What Is an In-house Dispensing Service?

Its Impact on Patients Care

Patient care is the major responsibility of any health practitioner, including preventing individuals from using medical drugs for the wrong purposes.

One way health industry regulators safeguard drugs from falling into the wrong hands is by mandating they are dispensed by authorized practitioners only.

Pharmacists are known for dispensing drugs, but today, in-house dispensing services, well known as physician dispensing services are gaining momentum as they enhance continuity of care.

What is physician dispensing?

Physician dispensing or in-office dispensing is a practice whereby a physician or an authorized medical practitioner supplies prescription medication to their patients. It does not require the doctor to write out the medication and then direct them to a pharmacy.

A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine noted that 42 percent to 71 percent of visits to a physician result in at least one prescription for medication.

It was also discovered that over 30 percent of the patients do not fill their prescriptions. It is no surprise that the medical license in most states allows physicians to dispense prescription medications. This undoubtedly will reduce the number of patients who may never get the required medications after leaving the doctor’s office.

Where can you get physician dispensing?

In-office dispensing service is offered by different licensed healthcare providers, including:

• Hospitals
• Health emergency facilities
• Workplace clinic
• Private practices
• Dental clinic

Impacts of dispensing service on patients’ care

At least 7 million patients in the United States have been discovered to be a victim of medication error yearly. Meanwhile, a 2017 study reported that 90 percent of Americans live within two miles of a community pharmacy.

The inaccessibility of some patients to reputable dispensaries, which eventually leads to a medication error, is costing the healthcare system billions of dollars. Sometimes, uninformed patients blame their physician instead for the treatment leading to a poor provider-patient relationship and lesser trust in Western medicine.

Benefits of in-office dispensing to patients

Aside from ensuring rational drug use, in-office dispensing offers other benefits to patients, which include:

• Convenience
• The digital age has made consumers prioritize convenience above anything else. With a few clicks on their phone, they can order anything from almost anywhere.
• Patients do not expect anything less. They prefer the process should be seamless. Visit a doctor, get treated and collect the required medication without stress.

In-office dispensing, also known as point-of-care dispensing, saves patients the stress of locating the nearest pharmacy. They can always leave home with the assurance that their health trip will be over the instant they walk out of the hospital facility.

It also allows you to get the medication instantly, unlike when you have to visit a pharmacy, submit a prescription and wait for it to be filled.

Education

According to the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), many people do not take their medications as prescribed because they do not understand how to, while some abandon them due to unpleasant side effects.

Physicians offering dispense services usually have staff spending a considerable day attending to patients’ calls about prescriptions.

Likewise, these staffs are trained to educate patients on their drug dosage.

Improved potency

Patients might be discouraged from sticking to a medication routine due to the time required to visit a pharmacy store to fill the prescription after leaving the physician’s office.

A 2012 study published in the American College of Physicians journal reported that patients’ nonadherence to medical treatment is responsible for the death of about 125,000. It costs the US healthcare system between $110 to $289 billion annually.

Things to consider when choosing a dispensing service

Before you agree to get your medication from an in-office dispensing, consider the following:

License

The law regulating the healthcare industry varies in different countries. Likewise, it might also differ in states within a nation.

In the United States, most states allow in-house dispensing but state like New Jersey, New York, Texas, Utah, and Massachusetts have laws against it.

Research the law in your locality before patronizing any.

Customer relationship

Only get your medication from a dispensing service that cares about you. If your doctor offers this service, you deserve a proper briefing on the medication and its side effects.

Personal practices with many patients to attend usually have trained staff to educate you on your medication usage.

You should also be able to call the physician whenever you have any questions about the medication.

Price

The price of drugs sold at point-of-care dispensing should not be more expensive than the pharmacy. If there is any price difference, it should be minimal and not exorbitant.

Use dispensing service with competitive pricing.

Reputation

Some doctors allow personal economic gain to influence the medication they prescribe.

Stay away from such a health facility and only deal with those who prioritize your care.

Conclusion

In-office dispensing offers considerable advantages over the traditional pharmacy system. It improves patient experience, reduces drug nonadherence and makes it easier for physicians to monitor their patients.

However, it is important to always consider the laws in your locality, customer relationship with the dispensing service, price and reputation before using any in-office dispensing service.

It is also important to always read the medication leaflet provided by the physician and ask questions if you do not understand something. Doing this will ensure your safety while using the service.

All in all, the in-office dispensing service is a great way to get your medication, and it should only be patronized with caution.