FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about IMC Pharma's inventory and reverse distribution services.

General6 questions
How long has IMC Pharma been in business?
IMC Pharma has been providing pharmaceutical inventory and reverse distribution services since 1976. Over 50 years of specialized experience.
Is IMC Pharma a national company?
Yes. We serve hospitals, health systems, and pharmacies nationwide with consistent quality and service standards.
What makes IMC different from other inventory companies?
IMC specializes exclusively in pharmaceutical inventory. Our crews are trained specifically for pharmacy environments, and our proprietary AI software delivers the fastest turnaround in the industry. We are also a nationally awarded Premier Inc vendor.
Does IMC Pharma work with VA Medical Centers?
Yes. IMC Pharma has extensive experience serving VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) nationwide. We understand the unique compliance requirements, formulary structures, and controlled substance protocols specific to federal pharmacy operations.
How do I request a proposal or get pricing?
You can submit a proposal request directly at imcpharma.com/request-proposal. We respond within one business day with a detailed proposal, pricing, and a recommended service plan tailored to your facility.
Does IMC Pharma work with health systems and IDNs?
Yes. We regularly partner with integrated delivery networks (IDNs) and multi-facility health systems, providing standardized inventory and reverse distribution services across all locations under a single contract.
Inventory Services9 questions
What types of pharmacies do you serve?
We serve hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and outpatient pharmacies of all sizes.
How accurate is your inventory count?
We maintain a 99% inventory accuracy rate, backed by our proprietary AI-powered scanning technology.
How quickly will I receive my inventory report?
IMC delivers the fastest turnaround in the industry. Our AI software processes data in real time, and reports are typically delivered faster than any competitor.
Do you handle 340B inventory?
Yes. IMC Pharma is a recognized 340B expert. We understand the compliance requirements of the 340B program and ensure your inventory supports full program integrity.
How does IMC's AI scanning technology work?
Our proprietary AI-powered scanning system reads barcodes, NDC numbers, and lot information in real time. The software cross-references your formulary, flags discrepancies instantly, and compiles a complete inventory report, eliminating the manual data entry errors that plague traditional counts.
How long does a pharmacy inventory count take?
Count duration depends on facility size and inventory volume. Most hospital pharmacy counts are completed in a single overnight session to minimize disruption to daily operations. Our team works around your schedule.
Can IMC perform inventory counts without disrupting pharmacy operations?
Yes. We schedule counts during off-peak hours, typically overnight or on weekends, and our experienced crews work efficiently to minimize any impact on your staff and patient care workflows.
What is the cost of outsourcing a pharmacy inventory count?
Pricing is based on facility size, inventory volume, and service type. Most facilities find that outsourcing to IMC costs significantly less than the labor, overtime, and error-correction costs of running counts in-house. Request a proposal at imcpharma.com/request-proposal for a custom quote.
Do you provide inventory counts for specialty and oncology pharmacies?
Yes. Our teams are trained to handle high-value specialty and oncology drug inventories, including proper handling protocols, chain-of-custody documentation, and compliance with applicable regulations.
Reverse Distribution9 questions
Are there any hidden charges for using IMC?
No. Your only charges are the return rate and, if needed, optional shipping assistance. We are fully transparent about all fees upfront.
My current return company claims to get credit back in 24 hours. Is that possible?
No medical return company can give you credit back in that timeframe. They are either giving you an in-house manifest credit memo or using misleading marketing. Credit timelines are 100% controlled by the manufacturer. Some take up to 6 months.
Can IMC bill our wholesaler directly?
Yes. IMC prefers to bill your wholesaler directly. It helps your budget and we already have a relationship with your wholesale, making it a streamlined process.
How do I track my returns?
Once your return has been processed, IMC uploads your report to imcpharma.com. You can log in at any time to access your return status and full documentation.
Do you handle controlled substances?
Yes. IMC is fully licensed to handle DEA Schedule II–V controlled substances. We provide complete chain-of-custody documentation for every controlled item.
What types of medications can be returned through reverse distribution?
IMC processes expired medications, overstocked drugs, recalled products, and damaged or unusable pharmaceuticals. This includes brand-name, generic, controlled substances (Schedule II–V), and specialty medications, subject to manufacturer return policies.
How does reverse distribution reduce pharmacy costs?
Reverse distribution recovers credit for returnable medications that would otherwise be written off as a loss. IMC clients average a 30% reduction in reverse distribution costs compared to managing returns in-house or through less experienced vendors.
What happens to medications that cannot be returned for credit?
Non-returnable medications are disposed of in full compliance with DEA and EPA regulations. IMC provides complete destruction documentation, including certificates of destruction, to protect your facility from liability.
How does IMC handle recalled medications?
When a manufacturer issues a recall, IMC can quickly process the affected inventory for return or destruction. We handle all documentation and ensure your facility meets the recall response requirements set by the FDA and manufacturer.
Compliance & Licensing6 questions
Is IMC licensed to handle pharmaceutical returns?
Yes. IMC Pharma holds a Licensed Wholesale Drug Distributor license and is fully DEA and EPA compliant, with all required state licenses.
How does IMC ensure regulatory compliance?
Every return and inventory is processed according to DEA, EPA, and applicable state regulations. Our team is trained on current compliance requirements and we maintain all required documentation.
What documentation does IMC provide for DEA audits?
IMC provides complete chain-of-custody documentation for all controlled substance transactions, including DEA Form 222 processing, destruction certificates, and detailed manifests. Our records are audit-ready and can be accessed through your client portal at any time.
Is IMC compliant with EPA hazardous waste regulations for pharmaceutical disposal?
Yes. IMC is fully EPA compliant and follows all Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements for pharmaceutical hazardous waste. We provide proper disposal documentation to protect your facility from environmental liability.
Does IMC help with state board of pharmacy compliance?
Yes. IMC holds the required state licenses in all jurisdictions where we operate. We stay current with state board of pharmacy regulations and ensure our processes meet or exceed state-specific requirements for inventory and returns.
Can IMC help our pharmacy prepare for a DEA inspection?
Yes. Our documentation practices are designed to withstand DEA scrutiny. We can provide a complete history of all controlled substance transactions processed through IMC, giving your team the records needed to respond confidently to any inspection.

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