In recent years, the cost associated with medicines and managing medicine-related problems has skyrocketed in the United States. The covid-19 crisis, followed by economic disruptions, further made matters worse. As a result, many patients cannot afford the prescribed medicines they need. As the second largest stakeholder in the drug distribution chain, just after the manufacturers, pharmacies can play an important role in lowering healthcare costs. How? Let’s check it out.
Prevent Medication Errors
Medication errors are a challenge that healthcare providers face when providing medical care. They are among the top contributors to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in
elderly patients. As per a study, ADRs were responsible for 6.5% of hospital admissions. The number can be reduced if medication errors are prevented. Pharmacist working at accredited pharmacy can help avoid medication errors, which can lower healthcare costs by preventing hospital admission.
Cost Avoidance by Intervention
Their vast knowledge of medicines empowers pharmacists at citizen’s pharmacy to lower healthcare costs. They can help decrease healthcare costs by cost avoidance. It
means that by intervening in time, pharmacists can reduce potential future spending that may have occurred had they not intervened.
Better Chronic Disease Management
As per a study, more than two-thirds of global healthcare expenditure goes into managing chronic diseases. Pharmacists have the knowledge and expertise to manage
chronic conditions efficiently and help chronic patients save significant money. Since they are in contact with their patients regularly, they can easily monitor their
medication therapy and help them achieve desired clinical effects. Further, it is seen that professionals working at pharmacy in Jacksonville possess the necessary skill to manage patients with chronic health conditions. It can result in lower costs of managing chronic illnesses.
Improve Medical Adherence
Many times, patients are unable to take their medicines as prescribed by their doctors. Non-adherence to the medication schedule may result in potential disease progression, hospitalization, or even pharmacotherapeutic failure. It is estimated that non-adherence costs $100 billion in the US annually.
Medical professionals working in pharmacies are in a position to help patients who may not be taking their medications regularly. They can find out the reason behind non-adherence. Not only that, but they can also even educate and counsel them whenever necessary. Although better adherence can lead to increased expenditure on medicines, it can lower overall medical costs.
Avoid Unnecessary Over the Counter Medicines
Hundreds of thousands of over-the-counter medicines are available in the market today. Inappropriate use of over-the-top (OTC) medicines can lead to severe consequences. Pharmacists can save their patients, especially elderly patients, from buying OTC medicines unnecessarily by providing nonpharmacological approaches as the first solution.
If OTC medicines are a must for the patients, they assist their patients in choosing a safer and more appropriate alternative tailored to their needs. Moreover, they are more likely to suggest generic medicines rather than costly branded ones, helping patients save money.