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Filling any prescription takes time. From inputting it to processing insurance and finally filling it, every prescription your pharmacy fills requires a unique amount of attention.
Such is the case for prescriptions coming from the emergency room. Though they look just like any other prescription in your fill queue, ER prescriptions are a special element of your pharmacy’s workflow.
ER prescriptions requires a different kind urgency and attention to detail compared to maintenance medications — so let’s get on the right foot.
Let’s see how you can better manage and process ER prescriptions in your pharmacy.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. All prescriptions are created equal, just like how every patient plays an equally powerful role in your pharmacy’s overall success. However, certain prescriptions — ER scripts in this case — will have you jumping through different hoops and rings of fire.
Namely, you’ll likely encounter the following medications:
Very rarely will you receive an ER prescription for maintenance medications for blood pressure or cholesterol unless the patient recently suffered a health episode like a heart attack or stroke.
On paper, filling an ER prescription is just like filling any old script (plus some extra paperwork for opioids). The main difference has to do with time. Chances are your patient is in great pain or discomfort as they wait for their medications. Push the prescription up to the front of the fill queue (if your pharmacy software permits it) so they don’t have to wait too long.
Another element of filling ER prescriptions is communication. Communication is key throughout all aspects of pharmacy work. In this case, consider adopting a calm and empathetic tone when talking to your patient. Assure them that you’ll fill the prescription as soon as possible and that they’re receiving your pharmacy’s undivided attention. Just a simple word of assurance or comfort will do wonders for their mood.
To learn more about the ins and outs of patient communication, read our blog, “Patient Relationships: The Ins and Outs of Your Pharmacy’s Not-So-Secret Weapon.”
On the subject of patient communication, immediately let them know if you don’t have a certain medication in stock. Your patient will be understandably upset if they waited 20 minutes only for your pharmacy to not carry the drug. Time is of the essence here, so rip the Band-Aid (or adhesive bandage for you generic fans out there) and contact them immediately.
The RxLocal app might help in this case, allowing you to directly message patients about the status of their prescription. Though ER prescriptions could be too time sensitive for them to download an app and make a profile, it doesn’t hurt to extend that option.
Another part of pharmacy communication should revolved around how you communicate with fellow healthcare professionals. Chances are your pharmacy receives ER prescriptions from the same hospital room or emergency room. Familiarize yourself with its staff and vice versa. This kind of partnership strengthens community bonds and naturally expedites the prescription-filling process.
If you’ve recently opened a pharmacy, reach out to doctor offices and emergency rooms around your area, telling them that you and your pharmacy are ready to care for patients at a moment’s notice.
Lastly, we look at pharmacy technology. From pharmacy software to mobile apps, your technology can help your pharmacy weather any storm or closing rush.
Your pharmacy software sets the tempo for your work, so make sure you have a software that lets you adjust to any new occurrence like an ER prescription.
Furthermore, make sure you have a pharmacy software that enhances the patient experience.
PioneerRx has features to help drive profitability and improve patient outcomes.
PioneerRx can help you identify opportunities to enhance the patient experience. System tools are already in place for many use cases.
For example, when a patient gets an antibiotic, offer a probiotic to help improve their gut health. An alert at the point of sale can help your team catch every opportunity.
The neat thing is that you can apply these tools to custom applications as well! All in all, OTC offerings ensure your patients are getting the most out of their experience at your pharmacy — and the most out of their health journey.
For more, read our blog, “7 PioneerRx Features to Grow Your Pharmacy’s Profitability.”
Urgency is the name of the game when it comes to ER prescriptions. While all prescriptions are indeed created equal, ER prescriptions require a quicker pace and elevated attention to detail.
Through effective patient communication and leveraging your pharmacy technology, your pharmacy can become a ER-certified pillar of the community — just make sure you’re taking care of the rest of your pharmacy operations. With PioneerRx, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re a PioneerRx user, check out PioneerRx University for more features to amplify your day-to-day work.
