According to a 2017 study done by the CDC, between 20% to 31% of drug prescriptions are never filled, leading to worsened health conditions. As a result, almost 50% of patients do not continue their treatment plan, causing a drastic increase in healthcare costs to treat a more complex disease or issue that might have been mitigated had the prescription been filled.
Moreover, non-adherence of patients to treatment regimens can cause severe progression of their disease which, in severe cases, can be fatal. There are several reasons why medication non-adherence is still an issue today. Some suggest a lack of knowledge about drug use, poor pharmacist or provider communication, and overly complex regimens as major causes.
But according to studies, sociocultural and economic factors have been one of the primary reasons for medication non-adherence, such as lack of financial support or access to healthcare. For example, patients on Medicaid or the elderly usually have to find rides to their physician’s office, making the commute to the pharmacy even more challenging. In these cases, receiving both services at the same location would eliminate the hassle一which is where in-office dispensing can prove to be beneficial.
How can Physician Dispensing Can Improve Patients’ Health Quickly?
Primary healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and manage mild to chronic health conditions. They also create a unique treatment plan to address the different needs of their patients. However, physicians can actually do more than that.
Doctors can directly deliver medications or prescription drugs from their office or clinic into their patients’ hands. This practice is known as in-office or physician dispensing.
In-office dispensing involves the use of a program to manage the drug inventory and ensure the accuracy of dosing and drug dispensing. In simpler terms, physician dispensing means doctors can prepare and dispense medications from their clinics, saving patients a trip to the pharmacy.
Here are some of the benefits experienced via an on-site medication dispensary:
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Enhanced patient compliance and adherence
Improving patient adherence to their treatment is one of the best health benefits in-office dispensing can achieve. After a patient’s appointment with their doctor, they don’t need to travel to the nearest pharmacy to fill their prescriptions. Their primary care physician can directly give them the prescribed medication while still in the clinic.
Of course, this won’t ensure that each patient will actually take their medication once they’re home. However, in-office dispensing can eliminate some of the factors that contribute to medication non-adherence. This includes transportation problems, financial issues, and a lack of proper guidance.
Additionally, physicians may be able to provide on-the-spot instructions and guidance regarding the medication at hand. This increases the patient’s understanding regarding their medications, thus, better compliance with the treatment plan.
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Improved patient convenience and satisfaction
Not everyone has the time to attend a doctor’s appointment and then travel again to go to the pharmacy near your location. As we all know, it can sometimes take a while, especially when issues arise.
For example, pharmacists and doctors must coordinate so patients can get a refill on their prescriptions. But sometimes, there can be a lapse in both parties when it comes to communication, causing delays in refills. Therefore, getting prescribed medications right at the doctor’s office can be a massive convenience for every patient. Patients won’t need to experience long lines, delays, or waiting 30 to 40 minutes before a prescription refill.
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Better treatment timeline
Receiving a prescribed medication at the pharmacy does not always go as smoothly as possible. There can be a number of problems that may be experienced by pharmacists and doctors, which can result in medication and treatment delays. Some examples include the following:
- A patient may experience a delay in acquiring controlled drugs needed for pain management.
- Pharmacists may need to clarify necessary information with the doctor.
- Communication barriers (e.g. missed calls, un-faxed prescription changes, illegible handwriting) may also hinder drug dispensing.
- Inadequate staffing at the pharmacy can cause delays in dispensing medications, according to the APhA.
All of these reasons may contribute to delays in medication dispensing, causing a domino effect that affects the patient’s health: delayed drug acquisition→delayed treatment→progression, and worsening of the patient’s disease.
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Improved medication accuracy
With in-office dispensing, physicians can avoid delays and medication errors, such as illegible handwriting or unclear orders. Additionally, they can immediately provide medication adjustments suitable to the specific needs of their patients. For example, when a doctor prescribes a drug in tablet form, patients can instantly tell their provider that they have a swallowing problem and allow the provider to offer a liquid alternative (if available).
Another benefit would be the provision of prompt and proper education regarding drug administration. Many patients are far more comfortable talking with their provider than asking potentially intimate and embarrassing questions in front of a line of people at the pharmacy. This leads to a more comprehensive dialogue and increased understanding which further improves adherence and outcomes.
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Increased patient confidentiality
Patients value their health privacy above all else. That’s why patients are more open to talk about their condition behind closed doors compared to the usual pharmacy setting where people are everywhere.
With in-office dispensing, patients will be more inclined to discuss the things they don’t understand with their treatment plan. In turn, doctors will also be able to talk to patients and answer significant medication problems.
Learn more about in-office dispensing at First Coast Health Solutions
Investing in an in-office dispensing system provides excellent value to your patient’s health. It also increases your patient care and satisfaction to a superior level.
First Coast Health Solutions offers pharmaceutical point-of-care dispensing programs and software without any hidden fees.
We offer high-quality, FDA-approved prepackaged medication and a simple, intuitive-based dispensing software solution. We will help you to create a new and straightforward revenue source that ensures you are incompliance, so you can focus on the needs of your patients.
So if you’re ready to take the next step and add our program with medication dispensing software to your existing services, then call us at 904-350-1155.
You can also fill out this form so we can talk to you about medication dispensing.
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.
