Why Community Health Centers should have On-site Pharmacies

As an onsite pharmacy is becoming a more popular option for many community health centers, it is important to note that there are many benefits associated with owning and operating one. The following are some of the key benefits that community health centers can experience by having an onsite pharmacy today especially considering all the manufacturer restrictions over the past few years at contract pharmacies.
 
1. Improved Patient Care
One of the primary benefits of having an onsite pharmacy is the ability to provide improved patient care. By having a pharmacy within the health center, patients can receive immediate access to medications prescribed during their appointment. This eliminates the need for patients to have to travel to another location to fill their prescriptions, which can often be inconvenient and time-consuming.
 
2. Better Medication Adherence
Studies have shown that patients who have access to an onsite pharmacy are more likely to adhere to their medication regimen. This is because having a pharmacy on-site makes it easier for patients to obtain their medications and stay on track with their treatment plan.
 
3. More Cost-Effective
Having an onsite pharmacy can also be more cost-effective for both patients and the health center. Patients can potentially save money on medication costs by filling their prescriptions in-house especially for patients who may not be able to afford their medications by qualifying for the sliding scale fee schedule (based on income) and the health center can earn additional revenue from dispensing fees paid by the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) when patients have insurance.
 
4. Streamlined Workflow
An onsite pharmacy can also help to streamline the workflow of the health center. By having all aspects of patient care in one location, including medication dispensing, the health center can operate more efficiently and reduce the need for patients to make multiple trips.
 
5. Increased Revenue
Having an onsite pharmacy can also increase revenue for the health center in many ways. The first is helping the health center maximize their 340B savings. Secondly, is through the generation of dispensing fees from third party payers. In addition to generating dispensing fees, an onsite pharmacy can also increase patient volume and attract new patients who are seeking the convenience of having pharmacy services on-site.

Conclusion
In conclusion, an onsite pharmacy can provide significant benefits for community health centers. From improved patient care to increased revenue, the benefits associated with owning and operating an onsite pharmacy can help to improve the overall health and well-being of the community.