A method is described for controlling operations of an automated refill
system (AFS) to support automated communications with a plurality of
interactive voice response (IVR) systems in fulfillment of a prescription order. Upon receiving a request message to refill a medicinal prescription order from a first IVR
system, the AFS is configured to determine whether it is able to communicate with the first IVR
system associated with a first
pharmacy identified in the request message. Thereafter, the AFS determines whether the first IVR system associated with the first
pharmacy provides a medication identified in the request message at a lowest cost. If so, the AFS continues
operability with the first IVR system. Otherwise, the AFS selects a second IVR system associated with a second
pharmacy to
handle the refill order when the second pharmacy can provide the medication at a lowest cost.