According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 84.9% of Americans see a provider at least once a year.
With that many physician visits, it is no surprise that there is a corresponding high number of prescriptions. In fact, almost 50% of Americans have been on at least one prescription medication in the last 30 days.
If we look at how many patients are on at least five medications or more, the statistics show 12.8% of Americans are in this category. 68.7% of physician visits result in prescribing new medication. The number of emergency room visits that result in a new prescription medication is 79.5% of hospital emergency department visits.
This can partially be explained by an aging population. As Americans continue to live longer than ever before, the number of those who need multiple prescriptions to manage their health continues to rise.
The trend explains why many pharmacies are overwhelmed with prescriptions they manage for their patients. Many pharmacies have long wait times, sometimes taking days to fill prescriptions necessary for patients to take daily. This can cause much frustration and potential health implications for patients as they wait for their prescriptions to be filled.
Is there an alternative solution to help patients get the prescriptions they need that is convenient, safe, and fast?
How Physician Dispensing Can Help Patients Manage Their Prescriptions
In-office physician dispensing is an alternative for patients to receive their prescription medications without the hassle of needing a pharmacy.
In-office physician dispensing allows in-office, point-of-care dispensing that is both unique and transparent for patients. Patients have the opportunity to receive education right in the office and can ask any questions necessary as their prescriptions are dispensed.
Some patients may have questions after they receive their medication but are uncomfortable asking a pharmacist they are unfamiliar with, or asking their private question(s) out loud in front of a line of other people at the pharmacy. In-office dispensing offers the patient the option to ask additional questions directly to their primary provider in the privacy of their clinic. This is especially helpful for prescription medications that might be new and have a unique regimen or for pediatric patients requiring oral dosing.
