It is estimated that about 7-10 percent of U.S. physicians currently dispense pharmaceuticals to their patients. These doctors come from every clinical perspective:
- Student Health Centers
- Community Health Centers
- Occupational Medicine Clinics
- Surgery Centers
- Family Practice
- Bariatrics
- Pediatrics
- Podiatry
- Dermatology
- Urgent Care
Physicians see dispensing as a mechanism for providing convenience to the patient while supplementing practice revenue. Physician dispensing is a proven way to generate revenue in a world of shrinking reimbursements. Many clinics charge nominal fees for dispensed medications and offer a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in counts ranging from 6-90 pills per bottle.
The trend continues with Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Looking to supplement the traditional physician-led practice, NP’s and PA’s provide a range of services to patients including prescriptions and dispensed medications. Broader services enhance the clinic’s value to the patient and simplifies their healthcare experience.
Medication dispensing remains a high value service for clinics looking to extend their service proposition to patients.