In a poll, 84 percent of patients agreed that it would be more convenient to get their prescriptions in their doctor’s office, while 75 percent said that they would choose in-office dispensing over going to the pharmacy. Moreover, 64 percent believed physician dispensing would help them manage their health better.
Doctors can increase patient satisfaction by providing their patients with their important medications at the point of care. Physicians can assess their patients in person, prescribe them medication, and then provide that medication all in the same office visit.
The following are three benefits of in-office dispensing:
1. It Saves Patients a Trip to the Pharmacy
Around 30 percent of all prescriptions sent to the pharmacy are never filled. The best way for physicians to make sure their patients fill a prescription is by filling it for them before they even leave the office. Traditionally, doctors see their patients, write a prescription, send it off to the pharmacy, and hope their patients go get it.
The truth is, it’s difficult for patients to find time to pick up a prescription. Patients have already taken time out of their busy schedules to see their doctor. Many patients find it inconvenient and time-consuming to wait for the prescription to get filled, visit while the pharmacy is open (which is usually during normal work hours), and then wait in long lines to receive their prescription.
Doctors who provide medications in office make prescription pick-up quick and convenient for their patients. Patients are more likely to be satisfied with their care if their doctor cares enough to make their lives easier.
2. It Allows Doctors to Connect with Patients about Their Medications
In-office medication dispensing allows doctors to give patients their medications and instructions for use all at once. The traditional pharmacy serves as an intermediary between doctors and patients. This separation between doctor and patient inhibits their communication about the treatment plan.
Patients often have questions about their medication when they pick it up. At a traditional pharmacy, patients ask a pharmacist, whom they most likely have had minimal interaction with, to answer these questions. Patients may even keep their questions to themselves if they feel uncomfortable talking to a stranger in a public place about their health.
When doctors distribute medications at the point of care, they can open a dialogue with their patients about medication use. Patients can privately ask questions about their medication, and doctors can explain exactly how they expect their patient to take their medication and all the risks and side effects involved.
3. It Increases Medication Adherence for Better Patient Results
About 40 percent of patients don’t take their medications as instructed. The best way to make sure patients get results from their treatment plan is for them to take their medication properly. The best way to make sure patients take their medication properly is by speaking to them about it in person.
Some common reasons patients don’t take their medication correctly include:
- Miscommunication
- Long lines at the pharmacy
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to make it to the pharmacy
- Uncomfortable asking the pharmacist questions
- Pharmacy error
In-office medication dispensing can prevent many of these issues. Patients are more likely to listen and understand their medication instructions when they are coming directly from their doctor. Doctors are better able to hold their patients to their treatment schedule if they are the ones dispensing their medications.
The Benefits of Higher Patient Satisfaction
Higher patient satisfaction leads to more new patients and higher patient retention. Doctors want to make sure they always have a steady stream of patients through their office and that those patients receive high-quality care. Medication dispensing can increase patient satisfaction and lead to more long-term patients.
- Higher Patient Retention
Patients who are satisfied with their doctor’s care are more likely to continue seeing that doctor. In turn, they build more trust.
- More Personal Recommendations
Satisfied long-term patients will recommend their doctor to friends, family, and coworkers. Doctors can expect to see more new patients if they take great care of their current ones.
- Better Online Reviews
Many people choose their doctors based on online reviews. Patients who have a great experience with their doctor will write glowing reviews for them.
How to Implement In-Office Medication Dispensing
Physicians can implement an in-office dispensing method by getting in touch with a reliable health services company. Companies that are well-versed in medication dispensing can answer any questions doctors and staff may have and provide all the resources they need to get started.