5 Ways In-Office Dispensing Benefits Primary Care Clinics

Primary care doctors can save their patients time and money by offering in-office medication dispensing. In-office dispensing can be especially beneficial to primary care doctors. Primary care physicians provide a wide range of services and types of care. They work with patients of many different ages, backgrounds, and physical conditions. Acute and preventative care as well as chronic illness care; pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric care; well visits, physicals, and immunizations; and more.

Adding in-office dispensing can help primary care clinics offer more comprehensive care. The convenience of in-office dispensing will appeal to busy patients. Providing high quality care may increase patient loyalty and adherence to treatment plans. According to one survey, 78 percent of people would rather receive their medications from their doctor’s office than go to the pharmacy.

What Is In-Office Dispensing?

In-office dispensing is the practice of selling or distributing medications from a medical office. Doctors who dispense medication in-office can write prescriptions, fill them, and then provide the medication to their patients all during their office visit. This process simplifies the entire prescription process for the patient, the doctor, and office staff by cutting out the pharmacy.

An experienced health services company can help physicians set up and maintain an in-office dispensing program. These companies deliver prepackaged prescriptions and provide all the technology the primary care clinic needs. With the help of their chosen medication dispensing company, clinics can decide exactly which medications and products they prescribe most and keep them in stock in their office.

From well visits to acute illnesses, primary care doctors need to diagnose and treat a wide range of patients. In-office dispensing can help doctors be even more prepared to treat their patients. Implementing a point-of-care dispensing system has numerous benefits for doctors, office staff, and patients. Here are five benefits of in office dispensing for primary care clinics.

1. It Allows Patients to Skip the Pharmacy

Pharmacy visits can be complicated and time consuming. With in-office dispensing, patients receive all their medications before they leave the doctor’s office. This means there is no need for a separate trip to the pharmacy. Pharmacies can take a long time to fill prescriptions and there are often also long lines to pick up medications. In-office dispensing is more convenient and efficient. Surveys show that patients rate improvements in convenience higher than improvements in care. Patients will appreciate being saved time in their busy schedule.

2. It Builds Trust With Patients

In-house dispensing can help improve the doctor-patient relationship. Instead of going to the pharmacy and having to ask a stranger about their medications, in-office dispensing allows patients to speak directly with their familiar medical providers and office staff. In office dispensing keeps patients’ private medical information between themselves and their doctors. Staff at medical clinics can spend a significant amount of time coordinating with pharmacies. When prescriptions are handled in-office, staff can avoid dealing with the pharmacy and have the time to address patient needs directly.

3. It Increases Treatment Adherence

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It is estimated that up to half of American patients do not properly adhere to their medical provider’s instructions when it comes to how and when they should take their medication. By dispensing medications during office visits, physicians can provide detailed instructions one-on-one about prescriptions. This extra attention makes it more likely that the patient will follow the recommended treatment plan.

4. It Saves Patients Money

Doctors who dispense their own medications can order products in bulk at wholesale prices and then sell them to patients for a fair price. Dispensing physicians can set their own prices and potentially save their patients money. Physicians also can offer the generic medication brands that are most affordable for their patients.

5. It Increases Practice Revenue

Some medical practices have seen profit increases of up to 50 percent by implementing in-office medication dispensing. Physicians can make extra revenue by selling medications directly to patients. Patients usually go to a pharmacy that makes a huge profit. By implementing medication dispensing, doctors can keep those profits in-house and use them to provide a better experience for their staff and patients.

Use a Reputable Medication Dispensing Company

Primary care clinics interested in medication dispensing should seek a reputable health services company that specializes in medication dispensing. These companies often have a wide variety of resources to help set up an efficient in-office prescription program. Look for a company that has responsive customer service, offers user-friendly technology, and is experienced working with primary care physicians.

Medical providers will also need to consult their local board of pharmacy to make sure they follow all local regulations. Each state’s board of pharmacy has its own specific laws regarding dispensing prescriptions, especially when it comes to controlled substances. Your chosen medication dispensing company should be able to help you navigate any complicated local laws.