The Benefits and Shortcomings of Dispensing Medications

Clinics in the U.S. are now hosting in-house pharmacies, and these boosts in revenue can be several tens of thousands of dollars.

This week, we'll be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of doctor-dispensed medications, and whether or not it's feasible for your practice to use the same system. See the advantages and drawbacks of dispensing physicians in the recent times.

Benefits:

Additional revenue for the company

On average, doctors see 25 patients per day and write 1.4 prescriptions per visit, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. To increase daily profits by $350 without occupying any more of a doctor's precious time, it would only take $10 in profit per prescription.

By conducting more internal procedures, like blood tests, x-rays, and ECGs, physicians are doing even more work for the sake of higher revenue. There's no reason why their office practice shouldn't use cannabis dispensaries.

A few states are following suit. An Arkansas circuit judge recently issued a ruling that will make it easier for a doctor to sell medications in the state. Patients' rights advocates advocate for the right of patients to purchase their medications where they choose.

The profits to be made from dispensing medications have increased that much that private equity firms are involved in the practice, and lobbying to establish dispensaries is vigorous.

Convenience

Pharmacies and doctors may not always be able to meet patients' needs, so providing medications at the point-of-care can enhance patient satisfaction. About 28 to 31% of new prescriptions never filled lead to health issues.

Many contend that transportation difficulties are at the root of the problem. Patients on Medicaid or the elderly are frequently required to find their way to their doctor's office, and often have to bring their medications with them, which further complicates the transportation problem. An effective solution would be to provide both services in the same location, making life easier for clients. Therefore, dispensing physicians are now a reliable assets for the medical field.

Riskless Treatment

For some patients, administering medications by the doctor can improve patient safety. Due to the complexity of the worker's compensation system, it could take several days for an injured employee to receive needed medication from a pharmacy.

Other types of pharmacies, called "in-practice" pharmacies, can also help alleviate over-prescription issues. A recent study found that about one in 100 prescriptions were filled by a pharmacy regardless of whether they were completed.

Cons:

While that is true, there are also some doctors who are fearful when it comes to dispensing medication.

Technical Problems

Some physicians don't want to disrupt their current office operations or have additional space devoted to storing drug inventories. While others are afraid of upsetting local pharmacies, or believe the process of purchasing large inventories of prescription drugs is too difficult.

Non-cooperation with the government

While allowable in most states, doctors dispense prescription medications only with care. The best way to think of this is to remember that in New Jersey, it is necessary to obtain a license from the state's Board of Pharmacy in order to be a physician. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Pennsylvania requires no license to practice medicine but strictly controls what doctors can charge.

Visit PD-RX Pharmaceuticals in OKC to know the whole process in details and gather relevant information.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.