It is estimated that as many as 50% of prescribed medications are not taken as directed. And at least 20% are not filled at all. This is a big problem for medical providers as on most occasions patients do not admit to it and normally doctors do not have the means to double-check it. Our physician dispensing solutions are a great way to tackle this. With our program you can help patients keep track of their prescription and provide them with a more convenient way to fill their prescription.
Not taking the medication as advised can be harmful to the patient as it can hinder the treatment plan, or even make the condition worse. Doctors across the globe are fighting this problem. Data published in 2018 states that annually 125,000 preventable deaths are due to medication non-adherence.
So, why such a large number of people still fail to follow their prescription? Today we will investigate 5 reasons why some patients choose not to take their medications.
1. Fear of the Potential Side Effect
Oftentimes, people hear from their friends what side effects their medication caused them – and it is good to consult your friends. However, you must keep in mind that everyone is different. Your doctor knows exactly what your condition is and what has worked for you in the past. Also, your doctor will make you aware of all the possible side effects, their probability of occurring and what actions can trigger these side effects. Therefore, doctors should make their patients aware of this! Making their patients feel welcome to freely discuss their concerns with them.
2. Misunderstanding
For many people with newly diagnosed, or obtained illnesses it can be hard to truly understand their prescription. Everything is explained in detail, but it all gets confusing. People often leave the doctor’s office without truly understanding the role and the importance of the medication – which results in non-adherence. Therefore, it is important for doctors to ensure that their patients feel comfortable with calling the practice when they are unsure about something.
3. Lack of Visible Symptoms
Some medications only give noticeable results after a period of time, or help maintain your current state. Not being able to see how the medication is helping discourages patients from continuing with the full course. This is why it is crucial for doctors to make sure that their patients know what to expect from the medication.
4. Worry of Dependency
4. Worry of DependencyThe huge medicine dependency problem in the US has recently been brought to light. Many people are now afraid to follow through with their prescription if they believe it is too excessive because they do not want to develop a dependency. If this is something that worries you, voice your concerns to your doctor. Doctors have been responding to this information too! In many cases, alternative treatment methods are suggested and medication is only prescribed when no other alternative has shown positive results.
5. Mistrust
Recent news has exposed the marketing efforts of pharmaceutical companies in influencing physician’s prescription patterns. Therefore, many patients doubt their doctor’s intentions, which in turn makes them unwilling to fill their prescriptions. When doctors use our point of care dispensing program, they can ensure their patients that all their prescriptions are FDA approved and organized by an automated in-office system. This way they are protected from ill-orientated doctors!
Learn more about our Physician Dispensing Solutions!
First Coast Health Solutions (FCHS) is a leading national provider of full-service in-office medication dispensing system. We are one of the best physician dispensing companies in the country. We dispense only FDA approved pre-packaged medications and provide doctors with a cutting-edge, but simple to follow web based dispensing system. Our priority is to promote the establishment of a medical environment that is fully compliant and delivers complete quality patient care.
Do you want to upgrade how your practice handles prescriptions? Look no further! Our medication dispensing software comes with much more than you can expect!
To find out more about our programs, take a look at our website. Alternatively, contact us in the way that best suits you:
- Call us at: 904-350-1155, or 904-350-1157
- Send us an email: info@firstcoasthealthsolutions.com
- Fill in our online contact form
- 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 provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
