What is the primary purpose of central fill arrangements?

• A. To sell drugs directly to patients
• B. To provide a separate retail experience
• C. To enable fill or refill of prescriptions by an agent of the originating pharmacy
• D. To replace the originating pharmacy

Answer: (C)

Central fill arrangements are about a separate filling facility handling prescriptions for another pharmacy. The main purpose is to enable the fill or refill of prescriptions by an agent of the originating pharmacy. This setup allows the originating pharmacy to rely on a centralized operation for dispensing, improving efficiency and capacity while the patient interface and counseling remain linked to the originating pharmacy. The patient typically still interacts with the originating pharmacy for questions and ongoing care, and the central filling process is about who actually dispenses—not about selling directly to patients, creating a separate retail experience, or replacing the original pharmacy.