Why Your Doctor Should Dispense Medications

Seeing the doctor and then going to the pharmacy can be a hassle, but it doesn't have to be. At Plum Health, we dispense medications directly, saving you time and money. We do this for several reasons, which are outlined below.

Reason #1: we can buy medications at wholesale prices so you don't have to pay too much at the retail pharmacy. Just this week we've saved our members hundreds of dollars on their prescriptions. We dispensed a migraine medication for $20 that sells for $40 at the pharmacy, fluticasone (Flonase) for $4.95 that retails for $18, and several flu shots for $10 that retail for $25. 

Reason #2: you don't need to make 2 trips. It can be frustrating waiting in long lines at the retail pharmacy - we've all been there! Sitting in those vinyl chairs, glancing at our watches and checking our emails while someone is coughing on/near us. By dispensing medications at our clinic, we spare you the wait and the germs!

Reason #3: it helps us track compliance! If we prescribe a medication, we want to make sure that you're taking it. Problems with medication adherence is a big reason why blood pressure becomes uncontrolled, heart failure worsens, and blood sugar gets out of balance. If you come in at regular intervals for refills, we know how you're doing with your medication. And if you're not taking it, we can figure out why. A lot of folks have legitimate reasons for not taking a prescribed medication - it may have an undesirable side effect that prevents them from using it. We'd like to know about this so we can help you address this issue, stop the medication that's causing the problem, and maybe try a new one without that side effect. 

Reason #4: it helps to grow the doctor-patient relationship. We place a high value on having strong relationships with our patients. Open lines of communication allow us to really get to know each other and trust each other. If you come in to refill a medication, it's a good time to catch up and learn more about your experiences over the last few months. 

Reason #5: we know how much medications cost you. I can't tell you how many times I've given a prescription for a medication only to find out 1 month later that the patient did not fill it because of the price. This can be avoided in our clinic. If you can't afford certain medications, it helps us address that issue up front, rather than learning about it at the next visit. 

Thanks for reading and we hope to help you save money on your prescription medications!

- Paul Thomas, MD | Doctor with Plum Health DPC