The relationship between physicians and their patients is critical for successful healthcare outcomes. However, in today’s fast-paced healthcare industry, physicians face the growing challenge of maintaining a strong relationship with their patients.
Thankfully, the rise of in-office dispensing offers physicians an opportunity to improve health outcomes and strengthen the trust between patients and their providers.
In this blog post, we will explore how implementing physician dispensing affects the physician-patient relationship and why it is crucial for the future of healthcare.
What is in-office dispensing?
In-office dispensing refers to the practice of providing or dispensing prescription drugs directly to patients from the doctor’s office or clinic.
In-office dispensing typically involves setting up a small pharmacy or dispensary within the physician’s office or clinic. The physician may dispense medications themselves if allowed by state regulations. The process of in-office dispensing generally works as follows:
- The physician prescribes medication to the patient during their appointment.
- The prescription is sent to the on-site pharmacy or dispensary.
- The physician fills the prescription and provides the medication directly to the patient before they leave the office.
- The physician provides education and counseling to the patient on how to take the medication properly and what to expect regarding side effects and potential interactions with other medicines.
- The physician updates the patient’s medical record to reflect the medication dispensed and any relevant information about the patient’s medication use.
In some cases, the physician may also use electronic prescribing software to send the prescription directly to the on-site pharmacy or dispensary, which can help to streamline the process and minimize errors.
Some in-office pharmacies may also offer additional services, such as compounding, medication therapy management, and medication synchronization, to help patients manage their medications more effectively.
How can in-office dispensing affect the physician-patient relationship?
- Improved communication
In-office dispensing allows physicians to communicate more directly and frequently with their patients regarding medications. By discussing their treatment plan with their patients in person, doctors can provide more detailed explanations and answer any questions or concerns patients may have. Some examples include:
- The purpose of the medication and why they should take it perpetually.
- Possible drug side effects and what to do about it.
- Plan of action if a patient misses a dose.
- Food and drug interactions
Unfortunately, filling up a prescription in pharmacies won’t allow patients to ask their queries, leaving them clueless about the importance of sticking to their prescribed medications.
But with in-office dispensing, doctors can happily answer these concerns so patients can better understand their treatment plan, which can increase patient compliance and medication adherence.
Furthermore, this increased communication helps build trust between patients and their providers, leading to a stronger relationship overall.
- Increased convenience
Physician dispensing offers a convenient way for patients to fill their prescriptions, especially those who struggle with such tasks. By having their medication readily available in the clinic, patients can save time and money and avoid potential obstacles that may arise when attempting to fill a prescription at a pharmacy. Some examples include:
- Long wait times
- Out-of-stock medication
- Misunderstandings about dosage or instructions.
- Travel restrictions (no car or ride to the pharmacy)
- Cost of medication
- Language barrier
- Insurance coverage issues
These problems can lead to frustration, delays in treatment, and potential health risks for patients. In-office dispensing can help eliminate these hurdles by increasing medication accessibility, thus improving patient satisfaction and loyalty to their physician.
- Enhanced patient compliance
One of the biggest challenges physicians face is patient compliance and medication adherence. In fact, studies suggest that over 50% of patients do not comply with their treatment plan, causing drastic progression of their medical condition.
In-office dispensing helps address this issue by making it easier for patients to comply with their medication regimen. By having medications readily available, patients are more likely to take their medication as prescribed, leading to better health outcomes.
This improved compliance can also lead to a stronger physician-patient relationship, as patients feel their physician cares about their well-being and is invested in their health.
- Better patient outcomes
Ultimately, the goal of in-office dispensing is to improve patient outcomes. By having more direct communication with their patients, providing increased convenience, and enhancing patient compliance, providers can help patients achieve better health outcomes.
This not only benefits the patient but also strengthens the relationship between physician and patient. When patients feel their physician is invested in their health and well-being, they are more likely to remain loyal and continue to seek care from that physician.
- Increased trust in their healthcare providers
One of the benefits of in-office dispensing is that it can increase patients’ trust in their physicians. When physicians are able to provide medications directly to their patients, it can demonstrate a level of personalized care and attention that patients may not receive elsewhere. This includes the following:
- Accurately discuss medication instructions.
- Offering health education and counseling.
- Providing an additional layer of safety and oversight by monitoring patient medication use and identifying potential issues or concerns.
All of these allow patients to feel more comfortable voicing their thoughts since they know that their physician is actively involved in managing their medications.
Overall, in-office dispensing can build trust between physicians and patients by providing a personalized, convenient, and attentive approach to medication management.
When patients trust their physician and feel that they are receiving high-quality care, they may be more likely to adhere to their medication regimen and engage in other healthy behaviors, leading to better health outcomes.
Why should you consider physician dispensing through First Coast Health Solutions?
In-office dispensing is becoming a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, especially in strengthening the physician-patient relationship. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it is essential for physicians to consider the advantages of in-office dispensing and how it can improve the overall quality of care they provide to their patients.
If you’re interested in reaping the benefits mentioned above, then don’t hesitate to partner with us at First Coast Health Solutions. We provide high-quality medication dispensing programs that can fulfill all your dispensing needs.
Our program can give you access to medication dispensing software, electronic record keeping, pre-packed medications, and more! Contact us at 904-350-1155 to learn more.
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.
