FAQ — IMC Pharma Pharmaceutical Inventory & Reverse Distribution

Question 1

How long has IMC Pharma been in business?

Accepted Answer

IMC Pharma has been providing pharmaceutical inventory and reverse distribution services since 1976 — over 50 years of specialized experience.

Question 2

Is IMC Pharma a national company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve hospitals, health systems, and pharmacies nationwide with consistent quality and service standards.

Question 3

What makes IMC different from other inventory companies?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Does IMC Pharma work with VA Medical Centers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How do I request a proposal or get pricing?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Does IMC Pharma work with health systems and IDNs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What types of pharmacies do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and outpatient pharmacies of all sizes.

Question 8

How accurate is your inventory count?

Accepted Answer

We maintain a 99% inventory accuracy rate, backed by our proprietary AI-powered scanning technology.

Question 9

How quickly will I receive my inventory report?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do you handle 340B inventory?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

How does IMC's AI scanning technology work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How long does a pharmacy inventory count take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Can IMC perform inventory counts without disrupting pharmacy operations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What is the cost of outsourcing a pharmacy inventory count?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you provide inventory counts for specialty and oncology pharmacies?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Are there any hidden charges for using IMC?

Accepted Answer

No. Your only charges are the return rate and, if needed, optional shipping assistance. We are fully transparent about all fees upfront.

Question 17

My current return company claims to get credit back in 24 hours. Is that possible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Can IMC bill our wholesaler directly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

How do I track my returns?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

Do you handle controlled substances?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IMC is fully licensed to handle DEA Schedule II–V controlled substances. We provide complete chain-of-custody documentation for every controlled item.

Question 21

What types of medications can be returned through reverse distribution?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

How does reverse distribution reduce pharmacy costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

What happens to medications that cannot be returned for credit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

How does IMC handle recalled medications?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

Is IMC licensed to handle pharmaceutical returns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. IMC Pharma holds a Licensed Wholesale Drug Distributor license and is fully DEA and EPA compliant, with all required state licenses.

Question 26

How does IMC ensure regulatory compliance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

What documentation does IMC provide for DEA audits?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

Is IMC compliant with EPA hazardous waste regulations for pharmaceutical disposal?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

Does IMC help with state board of pharmacy compliance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

Can IMC help our pharmacy prepare for a DEA inspection?

Accepted Answer

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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