MedFlats Training

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Overview
What is MedFlats?
MedFlats is a complete, all-inclusive system that makes it easy to return and dispose of your pharmaceutical products responsibly. View the full line of MedFlats, here.

Why do I need MedFlats?
MedFlats is the solution to a critical element of the healthcare supply chain: handling unwanted pharmaceutical products. Here are the top five reasons why you should have MedFlats:
  1. Responsibility.
    MedFlats is a responsible outlet to destroy pharmaceuticals -- including controlled substances. Pharmaceutical products disposed via MedFlats will not end up in landfills, water supplies, or the illegal drug market.

  2. Return Credits.
    By using MedFlats, you can capture return credits for eligible products.

  3. Simplicity.
    MedFlats is a user-friendly solution that requires no training. Implementation in any facility is simple and intuitive.

  4. Compliance
    By using MedFlats, you can be sure that they are compliant with all regulatory organizations.

  5. Value.
    MedFlats are sold at affordable, flat-rate prices that are all-inclusive. Once you purchase a flat, there are no other out of pocket expenses -- even return shipment is included.

Who Should Use MedFlats?
MedFlats is ideal for any licensed facility that handles or dispenses pharmaceutical products. Here are several examples of industries that would benefit from MedFlats:
  • Physician Offices
  • Surgery Centers
  • Long Term Care Facilities
  • Retail Clinics
  • Correctional Institutions
  • Ambulatory/EMS Providers
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Hospice
  • Rehabilitation Centers

Product Support
How does MedFlats work?
MedFlats was created to be simply and easily integrated into any facility. Here's how it works:

You:
  1. Order and Assemble the Flat
    You must first place an order then assemble and fill the flat following the package instructions.

  2. Logs In to the MedFlats Customer Portal
    Included in the MedFlats solution is access to our easy-to-use inventory and reporting web-interface: the MedFlats Customer Portal. You must login to register a flat for return/disposal and to create an inventory of the items being included in the flat. The portal also offers access to valuable reporting tools and online help, if you need more support.

  3. Returns the Flat
    Once your flat is ready, they will give or drop it off with the shipping carrier specified on the pre-paid return shipping label. Typically, box MedFlats are returned via UPS, and envelope MedFlats are returned via USPS.

Once the flat reaches our facility, we take care of the rest of the process.

We:
  1. Process the Flat
    Our team has years of experiencing handling pharmaceutical products that needs to be returned or disposed. Once we receive a flat, we determine what can be returned to the manufacturer and what needs to be disposed. Any pharmaceutical products that require disposal are shipped to a waste-to-energy incineration facility that harnesses the energy given off by the incineration process and puts it back on the grid.

  2. Provide Reports
    One of the most unique aspects of the MedFlats solution is the reports. We compile and provide you with inventory reports, return credit reports, disposal reports (that you can use for tax incentives at the end of the year), and many others. These reports have helped our customers better manage their inventory and save money.

Which size MedFlats should I order?
MedFlats come in five sizes:
Large MedFlats are ideal for pharmacies or large-scale healthcare facilities.
DIMENSIONS WEIGHT
15" X 8" X 8" 10 lbs.
Small MedFlats (envelope) are perfect for small facilities or one-off, low-quantity return and disposal.
DIMENSIONS WEIGHT
9" X 6" X 3.5" 2 lbs.
To view/download MedFlats specifications (include size and maximum capacity), click here.

 

FAQ

Use the FAQ below to answer any questions regarding MedFlats. You can find a version of this FAQ in the MedFlats Customer Portal by clicking on "FAQ" in the Support drop-down menu.

 


General
What is MedFlats?
MedFlats is an eco-friendly, all-inclusive, fixed-cost pharmaceutical returns and disposal system. It comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) to suit a full-spectrum of return/disposal needs. View the products, here.

Why is MedFlats green?
MedFlats is considered a green product for many reasons:
  1. The MedFlats box is made out of recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.
  2. The MedFlats system of disposal uses a waste-to-energy incineration facility that in turn powers thousands of homes in the U.S.
  3. By returning and disposing of pharmaceutical drugs via the MedFlats system, pharmaceutical products are being kept out of our landfills and water supplies.
  4. As a company, our culture is to "use" wisely and "re-use" as often as possible.


What is included in the MedFlats service?
Included in MedFlats is a shipping container (box or envelope, depending on size), plastic liner bag, instructions for use, pre-paid return shipment label, and access to the MedFlats Customer Portal (for flat registration, reporting, and online tutorials and customer support). View the products, here.

What happens to my flat after I ship it back?
Your flat is returned to PharmaLink, Inc. (the return and disposal service provider and creator of MedFlats). At the PharmaLink facility, a team of processors verifies inventory and sorts product based on return eligibility. Product that is eligible for return is sent back to the manufacturer for possible credit which, once received, will be sent to you in the form of a check from MedFlats by PharmaLink. Product that is not eligible for return is packaged for disposal and sent to a waste-to-energy incineration facility. All of these events are tracked in our system, and the information is then made available to you by way of the "Reports" section of the Customer Portal. Learn more about MedFlats, here.

Where can I purchase MedFlats?
MedFlats is sold via a network of distributors to healthcare facilities and professionals. To order MedFlats, contact your distributor.

My flat is damaged; what do I do?
If you receive a damaged or incomplete MedFlat, contact your distributor. They will be able to inform you of their policy on returning damaged products.

I need to talk to real person; how do I get in touch with a Customer Service Representative?
You can contact a MedFlats Customer Service Representative at PharmaLink, Inc. between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday at 800-257-3527. Or for 24/7 support, you can contact us online or email us at MedFlats@PharmaLinkInc.com.

How do you use my personal information?
Your account information is private, secure, and only used to complete return and disposal of MedFlats. We may use your email address to contact you regarding account changes (updated account information, password reset, etc.), important MedFlats updates, or special offers, but you can opt-out of email communications at any time (not applicable to emails that are auto-generated due to account information changes). We will never share or sell your information.

For more information on MedFlats terms and conditions and privacy policy, go here.


Using MedFlats
How do I start using MedFlats at my facility?
In order to start using MedFlats at your facility, your distributor must be an approved MedFlats distributor. If your distributor is not yet an approved MedFlats distributor, contact us.

Which size MedFlats should I order for my facility?
MedFlats come in five sizes:
Large MedFlats are ideal for pharmacies or large-scale healthcare facilities.
DIMENSIONS WEIGHT
12" X 12" X 12" 12 lbs.
15" X 8" X 8" 10 lbs.
Medium MedFlats meet the needs of the average medical center and most doctor's offices.
DIMENSIONS WEIGHT
8" X 8" X 8" 8 lbs.
Small MedFlats (envelope) are perfect for small facilities or one-off, low-quantity return and disposal.
DIMENSIONS WEIGHT
9" X 6" X 3.5" 2 lbs.
8.5" X 12" X 2" 13 lbs.
For additional details about sizes and capacity click here to view our product page.
I lost the instructions for using my flat; where can I get instructions for use?
Instructions for use are available on the "Download Resources" page of the Support section of the Customer Portal.

Go here to access instructions and other valuable documents available for download.

Where can I find the MedFlats ID #? Where can I find my tracking #?
Your MedFlats ID # is located on the top-right corner of the lid of your MedFlats box or in the top-right corner of the front face of your MedFlats envelope. Your tracking number is located on your return-shipping label just above or beneath the barcode.

View our diagram for more help locating your MedFlats ID # and Tracking #, here.

How do I find my nearest shipping carrier drop-off location?
You can find your nearest MedFlats drop-off location by navigating to the "UPS + USPS Locator" page in the Support section of the Customer Portal or by clicking here.

MedFlats boxes (8" and 12" cubes) are shipped via UPS. MedFlats envelopes are shipped via USPS.

How long does it take to process a flat?
Once we receive your flat -- typically 7 to 14 business days after you drop it off with the appropriate shipping carrier -- processing can take up to 14 business days.


MedFlats Portal
Can I create multiple MedFlats accounts?
In order to create a MedFlats account, you must have valid DEA and state licensing. You can create one account per DEA/State license.

How do I change/update my account information (address, email, phone number, etc.)?
Change or update your account information by logging-in to the MedFlats Customer Portal and clicking on "Account Management" in the upper-right portion of your screen. Find the section(s) you want to update and click the corresponding pencil icon(s). Change the necessary information and click save.

Click here to access the "Account Management" page.

How do I recover my username and/or password?
In order to recover your username and/or password, visit the main MedFlats website and click the "Forgot Password?" link under the username and password input boxes in the top-right portion of the page. Enter the username or email associated with the account you are trying to access and click send. We will automatically send you an email with your username and password information.

Important: The email will be sent to the email address on file for the account.

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding access to the Customer Portal, contact us.

How do I register a new flat and create a new inventory?
There are several ways to register your flat/create an inventory, but all start with creating a MedFlats account and logging-in to the MedFlats Customer Portal:
  1. From the main Customer Portal Dashboard you can input your MedFlats ID # directly into the first dashboard box on page, titled "Create/Edit Inventory."
  2. You can also click on the Inventory section of the Customer Portal navigation and enter your MedFlats ID # into the first dashboard box on the page, titled "Register New Flat."
  3. Last, you can click on the "Create Inventory" link from the Inventory section drop down menu and enter your MedFlats ID # and Tracking #.
If you need help finding your MedFlats ID # or Tracking #, click here for a diagram.

How do I access a saved inventory?
In order to access saved inventories, you must first log-in to the Customer Portal. Once you are logged in there are several ways you can access saved inventories:
  1. If you know the MedFlats ID # of the inventory you wish to access, you can enter the ID # directly into the first dashboard box of the main Customer Portal Dashboard, titled "Credit/Edit Inventory". This will take you directly to the inventory you wish to access.
  2. You can also click on the Inventory section of the Customer Portal navigation bar and enter the MedFlats ID # of the saved inventory into the second dashboard box on the page, titled "Access Open Inventory." This will take you directly to the inventory you wish to access.
  3. To view a list of all saved inventories, click on the "Saved Inventory" link from the Inventory section drop down menu.
How do I view a history of processed inventories?
Once you submit an inventory, a record of your inventory can be found in the Reports section of the Customer Portal. Simply click on the "Inventory History" link from the Reports drop down menu to view a record of all the inventories you have submitted for processing. Click on the "View" link that corresponds with the individual record you wish to access to see the inventory history for that particular flat.

What reports are available? What are the differences between the reports?
Currently, you can access two types of reports: Inventory History Reports (a record of inventories submitted for processing) and Return Reports (reports that detail how the products in your submitted inventories were processed). Return Reports can be queried by MedFlats ID # or by date range. There are four types of Return Reports:
  • Returnable: product in a flat that was eligible for return credit.
  • Non-returnable: product in a flat that was not eligible for return (includes explanation).
  • Schedule II (2): products in a C2 flat as they were processed.
  • Schedule III-V (3 - 5): products identified as controlled substances (excluding Schedule 2) as they were processed.
Click here to access the Reports Dashboard to view, download, and learn more about reports.


Compliance and Safety
What guidelines does MedFlats follow for proper return/disposal of pharmaceuticals?
MedFlats uses PharmaLink, Inc. to return and dispose of products submitted via MedFlats. PharmaLink is absolutely committed to compliance in pharmaceutical returns and disposal. PharmaLink is dedicated to recognizing the needs of customers and following the laws of all Federal, State, and Local agencies that affect our day to day business.

What are the "Do's and Dont's" of using MedFlats?
Do's and Don'ts of MedFlats are listed on the box flaps of Medium and Large MedFlats and on the outer sleeve of Small MedFlats. You can also view Do's and Don'ts by accessing the "Download Resources" page and downloading MedFlats instructions, here.

For C2 returns, your C2 kit will also include a specific list of tips/do's and don'ts for C2 flats.

Can I use MedFlats to for medical, biohazardous waste/material?

You CANNOT use MedFlats to return/dispose of medical, biohazardous waste/material.

MedFlats are designed for return/disposal of pharmaceutical products and should not be used for any other purpose.

What is a C2?
A C2 is also known as Schedule II controlled substance. As defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Schedule II drugs are substances that have a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Some examples of C2 drugs include narcotics like Oxycodone, as well as, stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall.

The DEA monitors Schedule II drugs very closely and requires the usage of “DEA Form 222” before any controlled substances are shipped to PharmaLink, Inc. (MedFlats) for return or disposal. The DEA has strict laws that forbid the undocumented shipping of controlled substances.

To view PDFs of the most recent, official lists of DEA Controlled Substances (by name, by drug code, or by schedule), visit the DEA's "Controlled Substance Schedules" page here.

What do I have to do in order to return/dispose of controlled substances via MedFlats?
Complete instructions for successfully completing your C2 return can be found by downloading the "C2 Addendum" PDF located on the "Download Resources" page of the Support section of the Customer Portal. Click here to access the "C2 Addendum" directly.

Important: The "C2 Addendum" is designed to be used in concert with the general instructions for your specific flat (small, medium, or large). You can access general MedFlats instructions on the "Download Resources" page or by clicking here.

My DEA 222 Order Form has incorrect information; how do I correct it?
If your DEA Form 222 has incorrect or incomplete information, please contact the PharmaLink, Inc. Compliance Department at 800-257-3527 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

How long will it take for me to receive my C2 kit?
After you register and submit inventory for a C2 flat, we will mail out your C2 Kit within 2 business days via U.S. Postal Service. It may take up to 14 business days to arrive at your address.