In-office medication dispensing is the practice of selling prescription drugs to patients at the point-of-care. Like many social constructions of medical care, humanity has been going back and forth on this for generations. Today, the practice is once again becoming ubiquitous and as a result, patient comfort with it—and demand for it—is growing. According to one survey, 78 percent of people would prefer to receive their medications at their doctor’s office than at the pharmacy.
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, thereby improving outcomes. Just like medical practices, dental practices can also reap the many benefits from selling medications directly to their patients. Here are the top five:
1. Help Patients Avoid a Trip to the Pharmacy
An astonishing 30 percent of all prescriptions sent to the pharmacy are never filled. Many patients already find dental appointments to be anxiety-inducing as well as physically uncomfortable, adding the stress of the pharmacy can often be too much for busy patients. Dealing with parking; then navigating a store full of snacks, toys, and other temptations, perhaps with small people in tow; or waiting in a long, hot drive-through lane when you have other errands that need to be done before you can go home.
By selling medications in-office, dentists can eliminate the inconvenience of the pharmacy for their patients. They won’t have to wait, get out of the car again, and have the necessity of the prescription questioned by the pharmacy or be told that the last minute that there is a waiting period. Patients will leave their dental surgery or other appointment with everything necessary for their treatment in-hand. And since most prescriptions from dental offices don’t require renewal, an entire trip has been effectively removed from the patient’s daily itinerary. Patients who prefer stopping by the corner pharmacy on the way home can always request to have their prescriptions sent on so they won’t have to change the routines unless they want to you.
2. Create an Extra Revenue Source for the Practice While Saving Patients Money
Some practices have seen profit increases of up to 50 percent after implementing in-office medication dispensing. Dental staff can order the medications and treatments they sell the most in bulk at wholesale prices before selling them to patients for a fair price. This new source of revenue allows doctors to make money that pharmacies would usually be making. Increased revenue can be used for staff salaries, office decor, patient comfort, improved technology, and more. Office improvements may help dentists retain patients and obtain more recommendations for new patients.
One of the most common reasons patients don’t pick up their prescriptions is the cost. When dental practices order, prescribe, and sell prescriptions to patients, they can make sure there are affordable options. Pharmacy chains mark-up medication to maximize profits, while dentists can reduce mark-ups to save their patients money while still making a profit.
3. Improve Doctor-Patient Relationships As Well As Patient Adherence to Treatment Protocols
Dentists can create more trusting relationships with their patients by explaining their treatments and answering patient questions, not just about the procedure and what to expect afterwards, but how and when to take the medication. Having your questions answered by someone you trust ensures you better understand the procedures that you have undergone. It also more readily ensures you follow up with additional questions or concerns if necessary. Additionally, it improves adherence to whatever protocol is assigned.
Research shows that 40 percent of patients do not comply with their prescriptions as directed, 30 percent of all prescriptions sent to the pharmacy are never filled. This means more than a third of patients who are prescribed medication don’t end up taking it or don’t take it correctly. Direct dispensing can improve patient adherence by allowing the doctor to make sure their patient receives their medication during their appointment.
Point-of-care dispensing maintains dialogue between dentists and their patients. The dentist can explain the medication and give specific directions. The patient can ask their doctor—instead of a busy pharmacist with whom they do not have an established relationship—questions about the medication and how to take it.
How to Get Started Medication Dispensing at Your Dental Practice
There are health services companies that specialize in setting up and maintaining in-office dispensing programs on behalf of dental practices. These companies provide all the technology the office needs and delivers prepackaged prescriptions. Dentists can identify exactly which medications they prescribe most and keep them in stock in their office.
Dental practices also need to make sure they have approval from their state dental board and remain in compliance with their state’s pharmacy board. Every state has different rules, regulations, and licensing for physician dispensing.