When a patient needs an item not available in the CVS warehouse, where should that item be ordered from?

Ordering an item from an outside vendor like Cardinal is the correct choice when a patient requires a medication or product that isn’t available in the CVS warehouse. Outside vendors typically specialize in pharmaceutical distribution and can provide a wider range of products that may not be stocked in local warehouses. They ensure that the items meet quality standards and are delivered efficiently to the pharmacy, allowing for better patient care in a timely manner.

Ordering from a local pharmacy may not be a viable option since it could depend on the availability and willingness of another pharmacy to sell or transfer the item. Online retailers usually do not meet the professional pharmacy standards expected in a medication provision scenario, where an immediate and safe supply is critical for patient care. Warehouse Direct may imply sourcing from deeper stock levels within the same network, but it wouldn't address the initial lack of availability as effectively as tapping into a broader vendor network tailored for such needs. Using an outside vendor assures that the patient will receive the required item likely more quickly and with a reliable regulatory compliance than other less direct options.