4 Ways to Improve Patient & Pharmacy Success with the Appointment Based Model
A sustainable pharmacy business model requires constant evolution and adaptation to the needs of your patients and your business. One program that has proven to benefit pharmacy operations as well as improve outcomes for patients is the Appointment Based Model.
The Appointment Based Model is a patient care service in which enrolled patients have a designated monthly appointment with the pharmacy. Pharmacy staff calls the patient in advance of their appointment to discuss any changes in their health or their medications since their last visit. At each visit, the patient picks up all of their medications and has the opportunity to consult with a member of the pharmacy staff.
Here are four ways the Appointment Based Model benefits your pharmacy and your patients:
Gives your Pharmacy greater insight to changes in Patients’ Health Status and Medications
Providing the patient the opportunity to communicate changes in their medications, providers, or challenges they have experienced in adhering to their medications is important to their health. As the most accessible provider in their healthcare team, your pharmacy has the opportunity to intervene and address concerns related to their treatment plan in-between visits to their doctor.
Improves workflow and reduces stress on Staff
Developing a schedule with your patients creates predictability for your pharmacy staff and allows you to better manage staff hours and avoid the daily rush. Being aware of medication changes ahead of time also cuts down on last minute corrections and unnecessary work. Optimized workflow in the pharmacy reduces stress on staff and boosts morale. With extra free time, you can refocus team efforts on other initiatives or clinical services that could expand your business.
Potential to improve Coordination of Care efforts and Communications with Providers
When using the Appointment Based Model in your pharmacy, it is essential to communicate with your patients’ prescriber when you identify changes in the patient’s health or challenges with their treatment plan. This collaboration not only benefits the patient, it strengthens your connection with providers in your community, and may lead to further collaboration in the future.
It can Improve Patient Adherence and Pharmacy Quality Measures
When combined with a proven Compliance Packaging solution that helps the patient better manage their medications, the Appointment Based Model can improve adherence for your patient and; therefore, improves your Pharmacy Quality Measures. Read more about how Medicine-On-Time teamed up with Pharmacy First to prove how Compliance Packaging used in an Appointment Based Model improves PDC Scores for even the most low-performing patients.
Final Thoughts:
The Appointment Based Model is the first step
towards better workflow, expanded business opportunity and most importantly better
patient health. At Medicine-On-Time, we
support the Appointment-Based Model and provide the tools and resources to help
you implement and promote this service.
For more information, contact us at info@medicineontime.com.