacist profiles to recognize American Pharmacist Month 2022. To keep the Pharmacist Month celebrations going, meet patient care pharmacist Travis Allison and specialty patient care pharmacist Gabrielle Kaplan.

Each October, American Pharmacist Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the dedication of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, but also to shine a light on all that they do.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Gabrielle Kaplan

The average American visits a pharmacy 35 times a year, and the availability of pharmacists has the potential to address many gaps within healthcare, like access to the underutilized HIV prevention medication PrEP.

Many people who could benefit from the medication are unable to get a prescription from their primary care provider, whether it’s because they live too far from the doctor’s office or aren’t comfortable speaking about their sexual health. There's growing recognition that expanding the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention can help increase PrEP usage.

At Alto, we’re committed to maximizing the possibilities of pharmacy care. Not only do we divide our pharmacy roles into fulfillment and patient advocacy — we have numerous specializations under the umbrella of patient advocacy that allow our pharmacists to be part of the solution to precisely these healthcare challenges.

As part of our coverage of American Pharmacist Month, we spoke with Gabrielle Kaplan, a specialty patient care pharmacist who makes HIV prevention medication and treatment for complex chronic conditions more manageable for patients.

I’m a patient care pharmacist in our specialty department. We oversee medications that aren’t as common and which often have more side effects — or more serious side effects — including HIV medications, PrEP for HIV prevention, and injectable medications used to treat chronic conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and high cholesterol.

The side effects associated with these medications can keep people from continuing with them. Since there’s a team of us whose sole focus is serving the patients who take these medications, they don’t just stop treatment. And they don’t have to worry about reaching out to us — we proactively check in. If anything is bothering them, we’ll take the initiative to call their provider and discuss their concerns.

What motivated you to focus on specialty pharmacy, specifically HIV treatment and prevention?

I was very interested in learning more about HIV treatment back in pharmacy school since a family member had passed away from it. The medications available today have drastically transformed what a diagnosis even means. I was excited by the possibilities, and it was always on my radar as a potential interest for the future. Working at Alto is the first time that I’ve been able to completely immerse myself in this specialization.

It’s a rapidly evolving area of both medicine and pharmacy, and there continues to be so much opportunity for pharmacists to take on a bigger role. In my state of Colorado, pharmacists can prescribe the HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP. At Alto, we’re always discussing these updates and trying to expand the scope of what we offer patients and how we support their treatment.

By far the biggest pain point I experienced in retail pharmacy was staffing and having the number of pharmacists needed to execute all the day’s tasks while still providing great patient care.

Everyone working in a pharmacy is doing their very best, but there’s only so much we can do in an allotted time. It’s a disservice to patients and to those who work in the field — trying to balance the demands with your own mental well-being becomes nearly impossible.How do Alto’s pharmacy specializations make a difference for you and your patients?

Having a specific focus on patient care allows us to actually deliver quality patient care. At retail pharmacies where one pharmacist is doing it all, you’re trying to fill a prescription while on the phone and with someone yelling at you from across the room.

With fulfillment and patient advocacy separated at Alto, we are each able to focus on what’s in front of us at any given moment. For me, that means I can give patients my full and undivided attention and spend as much time with them as possible.

We have such a great team and plenty of support, so there’s no need to worry about other people’s tasks. We can each do the jobs that we’ve been specifically trained and are uniquely equipped to do.

What else is unique about Alto’s model?

The digital model makes it so that geography is less of an obstacle to care, and that each patient in our service areas has access to all of our resources. This is particularly relevant to my division of specialty pharmacy.

Many traditional retail pharmacies don’t have a specialty pharmacy in every physical location. Sometimes the specialty pharmacy is one centralized location from which everything is mailed. That means you won’t necessarily have a pharmacist in your local store who’s familiar with your medications and able to counsel you.

The medication used to treat or prevent HIV is complex, and it can be difficult to stay on track with treatment. The fact that any Alto customer taking these medications can talk to a pharmacist with deep expertise in that area of pharmacy makes a world of difference.

It means always putting patients first — thinking about the care you would want a family member or friend to receive and delivering just that.

This is part of a series of pharmacist profiles to recognize American Pharmacist Month 2022. To keep the Pharmacist Month celebrations going, meet patient care pharmacist Travis Allison.

Alto’s launch in the Long Island market extends our industry-leading patient care model to even more of the New York metro area.

Hello, Long Island!

Alto’s launch in Long Island, New York, extends our industry-leading patient care model to even more New York-area residents.

With the addition of our latest pharmacy location in Plainview, Long Island, even more residents of the greater New York City metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for all of their pharmacy needs. Alto Long Island opens its doors today, Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

At Alto, we believe it’s our job to ensure you have your medications at the best price, on time and with the support you need. We bring the pharmacy to you - no more waiting in line, making an extra trip, or finding out your prescription isn’t ready to be picked up after you’ve already arrived. Our free doorstep delivery means your medications come directly to you on the day and time you select, and most medications are available the same-day. Stay up to date on your courier’s progress with text alerts and in our mobile app. 

Starting a new medication or doing an injection for the first time? Message a pharmacist with your questions, even in the evenings and on weekends. And we’re a full service pharmacy - we stock all major brand, generic, over-the-counter and specialty medications, meaning your entire family’s pharmacy needs can be managed in the Alto app and coordinated into one delivery.

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 

12:30 – 3:30 pm ET (1:30 – 4:30 pm ET for outlying areas)*

6:00 – 9:00 pm ET (7:00 – 10:00 pm ET for outlying areas)

2:00 –5:00 pm ET (3:00 – 6:00 pm ET for outlying areas)

Need to pick up? Our new Long Island pharmacy is located at 100 Manetto Hill Road, Suite 104, in Plainview.

Monday - Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm ET
Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm ET

New York residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe or phone). Have existing prescriptions at another pharmacy? Start a transfer online or give us a call at 1 (800) 874-5881, and we’ll handle the switch. 

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 12 midnight ET and Saturday - Sunday 10 am - 9 pm ET. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone at 1 (800) 874-5881 or app.

*Weekday afternoon delivery is only available to residents of New York City's five boroughs at this time.

Founded in 2015, Alto is a patient-centric digital pharmacy based committed to the health and wellbeing of you and your family. We provide free same-day delivery to your door seven days a week for prescriptions, but, more importantly, offer cost transparency, personalized in-app and phone support, and real-time coordination with doctors and insurance companies to get you the care that you need. Alto is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver and Dallas, and currently delivers across the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, New York City, Houston, Dallas and Austin.

Residents of the Austin metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs. 

Hello Austin

Alto's new Austin-based pharmacy marks our third location in Texas.

Starting today, December 7th, residents of the Austin metro area can now choose Alto’s same-day doorstep delivery for their pharmacy needs. 

At Alto, we believe it’s our job to ensure you have your medications at the best price, on time and with the support you need. We bring pharmacy to you - no more waiting in line, making an extra trip, or finding out your prescription isn’t ready to be picked up after you’ve already arrived. Our free doorstep delivery means your medications come directly to you on the day and time you select, and most medications are available the same-day. Stay up to date on your courier’s progress with text alerts or in our mobile app. 

Courier delivery windows
Monday - Friday: 6 - 9 pm CT (7 - 10 pm CT for outlying areas)
Saturday - Sunday: 2 - 5 pm CT (3 - 6 pm CT for outlying areas)

Walk-in hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am – 7 pm CT
Saturday - Sunday: 8 am - 4:30 pm CT

Austin residents interested in using Alto’s services for their medication needs can ask their doctor’s office to send all prescriptions to Alto Pharmacy (via ePrescribe, phone or fax).

Have existing prescriptions at another pharmacy? Start a transfer online or give us a call at 1 (800) 874-5881, and we’ll handle the switch.

Need to pick up? Our pharmacy is located at 4175 Freidrich Lane, Suite 202.

General customer support hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 11 pm CT and Saturday - Sunday 9 am - 8 pm CT. Patients can reach out to Alto via phone at 1 (800) 874-5881 or in the Alto app.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

October is American Pharmacist Month, a time to celebrate the critical role that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play within healthcare.

Celebrating American Pharmacist Month At Alto

October just might be our favorite month of the year, and for a good reason: it’s American Pharmacist Month, a time to celebrate the critical role that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play within healthcare.

Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, seeing people 5 to 8 times more frequently per year than primary care providers. And as such, they are integral to your overall health and well-being. 

You may not realize all the responsibilities that a pharmacist’s role encompasses. In addition to filling your prescriptions, they also educate on medication usage, advocate for changes that improve care, and problem solve clinical, ethical, managerial, economic, and legal compliance issues, becoming a trusted resource to the individuals they care for. Extensive training and education are required to enter the profession: a pharmacist must earn a doctorate in Pharmacy and complete state-specific licensing requirements before becoming licensed to practice pharmacy.

At many traditional retail pharmacies, each pharmacist is expected to tackle a broad assortment of tasks that often leave them feeling overwhelmed and stressed, like managing transactions for customers, answering questions about where non-pharmacy items are stocked, and contacting insurance companies on top of ensuring prescriptions are dispensed properly and safely. At Alto, however, pharmacists align with one of several practice areas — fulfillment, customer care, and onboarding — so that they are able to focus on specific aspects of pharmacist practice and deliver exceptional care to Alto’s customers.

Fulfillment pharmacists are responsible for inventory management, medication preparation, physical quality checks, and dispensing, all to make sure the right medication arrives at your door, on schedule. Our customer care pharmacists review prescriptions for accuracy and for potential complications with other medications on file; provide individualized consultations on dosing, side effects and other concerns; and partner with healthcare providers on clinical recommendations. And our onboarding pharmacists — a relatively new role at Alto — are a bridge to an individual's broader team, supporting healthcare providers and ensuring continuity of care between prescriber and pharmacy.

“At Alto, we are proud of our customer-focused services and forward-thinking means of providing those services,” shares Ashley Lee, Onboarding Pharmacist. “Being a pharmacist at Alto gives me the unique opportunity to not only practice patient care, but also to design it to be meaningful to as many individuals in need as possible. The innovation never stops here at Alto.”

How Alto pharmacists serve our communities

There’s no shortage of opportunities for a pharmacist to support an individual with their medication needs or to be a partner in their health journey alongside their doctor’s office, family and other support networks. Here are just a few of the many roles that Alto pharmacists fulfill.

Literally. Our pharmacists are educators who mentor other pharmacists-in-training. Sandra Aziz, Pharmacy Compliance Program and Training Manager, is responsible for training new Pharmacy Managers and Supervisors at our dispensing sites, ensuring they have the resources needed to be effective managers and to oversee their pharmacy location’s compliance program and daily operations.

Sandra also manages our internship programs for pharmacy students. Alto offers an immersive 10-week Pharmacy Operations Management summer internship program for eligible students at Howard University’s School of Pharmacy (HUCOP). The program provides an opportunity to gain a breadth of experience across clinical pharmacy care, operations, and business development. Students also have the opportunity to actively influence Alto’s software development and implement ideas that further preventative healthcare and pharmacist involvement in community health.

Sandra also launched our Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) programs, which allow students from pharmacy schools across the country to select Alto as a practice site. While at Alto, they are exposed to highly skilled and entrepreneurial pharmacists, engineers, and operations experts with whom they can partner to challenge, reinvent, and improve pharmacy. 

“It’s been really rewarding to see more pharmacy students expressing interest in our programs,” Sandra said. “We have a rare opportunity to give students an experiential learning experience that you won’t find at any other pharmacy. At Alto, our pharmacists work cross-functionally across operations, engineering, and design to build a better, more intuitive community pharmacy from the ground up. We focus on challenges faced by patients, providers, and payers, and find solutions that optimize experience, transparency, and health outcomes.”

Read our previous post, 'From Pharmacist to Professor: Sandra Aziz Spotlight'.

They’re also here to teach you! Our pharmacists are happy to chat on the phone for however long you need to offer individualized support. Many customers use these one-on-one consultations to learn how to give themselves injections as part of fertility treatment or diabetes management or to confirm special storage or dosing instructions, but our pharmacists are happy to share their expertise on any question related to your prescriptions or health needs.

For example, did you know that our pharmacists are experts on managing side effects? As a bridge between you and your doctor, our pharmacists review all of your current medications to identify any potential symptoms or medication interactions, and they’re available to talk through any questions or concerns.

Lawmakers in several states have recognized the accessibility of pharmacists and their potential to play an even larger role in healthcare, specifically in the HIV prevention space. California became the first state to allow pharmacists to prescribe HIV prevention medication like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 2019, and Colorado became the second in November 2020. 

“As healthcare providers in the community, there is a big opportunity for us as pharmacists to play a critical role in HIV prevention and help increase accessibility to medications like PrEP and PEP,” explains Susan Sun, Specialty Pharmacist. “It’s been wonderful to see growing recognition of a pharmacist’s impact even outside of the healthcare community, and the recent legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe in some states is just a start. It’s a privilege for pharmacists to be a part of these exciting changes and make HIV prevention easier for others.”

In honor of American Pharmacist Month, we’d like to say a big and heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of 175+ pharmacists. Each of you plays a critical role in the wellbeing of our customers, the strength of our provider relationships and the quality of our service — we’re grateful for your hard work all year long. 

Here are just a few of the faces responsible for providing exceptional pharmacist care at Alto!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, an important reminder that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men.

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, an important reminder that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men. In 2019, these individuals accounted for 69% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S.

The high rates of HIV and AIDS among these individuals date back to the origins of the epidemic in the 1980s and 90s, in part because the virus transmits more easily through anal sex than vaginal sex. And this deep-rooted prevalence of HIV and AIDS in LGBTQ+ communities perpetuates a cycle: since HIV and AIDS are historically more common among gay and bisexual men, other gay and bisexual men face a higher risk of contracting it.

In recent years there has been significant progress toward reducing the annual infection rate. New cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men ages 13-24 dropped by 33% between 2015-2019. But there’s still much more progress to be made. Several factors contribute to HIV’s continued disproportionate impact upon gay and bisexual men, including ongoing stigma around HIV — which can deter people from seeking HIV prevention services and testing — race/ethncity discrimination, and disparities in healthcare access.

Even as HIV cases continue to decline and more effective treatment options allow individuals with the virus to have active, full lives, it’s important to stay vigilant about testing and prevention services. 

An estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and about 13% of them aren’t aware of their HIV status. According to the CDC, nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who do not know that they have the virus.

Getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status. It’s free, it’s confidential, and it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and the health of potential sexual partners.

If your test results are positive, there are effective treatment options that can keep you healthy. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that reduce the amount of HIV in your bloodstream (known as your viral load). When taken every day as prescribed, ART can help you reach an undetectable viral load. Maintaining an undetectable viral load can keep your immune system strong and prevent you from transmitting the virus to others.

It’s important to start ART as soon as possible, so reach out to your healthcare provider right away if you’ve tested positive for HIV. Delaying treatment can put you at a greater risk for developing AIDS or transmitting the virus to others.

If your test results are negative, you can continue to protect your health by using condoms and taking an HIV prevention medication called PrEP if you and your doctor decide it’s right for you.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, can lower risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily and reduces the risk of getting HIV from intravenous drug use by about 74%. PrEP may be right for you if you have a partner who is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status, or if you have multiple partners. 

In recent years, PrEP has become even more accessible, with generic medication options and expanded health insurance coverage of PrEP. In addition, a handful of states, including California and Colorado, recently passed legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe the HIV prevention medication. 

The following resources can connect you with a provider who may prescribe PrEP:

Using PEP for emergencies and accidental exposures

There’s another HIV prevention medication to be aware of: PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, which is taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. 

PEP can be prescribed by a healthcare provider at emergency rooms, sexual health clinics, community-based health centers, and, in some states, pharmacies. The sooner you begin taking PEP, the more effective it is at blocking the virus, so if you have been exposed to HIV after standard working hours, visit your nearest hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible.

PEP is only for emergencies and accidental exposures. If you anticipate ongoing risk of exposure to HIV, consider asking your doctor about taking PrEP for long-term protection.

The HIV prevention landscape is regularly evolving, and we have an extensive library of PrEP, PEP, and HIV-focused content to help you understand and access HIV prevention medications and services. Consult with a healthcare provider to make the best decisions for your needs.

Here are just a few of the resources we offer:

Getting PrEP for HIV prevention at an affordable cost

Expanded PrEP access at pharmacies: What to know

What updated CDC guidelines mean for PrEP access

What to Know About State-Funded PrEP-DAP Programs

Alto can help you navigate HIV treatment and prevention medication

Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with antiretroviral therapy, PrEP, or PEP. We will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. 

To learn more, reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

PEP is a medication you can take within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. Read on to learn more about who is eligible for it and when to use it.

What to Know About Using PEP to Prevent HIV Infection

PEP, or post exposure prophylaxis, is a medication you can take within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower your chances of contracting the virus. While some research indicates that this groundbreaking medication may be able to lower your risk of HIV infection by up to 80%, it is only effective when taken as prescribed and is not intended to be a method of ongoing, recurring HIV prevention (see our article on PrEP to learn more about long-term preventative options).

Read on to learn more about what PEP is (and what it isn’t), who is eligible for it, and when to use it.

PEP is a medication regimen that you begin taking as soon as possible after potential exposure to HIV and continue with for at least 28 days. It typically consists of three medications: Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir) with either Tivicay® (dolutegravir) or Isentress® (raltegravir). Your healthcare provider will recommend the best medication regimen for your health needs during your consultation.

These medications are antiretrovirals, a type of medication that blocks various stages of a virus’ life cycle. In this case, PEP prevents HIV from spreading throughout your body. Taking PEP medications as prescribed throughout the entire 28-day duration is critical to its effectiveness.

It’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to start PEP as soon as possible if you believe you were exposed to HIV. The virus spreads very quickly — typically within 24 to 36 hours of exposure — and it is recommended to begin taking PEP within 72 hours, or three days, of potential exposure. 

And the sooner you begin your PEP regimen within that 72-hour window, the more effective the medication is at blocking the virus. If your potential exposure to HIV falls outside of that 72-hour window, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible for further evaluation.

PEP may cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue, however these are mild in most cases. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you currently take, as these may interact with PEP.

If you experience a rash or fever while taking PEP, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, as these may indicate the early stages of HIV.

PEP works most effectively for people who may have been exposed to HIV within the last three days. That primarily includes anyone who had unprotected sex with or who shared needles or other drug paraphernalia with someone who may have HIV. It is also recommended in instances of sexual assault or if you used a condom that broke while having sex with someone who may have HIV.

PEP baseline testing and ongoing monitoring

Recommended baseline screening for PEP includes a rapid HIV test, kidney and liver function tests, a pregnancy test for women of reproductive age who aren’t using birth control, and screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, if baseline screening isn’t available when you reach out to a healthcare provider or pharmacist to start PEP, they will likely advise you to take your first dose before you complete the tests, in the interest of starting PEP as soon as possible. Additional HIV testing is recommended at 30 days and 90 days after the potential exposure to confirm your HIV status.

In all states, any licensed doctor or nurse can prescribe PEP. And in a growing number of states, including California, Colorado, and Nevada, pharmacists are also allowed to prescribe PEP. 

Since the medication should be taken as soon as possible after exposure, PEP is commonly prescribed by emergency room doctors. It is also available at many sexual health clinics and community-based health centers, but if you have been exposed to HIV after standard working hours, you should visit your nearest hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible.

PEP isn’t an ongoing method of HIV prevention

PEP is only for emergencies and infrequent exposures, as it is not 100% effective in preventing HIV even when taken as prescribed. It should not be considered a substitute for proven methods of long-term HIV prevention, including condoms and/or taking PrEP, a medication that can lower your risk of sexual transmission of HIV by 99% when taken daily. It is also important to continue using condoms during your 28-day course of PEP.

If you have had several potential exposures to HIV, speak with your doctor about potentially taking PrEP to prevent HIV infection in the long term.

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