COVID-19 is still very prevalent, and everyone should attempt to follow all government, medical & CDC guidelines in order to do their part to prevent furthering the spread of the virus.
One option for medical providers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to their patients is to implement in-office dispensing. There are several reasons for how in-office medication dispensing will help minimize exposure to COVID-19.
Reduces the risk of COVID-19 Exposure to Vulnerable Populations
If diagnosed with COVID-19, the risk of developing serious symptoms is greatly increased in the older population and those with certain medical conditions. Conditions that may put one at risk include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Lung Problems
- Weakened Immune System
- Certain Heart Conditions
Physician dispensing companies can assist in risk reduction for many of these individuals since their dispensing programs help eliminate additional visits to the pharmacy. There is also the advantage of practitioners having the ability to discuss patient medications in-office during dispensing. A conversation around medications is especially important for vulnerable populations.
Reduces the Risk of Exposure at Pharmacies
The majority of pharmacies have successfully implemented measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to pharmacy patients. That said, there are still several variables that cannot be guaranteed, including;
- Staff who may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic and working
- Social distancing guidelines not being followed
- Shoppers who will not wear face masks or wear them incorrectly
- An inadequate supply of hand sanitizer
- Staff handling of medications, packaging, benefit cards, and credit cards
- Insufficient cleaning and disinfecting techniques
Another factor is several pharmacies offer COVID-19 testing, so those who are sick may be present in the environment. Though this may also be a factor at clinics, pharmacies cannot control the environment to the extent that medical facilities can.
By installing physician dispensing software and offering medication at your medical clinic, you provide a safe alternative for all patients to get the medicine they need.
Offers Protection to The Rest of the Community
If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that COVID-19 is not 100% preventable, even when all safety measures are in place. Isolation and quarantine are the best options for reducing spread to others.
There is always the risk your patient was exposed to COVID-19 before or during the visit to your clinic. If you offer in-office dispensing, they will not risk additional exposure to others by visiting another public location in the community.
By eliminating the number of public offices and stores patients need to visit, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Learn More About the Benefits of a Drug Dispensing System at First Coast Health Solutions
First Coast Health Solutions (FCHS) is a leading national medication dispensing software for physicians. We dispense FDA approved, pre-packaged medications from a reliable web-based dispensing system.
Our priority is to promote a medical environment that is compliant and delivers quality patient care. Safety is our top value now and for patients of the future.
To find out more about our programs, visit our website. Alternatively, contact us:
- Call us at 904-350-1155, or 904-350-1157
- Please send us an email: info@firstcoasthealthsolutions.com
- Fill in our online contact form
- Please drop us a visit: First Coast Health Solutions, 211 North Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
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.
