Reimbursements continue to shrink. Pressure is on to see more patients. Pharmacies begin to offer “quick clinic” services. The government passes far-reaching health care legislation creating a host of new certainties and uncertainties. As an independent practitioner, how do you survive in this crazy environment?
Keep the faith! Demand for the services of good physicians continue to grow. The growing aging population is creating the need for more and more care. New technologies and techniques continue to evolve and present new opportunities for services to patients. A health system in flux also means new opportunities as niches are created and patients find it more difficult to navigate the landscape.
As financial pressures continue to mount, we see more and more physicians turning to clinic dispensing as a means to supplement practice revenue. Dispensing pharmaceuticals from your office provides convenience for your patients, revenue for your clinic and another point of differentiation for your practice. Competitive pricing is possible with access to wholesale medications and using prepackaged medications streamlines the dispensing process. Simple-to-use dispensing software is readily available as are the tried and true dispensing logbooks. It is easy to implement, easy to administer and easy to maintain. A single doctor can easily generate $20-$30k of additional profit; focused efforts can reap much more.
As frustrating as many things are for physicians these days, there are still many opportunities. A little creativity and a willingness to focus on the business elements of your practice can reap unexpected benefits. Blending medication dispensing, quality care and new services will continue to set your practice apart and keep your patients, and you, healthy.
