In-office dispensing allows dermatologists to sell prescription skin care products and medications directly to patients at their practice. Direct dispensing creates more revenue for medical practices, is more convenient for patients, increases patient satisfaction, and often results in patients adhering to their treatment more closely.
According to one survey, 78% of people would rather receive their medications from their doctor’s office than go to the pharmacy. Dermatologists can save their patients a trip to the pharmacy by dispensing treatments to them directly. They can also create a stronger relationship with their patients.
What Is In-Office Medication Dispensing?
In-office medication dispensing is the practice of delivering prescriptions to patients at the point-of-care. Doctors who participate in medication dispensing reap many benefits from selling medications directly to their patients. This process eliminates an inconvenient middleman: the pharmacy.
Dermatologists can work with a health services company that specializes in setting up and maintaining in-office dispensing programs. These companies provide all the technology the dermatologist’s office needs and delivers prepackaged prescriptions. Dermatologists can decide exactly which pills, topical creams, and skin care products they prescribe most and keep them in stock in their office.
Benefits of Dermatologic Medication Dispensing
Eliminate the Pharmacy and Increase Convenience—Thirty percent of all prescriptions sent to the pharmacy are never filled. Patients go out of their way to make their doctors’ appointments. Adding the stress of the pharmacy can often be too much for busy patients. Waiting for a prescription to be filled by the pharmacy, then getting to the pharmacy, and then waiting in line at the pharmacy can be stressful and time consuming.
By selling treatments in-office, dermatologists can eliminate the inconvenience of the pharmacy for their patients. Patients will leave their dermatology appointment with their treatment in-hand.
Make Sure Patients Comply to Their Treatment—According to some estimates, prescriptions only have a 40% non-compliance rate. This means more than a third of patients who are prescribed medication don’t end up taking them or don’t take them correctly. Direct dispensing can increase patient compliance by allowing the doctor to make sure their patient receives their medication during their appointment.
Point-of-care dispensing opens up a clear dialogue between the doctor and their patient. The dermatologist can explain the medication and give specific directions to their patient. The patient has the opportunity to ask their doctor (instead of a pharmacist who they do not have an established relationship with) questions about the medications and how to take them.
Improve the Doctor-Patient Relationship—Dermatologists can create a stronger bond with their patients by being able to explain their treatment in the office. In-office dispensing also simplifies the prescription process, reducing stress for patients. A less-stressful experience will increase patient satisfaction and help maintain long-term patient-doctor relationships. Patients will also appreciate that their medical needs will stay between them and their doctor.
Create Custom Dermatological Medications—Years ago, dermatologists were known for creating their own custom formulas to treat patients. Some dermatologists believe that in-office dispensing is returning the specialization of dermatology to its roots. This direct doctor-to-patient prescribing process is the heart of physician dispensing.
Some medication dispensing services have the ability to assist dermatologists in developing these customized prescriptions. These companies will be able to deliver compounded medications to the doctor. A compounded medication will have a label without indication printed on it so that doctors can set and print their own treatment plan for their patient.
Accumulate Extra Practice Revenue—Dermatologists can make money by selling medications directly to patients instead of letting pharmacies profit. Some medical practices have seen profit increases of up to 50% by implementing in-office medication dispensing. Doctors can order the medications and treatments they sell the most in bulk at wholesale prices and then sell them to patients for a fair price.
Save Dermatology Patients Money—One of the most common reasons patients don’t pick up their prescriptions is the cost. When doctors are the ones ordering, prescribing, and selling prescriptions for their patients they are able to make sure they create affordable options. Dermatologists who choose to create custom compounded drugs are able to sell these formulas for better prices than the over-priced pre-made brand-name options.
How to Start Dermatology Medication Dispensing
The best way to get started dispensing dermatology medications is to contact an experienced health services company. Dermatologists should shop around for a company they can work with to implement direct dispensing. They may also want to contact their local board of pharmacy. Each state’s board of pharmacy has its own specific laws regarding in-office prescription dispensing.
The ideal medication dispensing company for a dermatologist will offer great customer service, is knowledgeable about the local laws, and has experience working with dermatology offices. Dermatologists who wish to compound their own medications should check to make sure the company they choose can help them create custom formulas.