Pharmacy Payment Processing

Pharmacy Payment Processing | Secure Solutions for Pharmacies & Drugstores

Accept All Payment Types, Process Insurance Co-Pays, and Serve Customers Faster

Coastal Pay’s pharmacy payment processing is built for the unique demands of retail pharmacies. Accept all payment types (credit cards, debit cards, FSA/HSA cards, contactless, EBT), process insurance co-payments seamlessly, integrate with pharmacy management systems, handle high transaction volumes during peak hours, comply with HIPAA and healthcare regulations, and reduce processing costs by 25-40% with transparent interchange-plus pricing.

Why Pharmacies Choose Coastal Pay:

HIPAA-compliant payment processing with BAA available
FSA/HSA card acceptance and verification
EBT (SNAP) payment processing for eligible items
Pharmacy management system (PMS) integration
High-speed transactions (2-3 seconds) for fast checkout
Contactless payment for customer convenience
Prescription discount card integration
24/7 support that understands pharmacy operations

Why Pharmacy Payment Processing is Different

Pharmacies face unique payment challenges that generic retail processors don’t address effectively.

Pharmacy-Specific Payment Challenges

Complex payment scenarios:

Insurance co-pays (most common)
Out-of-pocket prescriptions (no insurance)
Over-the-counter (OTC) purchases
Split tender (insurance + patient responsibility)
Prescription + retail combo transactions
Immunization and clinical service fees
Compounding charges
Delivery fees

Healthcare payment cards:

FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards
HSA (Health Savings Account) cards
HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) cards
Prescription discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.)
Insurance-issued payment cards
EBT/SNAP for eligible items
Specific eligibility rules per card type

High transaction volume:

200-500+ transactions daily
Peak hours (lunch, after work, weekends)
Long pharmacy queues during flu season
Speed critical to customer satisfaction
Multiple transactions per customer
Prescription pickup rush times

Patient privacy requirements:

HIPAA compliance mandatory
Protected Health Information (PHI) protection
Secure payment data handling
Patient confidentiality
Prescription information security
Payment data segregation

Split billing complexity:

Insurance covers portion
Patient pays remaining balance
Two separate transactions often
Accurate amount splitting
Proper transaction coding
Clear receipt documentation

Prescription discount programs:

GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver
Manufacturer coupons
Pharmacy discount programs
Price comparison requirements
Integration with payment systems
Proper transaction processing

Regulatory compliance:

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
State pharmacy board regulations
DEA compliance (controlled substances)
Medicare/Medicaid regulations
Consumer privacy laws

Multiple payment locations:

Pharmacy counter
Front store registers
Drive-through windows
Delivery payments
Mail-order processing
Immunization clinics

How Coastal Pay Solves Pharmacy Payment Problems

HIPAA-compliant processing:

Business Associate Agreement (BAA) provided
PHI protection in payment data
Secure data encryption
Compliant payment terminals
Staff training on HIPAA
Regular compliance audits
Segregated payment systems

Healthcare card acceptance:

FSA/HSA card verification
Eligible purchase validation
EBT/SNAP for qualifying items
Prescription discount card processing
Automatic eligibility checking
Real-time approval
Proper transaction coding

High-speed processing:

2-3 second transaction times
Contactless payment priority
EMV chip card optimization
PIN debit fast processing
Reduced customer wait times
Queue management improvement
Peak hour capacity

Pharmacy system integration:

Direct PMS integration
RxSafe, QS/1, Liberty, PioneerRx
McKesson EnterpriseRx
Computer-Rx, PrimeRx
Real-time transaction sync
Automatic receipt generation
Inventory integration

Split tender handling:

Process insurance portion
Collect patient responsibility
Multiple payment methods
Accurate transaction splitting
Clear receipt documentation
Proper accounting allocation

Regulatory compliance:

HIPAA compliance maintained
PCI DSS Level 1 certified
State board compliant
Medicare/Medicaid approved
Audit trail maintenance
Documentation support

Pharmacy Payment Processing Solutions

Pharmacy Counter Payment Terminals

Fast, secure payment processing at the pharmacy counter.

Counter terminal features:

High-speed processing:

2-3 second transactions
Contactless payment priority
EMV chip card optimization
Magnetic stripe fallback
PIN pad for debit
Signature capture (if required)

Healthcare card support:

FSA/HSA card acceptance
Automatic eligibility verification
Prescription-only validation
OTC eligible item detection
Real-time approval
Proper transaction coding

Customer-facing display:

Amount confirmation
Payment method selection
Receipt option (print/email/SMS)
Signature pad
PIN entry privacy
Transaction status

Receipt options:

Detailed prescription receipt
Payment method shown
Insurance information (if applicable)
Patient responsibility breakdown
HIPAA-compliant receipts
Email/SMS option

Pharmacy counter workflow:

Prescription ready – Pharmacist verifies and bags
Customer arrives – Name or prescription number given
PMS lookup – Prescription pulled up in system
Price quoted – Co-pay or out-of-pocket amount
Payment method – Customer selects payment type
Card presented – Tap, insert, or swipe
Authorization – Real-time approval (2-3 seconds)
Receipt printed/emailed – Transaction complete
Prescription dispensed – Counseling if needed

Total time: 30-60 seconds for payment portion

Front Store Retail Terminals

Accept payments for over-the-counter products and retail items.

Front store needs:

Product variety:

OTC medications
Health and beauty products
Vitamins and supplements
First aid supplies
Personal care items
Convenience items
Seasonal merchandise
Photo services

Payment flexibility:

All major credit/debit cards
FSA/HSA for eligible items
EBT/SNAP for qualifying products
Contactless payments
Mobile wallets
Cash and check
Gift cards

Transaction types:

Simple product purchases
FSA/HSA split (eligible vs. non-eligible)
Prescription pickup + retail
Returns and exchanges
Photo printing payments
Lottery (if applicable)
Money orders

Front store terminal features:

Inventory integration:

Barcode scanning
Price lookup
Inventory tracking
Product eligibility flags (FSA/HSA)
Tax calculation
Discount application

Payment processing:

Multi-tender transactions
Split payment handling
Partial payment acceptance
Change calculation
Receipt printing
Transaction void/refund

FSA/HSA eligibility:

Automatic item screening
Eligible vs. non-eligible separation
Two-transaction processing
Clear customer communication
Proper documentation
Compliance assurance

Drive-Through Payment Processing

Convenient payment acceptance at pharmacy drive-through windows.

Drive-through challenges:

Customer convenience:

No need to park and enter
Quick prescription pickup
Weather protection
Accessibility for disabled
Families with children
Senior citizen preference

Operational efficiency:

Faster throughput
Reduced lobby congestion
Extended service hours
Staff efficiency
Queue management
Peak hour capacity

Payment complexity:

Card transfer through tube/drawer
Limited face-to-face interaction
Clear communication needed
Receipt delivery
Signature capture (if required)
Change handling (cash)

Drive-through payment solutions:

Wireless payment terminals:

Bring terminal to window
Process at customer’s car
Contactless payment ideal
Chip card acceptance
PIN pad included
Receipt printing

Pneumatic tube systems:

Card sent through tube
Process at pharmacy station
Return receipt through tube
Secure card handling
Communication via intercom
Camera verification

Payment drawer systems:

Card placed in drawer
Process at pharmacy station
Drawer returned with receipt
Physical barrier maintained
Secure card transfer
Cash payment option

Mobile payment options:

Payment links via text
Customer pays on phone
Confirmation to pharmacy
Contactless and convenient
Pre-payment option
Reduced transaction time

Delivery Payment Processing

Accept payments for prescription delivery services.

Delivery payment scenarios:

Pre-payment (most common):

Card on file at pharmacy
Charge before delivery
No payment at doorstep
Contactless delivery
COVID-safe method
Customer preference

Payment on delivery:

Driver collects payment
Mobile payment device
Tap to Pay on smartphone
Card reader on tablet
Cash acceptance option
Receipt via email/SMS

Subscription delivery:

Recurring medication delivery
Automatic monthly billing
Card on file
Subscription management
Easy cancellation
Customer portal access

Delivery payment features:

Mobile payment processing:

Tap to Pay on iPhone/Android (no hardware)
Bluetooth card readers (portable)
Cellular connectivity (no WiFi needed)
GPS transaction logging
Photo delivery confirmation
Electronic signature capture

Pre-payment advantages:

Faster delivery (no payment delay)
Driver safety (no cash handling)
Contactless service
Reduced delivery time
Customer convenience
Better cash flow

Secure card storage:

Card on file for regular customers
PCI-compliant tokenization
Auto-charge before delivery
Failed payment notifications
Easy card updating
Customer self-service portal

Immunization and Clinical Services Payment

Process payments for pharmacy clinical services.

Pharmacy clinical services:

Immunizations:

Flu shots (seasonal surge)
COVID-19 vaccines
Shingles vaccines
Pneumonia vaccines
Travel vaccines
Pediatric immunizations
Insurance billing or cash pay

Clinical services:

Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
Blood pressure screening
Cholesterol testing
Diabetes management
Smoking cessation programs
Medication synchronization
Comprehensive medication review

Wellness services:

Health screenings
Weight management programs
Vitamin injections
COVID-19 testing
Strep throat testing
Flu testing

Clinical service payment processing:

Insurance billing:

Submit to insurance
Collect patient co-pay
Adjudicate in real-time
Process patient responsibility
Proper coding required
Documentation for claims

Cash pay pricing:

Posted service prices
Competitive pricing
Package deals (multiple vaccines)
Senior discounts
Promotional pricing
Transparent cost

Payment collection:

Point-of-service payment
Pre-payment for appointments
Invoice billing (corporate wellness)
FSA/HSA acceptance
Split billing (multiple vaccines)
Receipt with service details

FSA/HSA Card Processing

Properly accept and process healthcare spending account cards.

FSA/HSA card overview:

What are FSA/HSA cards:

Pre-tax healthcare accounts
Employer-sponsored (FSA) or individual (HSA)
Debit cards for eligible expenses
Prescription medications qualified
OTC medications (with prescription for FSA)
Medical supplies and equipment
Cannot use for non-eligible items

Eligible pharmacy purchases:

Prescription medications (always eligible)
OTC medications with prescription (FSA requirement)
Medical equipment (crutches, blood pressure monitors)
Diabetic supplies (glucose meters, test strips)
First aid supplies (bandages, ointments)
Specific health products (sunscreen SPF 15+)
Menstrual products (recently eligible)

Ineligible items:

Cosmetics and toiletries
General health supplements
Vitamins (without diagnosis)
General merchandise
Food and beverages
Non-medical personal care

FSA/HSA processing features:

Automatic eligibility checking:

System identifies FSA/HSA card
Scans transaction items
Flags eligible vs. ineligible
Separates into two transactions
Processes eligible portion on FSA/HSA
Requests alternative payment for ineligible

Transaction splitting:

Eligible items: Process on FSA/HSA card
Ineligible items: Request different payment
Automatic separation
Clear customer communication
Separate receipts
Compliance maintained

Substantiation:

Itemized receipts required
Product descriptions detailed
Prescription information (if needed)
Compliance documentation
Audit trail maintenance
Customer receipt copies

Example transaction:

Customer purchases:

Prescription medication: $25 (eligible)
Vitamins: $15 (ineligible – no diagnosis)
Bandages: $8 (eligible)
Shampoo: $10 (ineligible)

Processing:

FSA/HSA card for $33 (prescription + bandages)
Credit card for $25 (vitamins + shampoo)
Two separate transactions
Clear receipts for each
Customer understands split

EBT/SNAP Payment Processing

Accept EBT for eligible food and healthcare items.

EBT/SNAP in pharmacies:

What is EBT/SNAP:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Electronic Benefits Transfer card
Government food assistance
Eligible items only
Cannot use for prescriptions
Can use for some OTC items

Eligible pharmacy items:

Food and beverages for home consumption
Seeds and plants (to grow food)
Baby formula and baby food
Some nutritional supplements (approved)
Eligible items have “SNAP eligible” marking

Ineligible items:

Prescriptions and OTC medications
Vitamins and supplements (most)
Personal care items
Household supplies
Hot prepared foods
Alcoholic beverages

EBT processing requirements:

Certification:

USDA FNS approval required
State agency authorization
EBT processor certification
Periodic recertification
Compliance maintenance

Transaction processing:

Separate transaction for EBT items
PIN entry required
Real-time authorization
Balance deduction
Cannot get cash back (SNAP)
Itemized receipt required

System requirements:

EBT-certified terminals
Automatic item eligibility
Transaction separation
Proper coding
State system connectivity
Compliance reporting

Pharmacy Payment Features

Secure Card-on-FilaPrescription Discount Card Integratione Storage

Process prescription discount program cards seamlessly.

Popular discount programs:

Major discount cards:

GoodRx (most popular)
SingleCare
RxSaver
Blink Health
WellRx
ScriptSave WellRx
FamilyWize
InsideRx

How discount cards work:

Customer presents discount card
Pharmacy processes as cash transaction
Discount applied to prescription price
Customer pays discounted amount
Pharmacy submits to discount network
Pharmacy receives reimbursement
Customer saves vs. usual cash price

Discount card processing:

Integration with PMS:

Discount card recognized
Price lookup in discount network
Automatic discount application
Customer sees discounted price
Payment collected
Claim submitted to network
Reimbursement received

Payment collection:

Customer pays discounted price
Standard payment methods accepted
Receipt shows discount applied
Clear pricing transparency
Original price vs. discount price
Savings amount displayed

Benefits for pharmacies:

Capture cash-pay customers
Compete with online pharmacies
Additional revenue stream
Customer loyalty building
Prescription volume increase
Network reimbursement

Split Tender and Multi-Payment

Handle complex payment scenarios common in pharmacies.

Split tender scenarios:

Insurance + patient responsibility:

Insurance covers partial amount
Patient pays remaining balance
Two separate transactions
Insurance adjudication first
Patient payment collected second
Combined receipt showing both

FSA/HSA + credit card:

FSA/HSA for eligible items
Credit card for ineligible items
Automatic transaction separation
Customer uses both cards
Clear breakdown provided
Proper documentation

Multiple payment methods:

Partial payment with gift card
Remainder on credit card
Cash + card combination
Multiple cards (family members)
Change calculation
Receipt accuracy

Multi-payment features:

Automatic transaction splitting:

System identifies payment needs
Separates eligible transactions
Processes each payment type
Tracks all tender types
Balances transaction
Complete audit trail

Clear customer communication:

Amount breakdown before payment
Payment method for each portion
Running balance display
Change calculation
Final total confirmation
Itemized receipts

Accounting accuracy:

Proper transaction categorization
Payment type tracking
Reconciliation support
Financial reporting
Audit trail maintenance
Tax compliance

Contactless Payment Priority

Fast, hygienic payment processing for pharmacy customers.

Contactless payment benefits:

Speed:

1-2 second transactions
Faster than chip (5-7 seconds)
No signature required (under $250)
Quick tap and go
Reduced queue times
Higher customer throughput

Hygiene:

Zero physical contact
No touching terminal
No PIN pad contact
COVID-19 safety
Customer preference
Peace of mind

Customer preference:

67% prefer contactless (post-pandemic)
Expected at retail
Mobile wallet adoption growing
Convenient and familiar
Modern payment method
Premium experience

Contactless payment types:

Contactless credit/debit cards:

Tap-enabled cards
NFC technology
Growing card distribution
Same networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
Same processing fees
Wider acceptance

Mobile wallets:

Apple Pay (iPhone, Apple Watch)
Google Pay (Android devices)
Samsung Pay
One-tap payment
Secure tokenization
Card-on-file convenience

Wearable payments:

Smartwatches
Payment rings
Fitness trackers
Contactless key fobs
Growing adoption
Ultimate convenience

Pharmacy Management System Integration

Seamless payment processing with your pharmacy software.

Major PMS integrations:

Enterprise systems:

McKesson EnterpriseRx
Omnicare (CVS)
PharMerica
Cerner Retail Pharmacy
Epic (hospital pharmacies)

Independent pharmacy systems:

QS/1 (Quality Systems, Inc.)
Liberty Software
PioneerRx
RxSafe
Computer-Rx
PrimeRx
BestRx
Micro Merchant Systems
Integra

Integration benefits:

Seamless workflow:

Prescription lookup in PMS
Price display automatic
Payment processed
Transaction posted to PMS
Inventory updated
Patient record updated
No duplicate data entry

Accurate reporting:

Sales reconciliation automatic
Payment type tracking
Insurance vs. cash tracking
Prescription volume reporting
Financial reporting consolidated
Tax compliance simplified

Reduced errors:

No manual price entry
Automatic payment amount
Inventory sync
Patient record accuracy
Financial accuracy
Audit trail complete

Integration features:

Real-time data sync:

Prescription data to payment terminal
Payment confirmation to PMS
Inventory adjustment automatic
Patient payment history updated
Insurance information verified
Transaction logging complete

Unified reporting:

Sales reports by payment type
Prescription revenue tracking
Front store revenue separate
Payment method breakdown
Shift reports consolidated
Daily reconciliation simplified

High-Volume Transaction Processing

Handle peak pharmacy traffic efficiently.

Pharmacy peak hours:

High-traffic times:

Weekday lunch (12pm-1pm)
After work (5pm-7pm)
Weekend mornings
Monday mornings (weekend backup)
Flu season (all day busy)
First of month (insurance resets)

Transaction volume:

Small pharmacy: 100-200 daily
Medium pharmacy: 200-400 daily
Large pharmacy: 400-800+ daily
Chain pharmacy: 500-1,000+ daily
Peak hour: 30-60 transactions

High-volume capabilities:

Fast processing:

2-3 second authorization
Contactless priority
Quick chip reading
Efficient PIN entry
Batch processing optimization
Network optimization

Multiple terminals:

Multiple pharmacy terminals
Front store registers (4-8 typical)
Drive-through terminal
Mobile terminals (immunizations)
All integrated with PMS
Centralized reporting

Reliability:

99.9% uptime guarantee
Redundant systems
Backup connectivity
Offline mode capability
24/7 technical support
Rapid replacement

Prescription Refill Auto-Pay

Automated billing for prescription refills.

Auto-pay program features:

Patient enrollment:

Opt-in to auto-pay program
Card on file securely stored
Automatic refill processing
Charge when ready for pickup
Email/SMS notification
Easy opt-out option

Automatic processing:

Prescription filled automatically
Card charged when ready
Customer notified via text/email
“Ready for pickup” message
Payment confirmation
Receipt via email

Corporate card optimization:

Accept all corporate cards
Level 2 processing data
Lower interchange rates
Itemized receipts
Tax information
Department coding

Customer benefits:

Never forget to refill
No payment hassle at counter
Faster pickup (pre-paid)
Medication adherence improved
Convenient automation
Time savings

Pharmacy benefits:

Guaranteed payment
Reduced no-shows
Improved medication adherence
Customer loyalty
Predictable revenue
Reduced counter time

Auto-pay implementation:

Enrollment process:

Patient opts in to auto-refill program
Provides card information
Stored securely (tokenized)
Confirms auto-pay authorization
Receives welcome confirmation
Automatic processing begins

Refill workflow:

Prescription eligible for refill
Pharmacy processes refill
Medication prepared
Card charged automatically
Customer notified “ready + paid”
Customer picks up (no payment needed)
Receipt via email

Failed payment handling:

Automatic retry (3 attempts)
Email/SMS notification
Update payment method link
Hold prescription until resolved
Customer service contact
Grace period option

Patient Privacy and HIPAA Compliance

Protect patient information in payment processing.

HIPAA requirements:

Protected Health Information (PHI):

Patient names
Prescription information
Medical conditions
Insurance information
Payment information
Diagnosis codes
Treatment information

Payment processing PHI:

Patient name on transaction
Prescription details on receipt
Insurance information
Payment for medications (reveals condition)
Must protect all PHI
Secure transmission required
Limited access controls

HIPAA-compliant payment processing:

Business Associate Agreement (BAA):

Coastal Pay provides BAA
Commits to HIPAA compliance
Defines responsibilities
Breach notification procedures
Audit rights
Required for vendors handling PHI

Secure payment data:

End-to-end encryption
Tokenization (no card storage)
Secure data transmission
Limited staff access
Activity logging
Regular security audits

Receipt privacy:

Limited prescription information
Generic medication descriptor option
Patient name control
HIPAA-compliant receipts
Email receipt option (secure)
Discreet payment descriptors

Staff training:

HIPAA awareness training
Payment privacy procedures
PHI protection protocols
Breach response procedures
Annual refresher training
Documentation of training

Privacy best practices:

Counter procedures:

Discrete patient conversations
Privacy screens on terminals
Consultation areas for counseling
Secure receipt handling
Shred sensitive documents
Clean workspace policies

Drive-through privacy:

Clear communication protocols
Limited PHI disclosure
Secure tube/drawer systems
Camera privacy considerations
Intercom discretion
Receipt security

Payment processing:

Minimal PHI in transactions
Generic descriptors on statements
Secure card handling
No public card number display
PIN entry privacy
Signature pad privacy screens

Reduce Pharmacy Processing Costs

Interchange-Plus Pricing for Pharmacies

The most cost-effective pricing model for pharmacy operations.

Pricing comparison:

Pricing Model

Flat-Rate (2.9% + $0.30)

Interchange-Plus (Coastal Pay)

Monthly Savings

Annual Savings

$50 Co-Pay

$1.75

$1.32

–

$200 Rx

$6.10

$4.72

–

Monthly ($150K)

$4,425

$3,300

$1,125

$13,500

For higher volume ($300K monthly):

Flat-rate cost: $8,850/month
Interchange-plus: $6,600/month
Monthly savings: $2,250
Annual savings: $27,000

Why interchange-plus is best for pharmacies:

Transparent costs:

See exact interchange fees
See exact card brand assessments
See exact processor markup
No hidden markups
Clear monthly statements
Easy cost verification

Lower overall costs:

Save 25-40% vs. flat-rate
Benefit from debit card mix (common in pharmacies)
Fair pricing all transaction sizes
No monthly minimums
No hidden fees
Volume discounts available

Predictable pricing:

Consistent processor markup
Interchange changes by card networks (not processor)
Easy to forecast costs
Budget accurately
Compare processors easily
No rate surprises

Real pharmacy savings examples:

Independent pharmacy ($150K monthly):

Flat-rate: $4,425/month
Interchange-plus: $3,300/month
Monthly savings: $1,125
Annual savings: $13,500

Small chain (3 locations, $500K monthly):

Flat-rate: $14,750/month
Interchange-plus: $11,000/month
Monthly savings: $3,750
Annual savings: $45,000

Regional chain (10 locations, $2M monthly):

Flat-rate: $59,000/month
Interchange-plus: $44,000/month
Monthly savings: $15,000
Annual savings: $180,000

Healthcare Card Optimization

Lower fees on FSA/HSA and prescription-related transactions.

Healthcare interchange rates:

FSA/HSA cards:

Lower interchange than standard credit cards
Prescription-related transactions
Medical merchant category code
Properly coded = lower fees
Typical savings: 0.3-0.5% per transaction
Example: $100 FSA transaction saves $0.30-0.50

Prescription transactions:

Pharmacy merchant category
Lower interchange qualification
Properly coded prescriptions
Insurance co-pay transactions
Medical necessity verification
Reduced fraud risk = lower rates

Optimization strategy:

Proper merchant coding:

Pharmacy merchant category (5912)
Healthcare provider codes
Prescription transaction flags
FSA/HSA transaction identification
Proper terminal configuration
Network optimization

Transaction coding:

Prescription transactions identified
OTC transactions separated
Healthcare items flagged
Proper data submission
Interchange qualification
Fee optimization

Surcharging Considerations for Pharmacies

Understanding surcharging in healthcare retail.

Surcharging in pharmacies:

Regulatory considerations:

Surcharging legal in all 50 states
Healthcare transactions have special considerations
Patient sensitivity to medication costs
Competitive landscape
Community pharmacy positioning
Corporate policy decisions

When surcharging might make sense:

Non-prescription retail purchases
OTC merchandise
Front store products
Photo services
Gift shop items
Not typically on prescriptions (customer relations)

Alternative: Cash discounts:

“5% discount for cash payment”
Same economic result as surcharging
More patient-friendly framing
Applied to retail purchases
Prescription discount programs alternative
Customer goodwill maintained

Recommended approach:

Most pharmacies avoid surcharging prescriptions:

Patient cost sensitivity
Community relationship
Competitive positioning
Healthcare mission focus
Customer loyalty priority
Insurance relationships

Focus on cost reduction instead:

Interchange-plus pricing (save 25-40%)
Proper healthcare card optimization
Efficient processing (reduce labor)
PMS integration (eliminate errors)
Volume discounts
Negotiate better rates

Pharmacy Payment Compliance

PCI Compliance for Pharmacies

Essential security standards for protecting payment data.

PCI DSS requirements:

Level 1 compliance (>6M transactions/year):

Annual on-site security audit
Quarterly network scans
Written security policies
Staff security training
Incident response plan
Vendor management

Level 2-4 compliance (<6M transactions/year):

Annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
Quarterly vulnerability scans
Security policy documentation
Basic staff training
Most independent pharmacies

Pharmacy-specific PCI considerations:

Multiple payment locations:

Pharmacy counter terminals
Front store registers
Drive-through terminals
Mobile devices (delivery, immunizations)
All must be PCI compliant
Network segmentation important

Integrated systems:

PMS integration security
Payment gateway protection
Network security
Wireless security (if applicable)
Remote access security
Vendor compliance

Card data protection:

No storage of CVV codes
No storage of full magnetic stripe
Tokenization of card numbers
Encrypted transmission
Secure key management
Limited access to card data

Coastal Pay PCI support:

Compliant infrastructure:

PCI Level 1 certified processing
Compliant payment terminals
Tokenization included
Encrypted transmissions
Secure gateways
Regular security updates

Compliance assistance:

SAQ completion guidance
Quarterly scan coordination
Policy template provision
Staff training materials
Vendor security assessment
Annual validation support
No PCI non-compliance fees

HIPAA Compliance in Payment Processing

Protecting patient privacy during payment transactions.

HIPAA and payment processing:

PHI in transactions:

Patient names
Prescription identifiers
Medical conditions (implied)
Insurance information
Treatment information
Payment information reveals medical use

Business Associate Agreement (BAA):

Required for payment processors
Defines HIPAA responsibilities
Breach notification procedures
Audit rights specified
Subcontractor management
Coastal Pay provides BAA

Business AssociataHIPAA-compliant payment practices: e Agreement (BAA):

Data minimization:

Limit PHI in transactions
Generic payment descriptors
No diagnosis codes in payment data
Minimal prescription information
Secure communication channels
Need-to-know access only

Secure systems:

Encrypted data transmission
Secure card storage (tokenization)
Access controls and authentication
Activity logging
Regular security assessments
Breach detection systems

Staff training:

HIPAA awareness
Privacy procedures
Payment processing protocols
PHI protection
Breach response
Annual training updates

Patient privacy:

Discreet counter conversations
Privacy screens on terminals
Secure receipt handling
Email receipt encryption
SMS security considerations
Statement descriptor discretion

Breach response:

Immediate containment
Investigation and assessment
Required notifications (patient, HHS, media if >500 affected)
Mitigation and remediation
Documentation
Process improvement

Pharmacy Industry Payment Solutions

Independent Pharmacies

Tailored payment processing for community pharmacies.

Independent pharmacy characteristics:

Business profile:

Single location or 2-5 stores
50-300 prescriptions daily
Front store retail
Personal customer relationships
Community focus
Competitive pressure from chains

Payment needs:

Cost-effective processing
Simple setup and management
HIPAA compliance support
PMS integration
Multiple payment types
Excellent customer service

Typical monthly volume:

Small independent: $75K-150K
Medium independent: $150K-300K
Large independent: $300K-500K

Chain Pharmacies

Enterprise payment processing for multi-location operations.

Chain pharmacy characteristics:

Business profile:

5-100+ locations
Centralized management
Standardized operations
High transaction volume
Corporate compliance requirements
Purchasing power

Payment needs:

Enterprise-grade infrastructure
Multi-location reporting
Centralized management
Standardized equipment
Corporate compliance
Volume pricing

Typical monthly volume:

Small chain (5-10 stores): $1M-3M
Regional chain (10-50 stores): $3M-15M
Large chain (50+ stores): $15M-100M+

Hospital and Clinic Pharmacies

Specialized processing for institutional pharmacies.

Hospital pharmacy characteristics:

Business profile:

Outpatient pharmacy services
Hospital-affiliated clinics
Specialty pharmacy operations
340B drug pricing
Complex insurance billing
Patient financial counseling

Payment scenarios:

Outpatient prescriptions
Discharge medications
Specialty medications (high-cost)
Patient assistance programs
Insurance complex billing
Financial assistance programs

Specialty Pharmacies

Payment processing for high-cost specialty medications.

Specialty pharmacy characteristics:

Business profile:

High-cost medications ($1,000-$100,000+)
Complex disease management
Limited distribution drugs
Prior authorization required
Patient assistance programs
Manufacturer copay cards

Payment scenarios:

High-dollar transactions
Patient assistance cards
Manufacturer copay programs
Foundation support
Complex insurance billing
Split billing common

Mail-Order and Digital Pharmacies

Payment processing for online pharmacy operations.

Mail-order pharmacy characteristics:

Business profile:

Online prescription ordering
Home delivery model
National or regional service
High automation
Efficient operations
Technology-focused

Payment needs:

E-commerce payment gateway
Card-not-present processing
Fraud prevention
Subscription billing
Auto-refill programs
Recurring payment management

Pharmacy Payment Processing FAQ

What is the average credit card processing fee for pharmacies?

Pharmacies typically pay 2.5-3.5% per credit card transaction depending on the pricing model, card type, and transaction size. With interchange-plus pricing (the most transparent and cost-effective model), fees range from 2.2-3.0% all-in—including interchange fees (1.8-2.5%), assessment fees (0.13-0.15%), and processor markup (0.3-0.5%). Flat-rate processors charge 2.9-3.5% with no breakdown. Pharmacies using Coastal Pay’s interchange-plus model at 0.30% + $0.10 above true cost typically save 25-40% compared to flat-rate pricing. For a pharmacy processing $150,000 monthly (typical independent pharmacy), this means saving $1,100-1,400 per month or $13,200-16,800 annually. The savings compound significantly for higher-volume pharmacies—those processing $500,000 monthly save $3,500-4,500/month or $42,000-54,000 annually. Healthcare-specific cards (FSA/HSA) may qualify for lower interchange rates when properly coded, providing additional savings.

Can pharmacies accept FSA and HSA cards?

Yes, pharmacies can and should accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) cards—they’re essential for pharmacy operations. These are pre-tax healthcare payment cards issued by employers (FSA) or owned individually (HSA) that customers use for qualified medical expenses. Implementation requires: payment terminals that support FSA/HSA card identification, automatic eligibility verification for purchases, proper merchant category code (5912 for pharmacies), transaction separation (eligible vs. ineligible items), itemized receipts with product descriptions, and compliance with IRS regulations. Eligible pharmacy items include all prescription medications, OTC medications with prescription (FSA requirement), medical equipment and supplies, diabetic supplies, first aid supplies, and specific health products. Ineligible items include cosmetics, toiletries, general vitamins, and non-medical merchandise. The payment system automatically identifies FSA/HSA cards, scans transaction items for eligibility, separates into two transactions if needed (FSA/HSA for eligible, another payment method for ineligible), and provides proper documentation. Coastal Pay’s pharmacy payment platform handles FSA/HSA acceptance automatically with proper eligibility checking and transaction splitting.

How do pharmacies comply with HIPAA regulations for payment processing?

Pharmacies comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in payment processing through multiple safeguards:

Business Associate Agreement (BAA)—payment processor must sign BAA committing to HIPAA compliance and PHI protection;

Data encryption—all payment and prescription data encrypted in transit and at rest;

Access controls—limited staff access to payment systems, authentication required, activity logging maintained;

PHI minimization—minimal Protected Health Information in payment transactions, generic descriptors on customer statements, secure receipt handling;

Secure systems—HIPAA-compliant payment terminals and software, PCI DSS compliance (payment security), network segmentation, regular security assessments;

Staff training—HIPAA awareness training for all staff handling payments, privacy procedures documented, annual refresher training;

Physical security—privacy screens on terminals, discreet counter consultations, secure document shredding, clean desk policies. PHI in pharmacy payments includes patient names, prescription information, medical conditions (implied by medication), and insurance details. All must be protected under HIPAA. Violations can result in fines of $100-$50,000 per violation with maximum annual penalties of $1.5 million. Coastal Pay provides HIPAA-compliant payment processing with BAA, encrypted systems, and compliance support specifically designed for healthcare businesses including pharmacies.

What payment methods should pharmacies accept?

Modern pharmacies should accept comprehensive payment methods to maximize customer convenience and sales:

Credit and debit cards—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (most common, 60-70% of transactions);

FSA/HSA cards—Flexible Health Savings Accounts (10-20% of pharmacy transactions);

Contactless payments—Tap Spending and cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay (growing rapidly, 20-30% of cards);

EBT/SNAP—for eligible food and healthcare items in pharmacies with grocery departments;

Prescription discount cards—GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver (cash-pay alternative);

Insurance co-pay cards—manufacturer copay assistance programs;

Cash and checks—declining but still used by seniors;

Mobile payments—payment apps and digital wallets. Payment method mix affects processing costs—debit cards have lower fees (1.5-2%) than credit cards (2.5-3.5%), FSA/HSA cards qualify for healthcare interchange (slightly lower), contactless same as regular cards but faster. Strategic acceptance: Accept all major cards (don’t lose sales), prioritize contactless (speed and hygiene), ensure FSA/HSA capability (pharmacy essential), support prescription discount programs (competitive necessity), train staff on all payment types (proper processing). Coastal Pay supports all payment methods with integrated processing optimized for pharmacy operations.

How do pharmacies integrate payment processing with pharmacy management systems?

Payment processing integrates with Pharmacy Management Systems (PMS) through direct API connections or middleware, creating seamless data flow between systems. Integration process: payment processor connects to PMS via certified interface, prescription data flows from PMS to payment terminal (patient name, amount, transaction type), payment authorization processed in real-time, payment confirmation posts back to PMS, inventory and patient records updated automatically, receipts generated with prescription details. Major PMS integrations supported by Coastal Pay include: Enterprise systems (McKesson EnterpriseRx, Cerner, Epic), Independent pharmacy systems (QS/1, Liberty Software, PioneerRx, Computer-Rx, PrimeRx, RxSafe), and Cloud-based systems (BestRx, Micro Merchant Systems). Integration benefits include: no duplicate data entry (pharmacy tech enters once in PMS), accurate pricing (pulls from PMS formulary), automatic transaction posting, real-time inventory updates, patient payment history tracking, simplified reconciliation, consolidated reporting, reduced errors. Without integration: manual entry of payment amounts (error-prone), separate payment reconciliation, inventory management disconnected, duplicate work for staff, higher error rates. Integration typically takes 1-2 weeks for setup and testing. Coastal Pay provides certified integrations with all major pharmacy systems with dedicated implementation support and ongoing technical assistance.

Can pharmacies use contactless payment processing?

Yes, contactless payment is essential for modern pharmacies and provides significant benefits. Contactless acceptance includes: tap-enabled credit/debit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), wearable devices (smartwatches, payment rings), and contactless key fobs. Benefits for pharmacies:

Speed—1-2 second transactions vs. 5-7 seconds for chip cards (critical during peak hours),

Hygiene—zero physical contact with terminal (important in healthcare setting),

Customer preference—67% of customers prefer contactless post-pandemic,

Queue reduction—process 30-40% more customers during peak hours,

No signature—under $250 typically requires no signature,

Modern image—shows technology adoption and customer care. Implementation requirements: contactless-enabled terminals (NFC/RFID technology), terminal configuration, staff training on contactless prompts, customer communication (signage showing contactless acceptance). Contactless particularly valuable for pharmacies because: high transaction volume during peak hours (lunch, after work), healthcare setting prioritizes hygiene, senior customers increasingly adopting mobile payments, speed reduces wait times during flu season, touch-free aligns with health mission. Processing fees same as regular card transactions—no premium for contactless. Coastal Pay provides contactless-enabled terminals standard with all pharmacy payment solutions, already configured and ready for immediate use. Over 60% of cards now issued with contactless capability—essential to accept.

How do pharmacies handle split tender transactions?

Pharmacies handle split tender (multiple payment methods for one transaction) through automated transaction separation based on payment type and item eligibility. Common split tender scenarios:

Insurance + patient responsibility—insurance covers portion, patient pays remaining balance, processed as two separate transactions;

FSA/HSA + credit card—FSA/HSA for eligible items (prescriptions, medical supplies), credit card for ineligible items (cosmetics, general merchandise), automatic separation by system;

Multiple cards—family members splitting payment, gift card + credit card for balance, partial payment scenarios;

Cash + card—partial cash payment, remaining balance on card, common for exact change scenarios. Technical implementation: PMS or point-of-sale system calculates total, identifies payment methods needed (insurance, FSA/HSA, etc.), separates transaction automatically, processes each payment type, tracks all tenders, balances transaction, prints receipt showing all payments. Example FSA/HSA split: Customer purchases prescription ($30), vitamins ($15), shampoo ($10), total $55; system identifies FSA/HSA card, processes $30 (prescription) on FSA/HSA, requests second payment for $25 (vitamins + shampoo), customer provides credit card, two separate transactions completed, clear receipts for both. Benefits: automatic eligibility checking, compliance maintained, customer clarity, accurate accounting, audit trail complete. Coastal Pay’s pharmacy payment platform handles all split tender scenarios automatically with proper documentation and compliance.

What security measures protect pharmacy payment data?

Pharmacy payment data is protected through multiple security layers:

PCI DSS Level 1 Compliance—highest payment security certification, annual third-party audits, stringent security requirements, 24/7 security monitoring;

Tokenization—credit card numbers converted to encrypted tokens, actual card numbers never stored, tokens useless if stolen, only payment processor can use tokens;

End-to-end encryption—data encrypted from terminal to processor, secure transmission protocols (TLS/SSL), encrypted storage, secure key management;

Physical terminal security—tamper-resistant hardware, encrypted PIN pads, secure chip readers, anti-skimming technology;

Network security—firewall protection, network segmentation (payment vs. other systems), intrusion detection, regular vulnerability scanning, secure WiFi configuration;

Access controls—individual user authentication, role-based permissions, activity logging and monitoring, failed login detection, password requirements;

HIPAA compliance—protects patient health information, Business Associate Agreement (BAA), PHI encryption, privacy procedures, breach notification protocols. Pharmacy-specific considerations: multiple payment locations (counter, front store, drive-through) all must be secure, integrated PMS systems require secure connections, card-on-file for auto-refill programs needs highest security, patient privacy adds HIPAA requirements beyond PCI. Regular security measures: quarterly vulnerability scans, annual security assessments, security awareness training, incident response procedures, breach insurance. Coastal Pay provides bank-level security with PCI Level 1 certification, tokenization, encryption, and HIPAA compliance with BAA for complete pharmacy payment protection.

How do prescription discount programs affect payment processing?

Prescription discount programs (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, etc.) process as cash transactions with special handling. How they work: customer presents discount card at pharmacy, pharmacy looks up price in discount network, discounted price quoted to customer (typically 30-80% off regular cash price), customer pays discounted amount at pharmacy, pharmacy submits claim to discount network, pharmacy receives reimbursement from network. Payment processing flow: discount card scanned/entered in PMS, system queries discount network for price, customer sees discounted price, payment processed as regular cash transaction (credit/debit card, cash, etc.), receipt shows discount applied and amount paid, pharmacy submits claim to network separately. Integration considerations: PMS must integrate with discount networks (most modern systems do), real-time price lookup required, proper transaction coding in PMS, separate claim submission, reimbursement tracking. Payment processing impact: customer pays reduced price (improves access), pharmacy receives reimbursement separately (not at point of sale), standard payment methods accepted for discount cards, transaction processed normally through payment terminal, no special payment processing required beyond standard credit/debit. Benefits for pharmacies: capture cash-pay customers who might otherwise go elsewhere, compete with online pharmacies, additional revenue stream (network reimbursement), customer loyalty through savings, prescription volume increase. Coastal Pay processes discount program transactions like any cash payment with proper documentation and standard processing fees—no special requirements needed.

What happens if payment processing goes down in a pharmacy?

Payment processing downtime requires immediate contingency procedures to maintain pharmacy operations. Causes of downtime: internet outage, payment processor issue, terminal malfunction, PMS system issue, power outage, or network problems. Pharmacy contingency procedures:

Backup payment methods—manual card imprinters (knuckle busters) for imprint cards, paper vouchers for processing when system returns, call-in authorizations (voice authorization from processor), write down card information (only in emergencies, process immediately when system returns);

Alternative payment—accept cash/checks during outage, inform customers of situation, offer to hold prescriptions until systems operational, document all transactions for later processing;

Mobile backup—Tap to Pay on smartphone with cellular (doesn’t need pharmacy internet), mobile card readers with cellular connectivity, backup 4G/5G hotspot for terminals, independent connectivity from pharmacy network;

Communication—inform customers of situation immediately, provide estimated restoration time, offer alternatives (come back later, pay cash, delivery option), apologize for inconvenience, explain security measures preventing workarounds. Recovery procedures: process paper vouchers when system returns, batch all manual transactions, reconcile against paper records, update patient accounts, verify all payments processed, document downtime incident. Prevention measures: redundant internet connections (primary + backup), uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for terminals, 24/7 processor technical support, backup terminals available, regular system testing. Coastal Pay provides 99.9% uptime guarantee, 24/7 technical support, emergency replacement equipment (next-day shipping), multiple connectivity options (internet, cellular), and backup processing procedures for pharmacy continuity.

How quickly do pharmacies receive funds from credit card transactions?

Pharmacies receive funds from credit card transactions within 1-2 business days in most cases. Standard timing: credit card payments processed Monday arrive Wednesday morning, debit card payments same 1-2 day timeline, settlement includes all transaction types (prescriptions, OTC, retail), funds automatically deposited to pharmacy bank account. Factors affecting timing: card type (credit vs. debit), payment processor’s batch cutoff time (typically 5pm or midnight), bank processing schedules (weekends/holidays add time), account history (new merchants may have 7-day holds initially), transaction risk level (high-dollar or unusual patterns may delay). Next-day funding: available for qualified pharmacies, premium service with small fee ($10-30/month), funds arrive next business day, useful for cash flow optimization, not always necessary for established pharmacies. Typical deposit schedule: Monday prescriptions → Wednesday deposit, Tuesday-Friday prescriptions → Thursday-Saturday deposits, consistent weekly pattern, predictable cash flow planning. This is significantly faster than: insurance reimbursement (14-30 days for many plans), checks (5-10 days to clear), manual invoicing (30-60 days). Example monthly cash flow: pharmacy processing $10,000 daily, receives $10,000 daily (with 1-2 day lag), predictable deposits Monday-Friday, better than waiting weeks for insurance payments. Coastal Pay provides standard 1-2 day deposits with next-day funding available, automatic settlement (no manual batching), and consistent funding schedules for predictable pharmacy cash flow.

Can pharmacies surcharge credit card transactions?

Pharmacies can legally surcharge credit card transactions in all 50 states, but most choose not to for customer relations reasons. Surcharging basics: add 3-4% fee to credit card purchases, must be clearly disclosed before payment, debit cards cannot be surcharged, must show surcharge separately on receipts. However, most pharmacies avoid surcharging prescriptions because:

Patient sensitivity—medication costs already high concern, additional fees create negative perception, patients often have limited payment options, health necessity makes it sensitive;

Community relationships—pharmacies are healthcare providers, trust and goodwill paramount, small additional revenue not worth relationship risk;

Competitive pressure—chain pharmacies don’t surcharge, would create competitive disadvantage, patients might switch pharmacies;

Insurance considerations—co-pays set by insurance (can’t surcharge), patient responsibility already established, potential insurance complications. Alternative approaches:

Front store surcharging—apply surcharge only to retail items (OTC, cosmetics, general merchandise), not prescription medications, more acceptable to customers, generates some offset;

Cash discounts—offer 3-4% discount for cash/debit payments, same economic effect as surcharging, more customer-friendly framing, “discount” vs. “fee” perception;

Cost reduction focus—interchange-plus pricing saves 25-40% (much more than surcharging), optimize payment mix (encourage debit), improve operational efficiency, better long-term strategy. Recommendation: Most successful pharmacies focus on cost reduction (better rates, efficient operations) rather than passing fees to patients. Maintain community goodwill while optimizing backend costs. Coastal Pay helps pharmacies reduce processing costs significantly through interchange-plus pricing, making surcharging unnecessary while protecting profit margins.

How do mail-order pharmacies process payments securely?

Mail-order pharmacies process payments securely through card-not-present (CNP) payment processing with enhanced fraud prevention. Implementation:

Secure payment gateway—PCI-compliant hosted payment pages, SSL encryption (HTTPS), embedded checkout forms, mobile-responsive design, tokenization for card storage;

E-commerce integration—shopping cart integration, prescription ordering system connection, patient portal integration, auto-refill system automation, subscription billing capability;

Card-on-file—secure tokenized storage, PCI-compliant system, easy prescription refills, recurring payment automation, card updater service (expired cards automatically updated). Fraud prevention critical for CNP:

Verification methods—Address Verification System (AVS), CVV code required, 3D Secure authentication (Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode), phone number verification, email verification;

Risk assessment—real-time fraud scoring, device fingerprinting, IP geolocation checking, velocity controls (multiple orders), pattern recognition, high-risk order manual review;

Customer authentication—account login required, prescription verification, insurance verification, shipping address confirmation, consistent ordering patterns validated. Mail-order specific security:

Prescription verification—valid prescription required (no processing without), prescriber verification, patient medical history review, controlled substance extra verification;

Shipping security—signature required delivery, address verification, shipping notification, tracking provided, delivery confirmation;

Recurring billing—scheduled automatic refills, card-on-file authorization, pre-notification before charge, easy payment method updating, failed payment handling. Compliance: HIPAA for patient data, NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) accreditation, state pharmacy board regulations, DEA for controlled substances, consumer privacy laws. Coastal Pay provides complete mail-order pharmacy payment processing with fraud prevention, recurring billing, secure card storage, and healthcare compliance designed specifically for online pharmacy operations.

What reporting do pharmacies get with payment processing?

Coastal Pay provides comprehensive reporting designed specifically for pharmacy operations:

Transaction reporting—all payments processed with date, time, amount, payment method, prescription vs. OTC/retail, success/failure status, batch settlement details, chargeback tracking, refund transactions;

Sales analytics—daily, weekly, monthly revenue totals, prescription revenue separate from retail, payment method breakdown, average transaction size, transaction count, year-over-year comparisons, peak hour analysis;

Payment type breakdown—credit vs. debit card percentages, FSA/HSA transaction volume, cash/check tracking, contactless payment adoption, mobile wallet usage, EBT/SNAP transactions;

Location reporting (multi-store)—individual store performance, comparative analysis, consolidated chain reporting, same-store sales growth, new store ramp analysis, geographic trends;

Reconciliation reports—batch settlement summary, deposit reconciliation, expected vs. actual deposits, variance identification, accounting period reports, month-end closing reports;

Chargeback and dispute reports—chargeback notifications, reason codes, representment tracking, win/loss rates, chargeback ratio monitoring (must stay under 1%), dispute documentation;

Compliance reporting—PCI compliance status, quarterly scan results, HIPAA audit logs, transaction audit trails, staff access logs, security incident reports;

Financial reporting—processing fee analysis, interchange cost tracking, effective rate calculation, month-over-month cost trends, annual processing cost summary, savings vs. previous processor.

Integration reporting—PMS transaction sync status, payment posting verification, inventory impact, patient account updates, insurance vs. cash breakdown. Dashboard highlights: today’s revenue, week-to-date, month-to-date, prescription vs. retail sales, payment method mix, pending batches, alerts for attention (chargebacks, failed transactions). Export capabilities: CSV, Excel, PDF formats, scheduled automatic delivery (email daily/weekly reports), custom date ranges, filtered by payment type, location, or transaction type. All reporting available 24/7 via secure web portal and mobile app—check pharmacy payment performance anytime, anywhere. Coastal Pay designed pharmacy reporting with the specific metrics pharmacy owners and managers need for business decisions.

How long does it take to set up payment processing for a pharmacy?

Payment processing setup for pharmacies typically takes 1-2 weeks from application to processing first transactions:

Week 1—Application and Approval (Day 1-3): Complete merchant application (30-45 minutes), provide pharmacy business documentation (pharmacy license, DEA registration, business license, tax ID, voided check), undergo background check, HIPAA BAA review and signature, receive approval typically within 24-48 hours;

Week 1-2—Integration and Equipment (Day 4-10): Order/ship payment terminals (2-3 days shipping), schedule PMS integration (QS/1, Liberty, PioneerRx, etc.), configure terminals for pharmacy use, set up FSA/HSA acceptance, enable contactless payment, test transactions in sandbox environment, configure receipt templates;

Week 2—Training and Go-Live (Day 11-14): Install terminals at all locations (pharmacy counter, front store, drive-through), PMS integration testing, staff training on new system (1-2 hours), process test transactions, verify PMS posting, parallel processing period (optional—run old and new simultaneously), go live with full cutover, verify first day operations.

Total active time: 3-4 hours; Total calendar time: 1-2 weeks. Factors affecting timeline: PMS integration complexity (some systems faster than others), multiple locations (each needs equipment and setup), existing equipment (can sometimes reprogram vs. replace), weekend/holiday timing. What you need ready: pharmacy license (current and active), DEA registration number, business documentation (LLC/Corp articles if applicable), bank account information (routing/account, voided check), current processing statements (helpful for rate comparison), PMS details (system name, version, support contact). Fast-track setup: Simple single-location pharmacies with modern PMS can be operational in 5-7 days. After setup: 24/7 technical support, dedicated pharmacy account manager, equipment replacement (next-day), PMS integration support, compliance assistance.Coastal Pay specializes in pharmacy payment processing with streamlined setup specifically designed for independent and chain pharmacies—most processing within 10-14 days. Apply today to start reducing processing costs within two weeks.

Get Started with Pharmacy Payment Processing

See How Much Your Pharmacy Can Save

Stop overpaying for payment processing. Get a free rate analysis and discover how Coastal

What happens next:

Free rate analysis – Upload current processing statement
Custom pharmacy quote – See exact savings with our transparent pricing
PMS compatibility check – Confirm integration with your pharmacy system
Implementation plan – Smooth setup with pharmacy expertise
Start saving – Typically save $1,000-$3,000+ monthly

Average pharmacy savings:

Small independent ($100K monthly): $800-1,000/month = $9,600-12,000/year
Medium independent ($200K monthly): $1,600-2,000/month = $19,200-24,000/year
Large independent ($300K monthly): $2,400-3,000/month = $28,800-36,000/year
Small chain (5 stores): $6,000-8,000/month = $72,000-96,000/year
Regional chain (20 stores): $25,000-30,000/month = $300,000-360,000/year

Questions? Talk to a Pharmacy Payment Specialist

Our team understands pharmacy operations and can answer questions about PMS integration, FSA/HSA acceptance, HIPAA compliance, contactless payment, and cost optimization.

No sales pressure. No obligation. Just expert pharmacy payment guidance.

Phone: 1-800-XXX-XXXX (Mon-Fri 7am-7pm ET, Sat 9am-3pm ET)
Email: pharmacies@coastalpay.com
Live Chat: Available on our website (business hours)
Free Rate Analysis: Upload statement for instant savings calculation
Video Demo: See pharmacy payment features (4 minutes)
Free Guide: "Pharmacy Payment Processing Compliance Checklist" (download)