A point of care dispensing system in your clinic refers to the process of supplying pre-packaged medicines to your patients. But, the process itself is not just limited to the distribution and sale. It is also an opportunity to monitor, correct, and counsel your patients regarding their drug intake and therapy.
It’s been more than a decade since automated physician dispensing programs have taken over clinics. While each state in America has its own laws and policies governing the distribution of medications at the doctor’s office, most pharmacy and medical boards encourage the practice as it can significantly improve the quality of care a clinic can provide to their patients.
Patient Outcomes and Adherence
A large scale study has revealed that only between 68 to 71 percent of prescriptions are actually filled out. And when drugs do not seem to take effect, the bigger questions doctors need to ask is if their patients are taking their medications and prescriptions properly.
The most common reason patients fail to adhere to their prescribed treatment is due to the time spent and general inconvenience of waiting at the pharmacy. Experts call this an example of non-fulfillment adherence.
In some cases, the patient may also decide to stop their medicine intake without the doctor’s advice or take their medications incorrectly. Thus, their condition doesn’t improve. These problems with adherence can be better addressed by having a point of care dispensing system in your clinic because it encourages a closer relationship and open line of communication with your patients.
Favoring Your Clinic
Patients want nothing more than to get the best type of care from their doctors. Point of care dispensing of medications is one way to deliver the quality care they need. By implementing in-office physician dispensing at your clinic, you can:
- Carefully monitor your patient’s medication needs, especially for those requiring complex treatments.
- Adjust the patient’s prescription at the point of care if they are experiencing side effects.
- Follow through on the patient’s treatment plan with each visit or check-up as you have all the necessary data from your system’s software and automated set-up.
- Provide additional counseling and receive feedback from your patients
These options, and many more, can help lead to improved patient, doctor trust and often results in increased satisfaction ratings. Word of mouth and recommendations given by patients to their peers is an invaluable source of new clientele. Positive reviews online due to stellar service and patient convenience also boost the chance that your clinic will be picked over others in an online search.
Added Perks and Bonuses
While patient convenience and medication compliance are reason enough to want to offer medications in-office, dispensing also acts as a revenue generator for your clinic. For urgent care or family practices, a flat rate dispensing fee is usually charged (between $10-$20 per medication) which is often comparable or lower than most insurance co-pays. For clinics offering dispensing services to work-comp patients, revenue is generated upon receipt of insurance reimbursement. Having the right billing management team can make all the difference in the maximum return on investment. Whichever method you choose, the results are always a win-win for both the patient and the practice.
First Coast Health Solutions – the best in-office dispensing company
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 committed to helping physicians achieve the best possible dispensing services for patients. 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 providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
