NCPA finds medsync programs improve both efficiency and patient service

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  - A recent survey of National Community Pharmacists Association member pharmacies utilizing NCPA's Simplify My Meds program documented how both patients and pharmacists benefit from medication synchronization programs, or "med sync." 

 

The survey asked several open-ended questions, and respondents overwhelmingly noted that med sync has increased efficiency in their pharmacy and balanced their work flow. Respondents also indicated patients are satisfied because the program means fewer visits to the pharmacy each month, an opportunity to discuss their medications with their pharmacist and more certainty in their refill process.

 

"Med sync programs, such as Simplify My Meds, are critical to achieving greater patient adherence," stated Douglas Hoey, NCPA CEO. "Non-adherence to medication is estimated to cost the health care system as much as $290 billion annually through necessitating costly procedures or hospitalizations that could otherwise have been prevented. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has established star ratings measures for Medicare prescription drug plans that are largely dependent on patient adherence," he said. 

 

"Med sync is yet another individualized service independent pharmacies can offer patients to set them apart from their competitors and simultaneously boost adherence ratings. Furthermore, a 2013 study called 'Medication Adherence in America: A National Report Card' found that the leading indicator of patient adherence was their personal relationship with their pharmacist. Med sync programs provide monthly opportunities to grow these critical relationships," Hoey added.

 

NCPA's Simplify My Meds program is utilized by more than 2,600 independent community pharmacies nationwide, either as a standalone platform or in tandem with other technologies. In fact, the survey documented how some community pharmacies utilize a technology vendor service to facilitate their med sync program while relying on SMM for marketing and promoting the med sync service. 

 

Overall, more than 10,000 community pharmacies nationwide provide med sync services.