Centralized prescription processing allows pharmacies to do what?

Centralized prescription processing is a system where one pharmacy manages and processes prescriptions for multiple pharmacies. This arrangement permits pharmacies to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. By processing requests to fill or refill prescriptions centrally, pharmacies can ensure that patient needs are met in a timely manner, regardless of where the prescription is originally written or where the patient chooses to have it filled.

This method helps in better managing inventory, leveraging resources, and providing timely services to patients who may need their medications filled quickly, especially in situations where one location may have higher demand or stock limitations.

Other options refer to activities that do not align with the regulatory requirements for pharmacies. For example, providing free samples is typically restricted by laws and regulations. Filling prescriptions without a legal prescription breaches various laws regarding medication safety and legality. Setting pricing independently does not directly relate to the concept of centralized prescription processing, which focuses on the operational aspects rather than varying pricing strategies.