His Prescriptions Couldn’t be Filled. Now What?
A UVM Health pharmacist helped a patient restart 21 medications and avoid a hospital visit.
His pill box is nothing short of a logistical miracle.
It holds 21 different medications for treating diabetes, depression, pain, substance use disorder and other health problems. Many are critical and must be taken daily. Abruptly stopping some prescription medications can have serious health consequences, and in rare cases, potentially fatal.
In early 2025, Peccolo moved to Vermont to be closer to family. But when his new pharmacy had problems processing his New York Medicaid coverage, none of his and couldn’t refill any of his prescriptions could be refilled.
The timing could not have been worse. Unable to afford the out-of-pocket cost, Peccolo ran out of most of his medications within days.
Running out of medications put his health at risk
Without insulin, he began experiencing signs of high blood sugar. He developed stomach cramps, nausea and increasing physical and emotional distress. He needed to restart his medications quickly.
That’s when Samantha Saluti, ambulatory transition of care pharmacist supervisor at University of Vermont Health – UVM Medical Center, got involved.
Saluti oversees Meds to Beds, a UVM Medical Center program that makes sure hospital patients have all their medications before being discharged, that they know how to take them, how to order refills and more. In December 2024, she also began leading a Transitions of Care program that helps patients navigate medication-related barriers in various health care settings.
Although Peccolo wasn’t a UVM Medical Center patient, care management staff at University of Vermont Health – Alice Hyde Medical Center referred him to Saluti for help.
This time, the timing was exactly right.
To have someone like that in my corner, it was amazing. I didn’t even know where to start.
Pharmacist helps prevent potential hospital visit
“Based on his medication profile, abruptly stopping several of his medications could have resulted in withdrawal symptoms or other serious health consequences,” Saluti says. “If Charles sustained high blood sugars for a prolonged period of time, he could have ended up in the hospital.”
Saluti knew she had to work fast.
Peccolo Medicaid coverage was active, but several administrative barriers were preventing prescriptions from being processed. Saluti identified the issues and quickly fixed them.
In less than a day, all 21 of Peccolo’s prescriptions were approved, filled and ready for pick up at UVM Medical Center’s main campus pharmacy. Total cost to Peccolo: $0.
“To have someone like that in my corner, it was amazing,” Peccolo says. “I didn’t even know where to start.”
Saluti also coordinated with Peccolo’s health care clinicians to ensure everyone had the same medical information. She also helped convert many of his prescriptions from 30-day to 90-day supplies, easing the burden of managing so many refills.
Better medication access leads to better health
At a recent appointment, Peccolomet with his primary care clinician, Benjamin Baker, a physician assistant at Community Health Centers of Burlington.
His health is improving. He’s lost weight and improved his diet and is staying on top of his care. Baker checked some wounds on his legs that are healing well and suggested a referral for a specialist to keep on top of it.
While he continues to manage chronic health conditions, he hasn’t needed a trip to the emergency department or a hospital stay in more than a year, a dramatic change from two years ago.
For Peccolo, getting help when he needed it made all the difference.
“I think one of the big messages here is that you aren't alone,” Saluti says. “If Charles or anyone is running into issues or something is wrong with their prescriptions, we're able to help.”
Need help with your medications?
If you are having trouble accessing, affording or managing your medications, learn how the Transitions of Care team can help.
