The 1980s saw the fastest growing mail order pharmacy industry with revenues increasing from $100 million to $1.5 billion. the trend would continue to grow throughout the 1990s reflecting the growth of the internet. mail order pharmacy just got more profitable and convenient.
years 2000
As more employers began offering the mail order pharmacy option and, in some cases, mandatory use, we continue to see this trend on the rise. Although there has been an increase in the number of patients using mail-order pharmacy services, there has been a slowdown in actual use over the past decade. A comparison of the use of mail order pharmacies showed that mail order accounted for 18.6% of prescriptions dispensed in 2011 compared to 18.5% in 2012, according to research published by the Drug Channels Institute .
the future of the mail order pharmacy
The mail order pharmacy has taken hold and grown over the last half century and now mails out billions of prescriptions a year. Many employers offer a mail-order pharmacy option as part of their comprehensive prescription drug benefits. If a patient is unsure if a mail order pharmacy is right for their needs, they should consider the following benefits to make an informed decision.
- The first step is to understand the benefits of prescription drugs. contact the health plan to compare the price difference between filling prescriptions by mail and a local pharmacy. Often a mail-order pharmacy can fill a 90-day supply at a reduced cost compared to a 30-day supply at a local pharmacy.
- Ordering and refilling prescriptions is convenient. Mail order pharmacies make it easy to manage medication orders and refills using a computer or smartphone. there’s even an option to synchronize multiple refills, a great convenience when managing chronic conditions.
- getting prescriptions in the mail will save time. Gone are the days of driving across town to wait in line for a prescription.
- Quality is at the forefront, with a team of pharmacists and technicians who guarantee the quality of the prescription. Every prescription is reviewed by a pharmacist before shipping, and they’re just a phone call away if there are questions about your medication when it arrives.
not always the best option
Although the mail order pharmacy has many great benefits, there are times when it may not be the right choice.
- Certain classes of medications, especially antibiotics, should be started immediately. it may be best to fill these medications at the local pharmacy.
- if a patient is adjusting to a new regimen or needs additional medical supplies along with their medication, it would be best to visit the local pharmacy.
- for personal consultation face-to-face interaction, questions about a prescription or advice on adverse events, nothing beats the local pharmacist. An educated healthcare professional, pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare providers who can offer walk-in consultations.
professional experience
Having worked in a mail order dispensing pharmacy for over 10 years, I can tell you firsthand that mail order pharmacies provide accurate and efficient pharmacy services. quality is our highest priority second only to customer service. Each prescription is reviewed by no fewer than 2 pharmacists to ensure the accuracy of both data entry and product verification. A pharmacist is just a phone call away and is available for any and all questions or concerns. If it is offered as a pharmacy benefit and is right for you, using a mail-order pharmacy can save you time and money without compromising quality or availability of pharmacists.
about the author
nicole kruczek earned her b.s. in Pharmacy from Temple University and is currently enrolled in the Master of Pharmaceutical Business Administration (MPBA) Program at the University of Pittsburgh, a 12-month executive-style graduate education program designed for working, struggling professionals. Being tomorrow’s leaders in the drug business, she has spent the last two decades in management roles in various long-term care, specialty, and PBM pharmacy operations.