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An Overview of Physician Dispensing
In most cases, many physicians see their patients and then provide them a prescription to go offsite and buy medications; typically from a pharmacy. There are several benefits to both parties if the patient receives their mediations directly from the Doctor's Practice.
While offsite pharmacy arrangement works, there are many disadvantages to both the patients and the physicians.
These disadvantages include;
1) patients often do not follow-up and obtain their medications,
2) the instructions the patient receives after purchasing the drugs are often inaccurate,
3) the prescribing physician can never be sure that his patient received all the necessary information about the drug to enhance patient's compliance.
To help patients in this respect, many physicians have seen the need to offer the medicines they prescribe directly to their patient right at their medical practice. This is called point-of-care dispensing or physician dispensing, and many patients find it convenient. Naturally, this arrangement creates a stronger bond between patients and their physicians. And increases revenues for the physician.
What supplies are needed for a physician to start dispensing in this way? Let's start with a basic understanding of physician dispensing.
Types of Point-of-Care Dispensing
At the basic level, a physician can use manual dispensing. However, this method has limitations when it comes to keeping records. It involves keeping hard copy records that presents difficulties in tracking stock and other necessary information. Reference to such records is also difficult as they have to be kept in a particular physical location.
A good point of care physician management system must be readily accessible, fast and easy to use. This creates efficiency that translates into increased profitability for the doctor / physician. A computerized dispensing system offers such benefits.
It is quite easy and requires little effort or supplies for a physician to start dispensing.
The Following Supplies are Necessary
- A computer.
This will be the nerve center of the whole prescription management system.
- A power surge protector.
Uninterrupted power supply unit (UPS) offers this function as well as provide power for varying lengths of time after a power outage depending on their capacity.
Surge Protectors and Power Supplies
- Dispensing software.
This will help in inventory management that enables the physician to know the number of prescriptions remaining and the time to make new orders. Many dispensing software programs also help the physician to have patients prescription history at the touch of a button. A point of care dispensing software also helps the physician to know what medications are moving faster than others and hence can make necessary adjustments. Where the use of certain medication need to be reported to state authorities, such information can be retrieved easily.
We recommend MDScripts. They are the industry leader when it comes to physician dispensing. And many of the other companies in the market that advertise this service are actually using the MDScripts software just re-branded.
- A bar code scanner.
This offers the best and easiest way of entering prescription information.
Bar Code Scanners
- A narcotic safe.
This will keep narcotic and other controlled medications in a safe place away from potential abusers. This is a requirement from regulatory authorities. An ordinary cabinet is also necessary for storage of the other medications.
Narcotics Storage and Safes
- A printer.
Various types of printers can be used. A thermal printer or a toner based one is ideal. The chosen printer must give quality printing functions that provide fade free and tamper-proof prints.
Printers and Label Makers
- Toner cartridges for the printer.
A spare one is usually necessary in busy physician offices.
Printer Toners and Ink
- Weighing scales.
These are special scales designed for pharmacy-related measurements.
Pill Products
Utensils and Graduates
- Rx bottle labels.
There are various types to choose from including laser, temperature and ordinary pharmacy labels.
Vials, Containers and Rx Bottles
- Other point of care physician prescription includes gloves, mortar and pestle as well as tamper-proof locks for the drug cabinets.
Complete Formulary for Physician Dispensing
Once a physician gets setup, there are several...
Advantages of Point-of-Care Prescriptions
- Cost-effective for the patient
- Better patient compliance
- Time-saving for the patient
- Enhanced patient-physician relationship as the patient has the opportunity to ask any question about the prescription
- Improved prescription related safety
- Patient's privacy is maintained. Patient's condition information is between the patient and the physician and is not shared with third parties such as the pharmacy staff.
This is only an overview. For more details or to get started in Physician Dispensing, we recommend you contact MDScripts and they can get you setup.