In-office dispensing allows physicians to sell prescription medications directly to their patients at their practice. Orthopedic specialists often dispense casts, crutches, canes, and other equipment that is necessary for their patients to heal. Adding medication dispensing to a practice creates a full-service office.
Orthopedic clinics can save their patients a trip to the pharmacy by dispensing treatments to them directly. Convenience is especially important for orthopedic patients with significant injuries and patients undergoing surgery who may have difficulty getting to the pharmacy.
Direct dispensing is not only more convenient for this group of patients specifically, it is also a source of potential revenue for orthopedic practices. Dispensing medication can also increase patient satisfaction, often results in patients adhering to their treatment plans, and even create a stronger bond between doctors and their patients.
What is In-office Medication Dispensing?
Physician dispensing is the practice of preparing and distributing prescriptions to patients at the point-of-care. This means doctors can prescribe medications to patients at their appointments and then give them their medications before they leave the office. This process makes prescribing medication much simpler for physicians. Often, it’s also easier and more convenient for patients to receive their medications without having to make an extra trip to the pharmacy.
Orthopedic specialists can work with a health services company that specializes in setting up and maintaining in-office dispensing programs. These companies deliver prepackaged prescriptions and provide all the technology the orthopedic clinic needs. With the help of their chosen medication dispensing company, orthopedic specialists can decide exactly which medications and products they prescribe most and keep them in stock in their office. Here are just five of the reasons to consider adding one to your orthopedic specialist practice:
1. Eliminate Pharmacy Visits for Patients Undergoing Surgery
In-office dispensing eliminates an inconvenient middleman: the pharmacy. Amazingly, a full 30 percent of all prescriptions sent to the pharmacy are never even filled. Patients often go out of their way to make their doctors’ appointments. For many patients, especially those who have been injured, adding a visit to the pharmacy where they may have to wait in long lines is impossible.
Getting to the pharmacy is especially difficult for patients undergoing surgery. Orthopedic patients often are unable to drive before and after surgery. Getting their pre-op and post-op drugs in their orthopedic surgeon’s office will help them access their medications. This convenient service is invaluable for orthopedic surgery patients who need to focus their energy on healing from injury and surgery.
2. Make Sure Patients Comply to Their Treatment
According to one study, prescriptions have about a 40 percent non-compliance rate. Direct dispensing can improve patient compliance by allowing the doctor to verify that their patients receive their medication, understand how to take it, know what to do in an emergency, and have their questions and concerns addressed..
Point-of-care dispensing opens a dialogue between doctors and their patients. When medications are dispensed on site, the orthopedic specialist can explain why they are prescribing a particular medication and give directions about how it should be administered that are specific to the patient. Then, the patient has the opportunity to ask their orthopedic specialist—someone with whom they already have a relationship—any questions they may have. The specialists can verify that the patient actually understands.
3. Develop Stronger Relationships with Patients
Orthopedic specialists can create stronger doctor-patient relationships with in-office dispensing. In-office dispensing allows doctors to speak directly with their patients about their prescription as they give it to them. This one-on-one communication is perfect for creating an open dialogue between doctor and patient.
Patients who communicate well with their doctors and understand their treatments are more likely to be satisfied with their treatment. Satisfied patients are more likely to stay as a long-term patient, recommend their doctor to others, and write great reviews.
4. Accumulate Extra Practice Revenue
Some medical practices have seen profit increases of up to 50 percent by implementing in-office medication dispensing. Doctors can order the medications and treatments they prescribed most often in bulk at wholesale prices and then sell them to patients for a fair amount.
Orthopedic specialists often work with patients who were injured on the job and are receiving treatment through a worker’s compensation claim. Clinics that dispense medications can obtain worker’s compensation billing reimbursement for these prescriptions. This allows the clinic to help injured workers heal while receiving payment from the worker’s compensation program.
5. Distribute Medication and Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Orthopedic specialists often treat patients with durable medical equipment (DME). DME can include all types of orthopedic and ergonomic products, like crutches, boots, and canes. Working with a health services program can enable orthopedic specialists dispense medication and also DME. These dispensing programs often include easy-to-use software to keep track of DME stock, billing, and even reimbursements.
How to Start Orthopedic Medication Dispensing
Orthopedic clinics interested in dispensing medication in-office should contact their local board of pharmacy. Each state’s board of pharmacy has its own specific laws regarding in-office prescription dispensing, especially if the physician intends to prescribe controlled substances. Recovering from surgery can be difficult, and orthopedic surgeons sometimes prescribe narcotics for postsurgical pain. Before initiating an in-office dispensing program, it’s important for surgeons to be aware of the local laws regarding controlled substances.
The best way to get started dispensing orthopedic medications and equipment is to contact an experienced health services company. According to one survey, 78 percent of people would rather receive their medications from their doctor’s office than go to the pharmacy. The ideal medication dispensing company will offer great customer service, be knowledgeable about the local laws, and have experience working with orthopedic clinics specifically. Orthopedic specialists should also look for a company that can help them manage worker’s compensation claims and assist them in dispensing DME.