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The most promising source of new revenue
available to doctors is physician dispensing.
Point-of-Care Drug Distribution, Past, Present, Future Trends
In the 1920's, approximately 20% of American physicians dispensed
the medications they prescribed, (down from perhaps 80% in 1880).
Approximately 7% of American physicians currently dispense (sell)
prescribed medications directly to their patients.
PTC’s growth coincides with analysts’ predictions that
physician dispensing represents a “back to the future”
trend in drug distribution for several reasons: 1) the need to increase
physician income within the managed care environment, 2) the need
to reduce the $5-$7 each pharmacy call-back costs the average practice,
3) the substantial savings to insurers afforded by point-of-care
dynamics, 4) patients are beginning to act like comparative consumers
– and nothing beats physician dispensing for patient convenience
and “continuity of care.” This gives a competitive advantage
to physicians and insurers who offer it.
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