Physician Dispensing During Covid-19 Crisis
No one could have anticipated an almost complete shutdown of our country for weeks on end as we battle a silent enemy, the coronavirus (also known as Covid-19). For most states, only the most essential businesses have been allowed to stay open and operate. Businesses that are extremely essential during this time are the wholesale medical and pharmaceutical supply companies. Below are a few of the Benefits of Physician Dispensing During the Covid-19 Crisis. If you are a physician looking to bring Physician Dispensing to your practice, read more here.
While many people have been laid off or sent home to work, workers in medical and pharmaceutical supply companies are working overtime to help save our country. These are the companies that are supplying gloves, masks and other imperative equipment to hospitals and medical facilities. This requires close and precise coordination with these medical facilities to ensure the availability of tests, supplies, and medications to patients. Our medical professionals are on the front lines of this pandemic and risking their safety and their lives daily. Right now, there are huge benefits of physician dispensing during the Covid-19 crisis.
Making Test Available
Part of physician dispensing during the Covid-19 pandemic involves making tests available for coronavirus identification. There are now tests available to physicians that can allow for citizens to be tested, whether or not they are showing symptoms. Having these tests readily available is very important to detect and protect the public.
Potential to Execute a Cure
At the time of publishing this article, there has been no medication approved by the FDA for practitioners to use in treating Covid-19 patients. Emerging therapies, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, show promising results. However, it has been advised that hospitals and health care facilities not stockpile or hoard these medications. These medications are typically used for patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Once a medication becomes available for use to treat Covid-19 patients, then physician dispensing will be immeasurable. Health care professionals will then be on the frontlines of treating and curing this nasty virus. Physician dispensing during the Covid-19 crisis requires rationing and limiting as needed.
Physician Dispensing Will Aid in Limiting Overall Exposure
People across the nation are being asked to self-quarantine and follow social distancing protocols to slow the spread of the virus. The benefit of physician dispensing during the Covid-19 crisis means that people will travel and enter into less public places. If someone can get their medications (related to Covid-19 or not) at their physician’s office, then they skip over a trip to the pharmacy or other public areas. This is a win-win for all involved.
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, physician dispensing was a huge source of pure convenience. Now the convenience comes with an additional benefit. This is the benefit of limiting exposure and spreading germs. When a physician dispenses medications or supplies directly to the patient, the patient has fewer places to travel. Now is a great time to take advantage of physician dispensing.
Access to Medications Extended
Pharmacists and doctors have been approved to give an extension of refills of medications earlier than usually required. This means that a patient can receive as much as a 90-day supply earlier than usual. Again, if a patient visits their physician and they have access to have their medications filled in-house, they can get a large quantity and avoid going into the public sector more often.
Physician Dispensing Keeps People Employed
A huge setback for millions of Americans during the Covid-19 crisis has been a loss of employment. Many people have been forced to step away from their jobs and suffer from a lack of income. However, medical professionals and dispensaries are working harder than ever. They are seeking help in maintaining orders and getting essential supplies, medicine, and equipment to those in need. Delivery drivers are extremely valuable during these times as well. For people out of a job, getting involved with a dispensary or delivery is absolutely possible.
Final Thoughts
Hard times have fallen upon the entire country. Kids are missing out on school, parents have lost jobs, grocery shelves are bare, toilet paper is scarce and many people are getting ill with Covid-19. Physician dispensing during the Covid-19 Crisis has never been more necessary and helpful. It not only helps patients but keeps the general public safer. Whether a physician can provide an in-house Covid-19 test or offer medications directly to the patient, it is a huge win for social distancing and self-quarantining.