Repeat prescriptions are issued to those who take regular medication for on-going conditions such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure, allowing pharmacies to dispense their treatment each time they need it.
Repeat prescriptions are an important and useful service, benefiting surgeries as well as patients. Here are some ways in which you can manage your repeat prescription service effectively as a pharmacy:
Increase Efficiency
Without a repeat prescription, patients are required to re-visit their GP every time they need more medication. This means booking an appointment, travelling to see their doctor and then taking their prescription to their nearest pharmacy for collection. A pharmacy-based repeat prescription service eliminates the need for a doctor, which saves both surgeries and patients time.
Pharmacies can make their repeat prescription service even easier and more efficient. Setting up an online ordering system will enable patients to order their medication from home. However, encourage patients to place an order at least two days in advance, so that their medication can be ordered on time.
Cut Down on Waste
It is estimated that millions of pounds of unused drugs are thrown away each year in the UK. Doctors often prescribe large amounts of drugs to cover long periods of time, which aren’t always required. Repeat prescriptions can help to reduce waste of valuable medication, by allowing patients to order exactly what they need, week by week.
Pharmacies can help to reduce waste further by setting up an email or text alert service, reminding patients that their medication is waiting. This will ensure that all patients receive their prescription on time, reducing the amount of un-collected medication.
Provide the Proper Dosage
Repeat prescriptions can help to increase accuracy and reduce the risk of dispensing errors that occur in a pharmacy. The prescriptions have already been checked and authorised by a doctor and will stay the same each time, meaning that there is less chance of a mistake being made. This ensures that patients always receive a correct and safe dose of their medication.
To cut down on errors and make sure that your customers are taking the right medicines for their on-going needs, encourage them to sign up to your pharmacy’s repeat prescription service.
Enhance Customer Satisfaction
Happy customers are key to a successful business. Pharmacies who effectively manage their repeat prescription service, and offer useful add-ons such as online ordering and text reminders, can greatly increase customer satisfaction within their store. Patients are able to spend less time worrying about their medication and can collect their order at a time that is convenient to them. When your customers are content, they are more likely to recommend and return to your pharmacy.
Repeat prescriptions are important for every pharmacy and should be conducted with care. By making your repeat prescription service as smooth-running and convenient as possible, your pharmacy can help the local community to manage their medicines, relieve pressure from the National Health Service and improve the overall customer experience.
This article was written by Kelly Gilmour-Grassam with useful information from Pharma Protect. Kelly is an award winning freelance copywriter, you can follow her on Twitter @KellyGGrassam.
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