While in-office dispensing has been around for quite some time, it is now being more widely recognized by many doctors as a valuable asset to add to their practice because of the many benefits it provides to the clinical practice as well as to the patients. For a doctor with tremendous responsibility who wants to gain additional sources of income, in-office medication dispensing system is one of the quickest and easiest ancillary opportunities to implement.
In-office medication dispensing is the preparation and delivery of prescribed medication to patients in the physician’s medical practice and other clinical settings. The process has been proven to be safe, efficient and cost-effective. It has also been a way to help patients stick to their treatment plans.
If you are considering in-office dispensing for your practice, you can be guided by the 5 benefits that we have listed below.
-
Additional source of income
When you choose to dispense medications in your office it can provide additional revenue, which can be used to cover expenses such as employee salaries, rent, supplies and other required expenses. As revenues increase, the profits can be applied to other areas too.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a doctor is typically being visited by 25 patients every day and writes 1.4 prescriptions per consultation. If a practice could make $10 on the 35 prescriptions being made, the doctor’s daily profit would increase by $350 without occupying more of the doctor’s time.
Most doctors who choose in-office dispensing say that the service is now becoming so profitable that some private companies are already starting to invest in the business.
-
Patient convenience and retention
It is convenient for most patients to immediately obtain the prescribed medicines as it eliminates the need to go to the pharmacy. Providing convenience to your patients will inspires both retention and referrals.
Research from the Journal of Internal Medicine shows that between 28% and 31% of new prescriptions are never filled, which leads to serious health conditions. The most common reason for this is the transportation issue especially for elderly people, most of them take hours to go to the doctor’s clinic, making travelling to the pharmacy an extra challenge for them. The convenience that in-office dispensing provides eliminates all the traveling hassle a patient would otherwise have to face in the usual setting.
-
Improved patient adherence and outcomes
When you dispense prescribed medications in office you will be able to monitor if your patient complied with the given recommendations. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to provide instruction and encouragement, making it more likely that the patient will follow the recommended treatment plan. Therefore, ensuring better treatment outcomes.
-
Confidentiality is respected
Most patients do not like the idea of travelling to the pharmacy to drop off their prescriptions because they need to wait for an hour in a place of little privacy.
In-office dispensing protects your patients’ privacy since the medication is usually handed in the doctor’s clinic/office. When confidentiality is respected, it builds patient trust and loyalty.
-
Cost saving
Your patients would ultimately save money. When you can fill patient’s prescriptions on-site, you can also have the opportunity to look for medication brands that will be most affordable for your patient.
You can also be affiliated with some insurance companies to find a low cost treatment option for your patient to help them reduce their overall medical costs.
Learn more about First Coast Health Solutions
If you are considering an in-office medication dispensing system for your practice, First Coast Health Solutions provides the right dispensing program for you. It is the leading full service Physician In-Office Dispensing Pharmacy. For more information, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
