In Part 1, we scratched the surface of harnessing the power of data to improve quality patient care. As we continue the discussion, we will explore how e-Prescribe and switch data uniquely contribute to the creation of a heat map to identify invaluable insights.
E-Prescribe Data: Mapping Patient Behavior
E-prescribing, which enables healthcare providers to electronically transmit prescriptions directly to pharmacies in an accurate, error-free, and understandable standardized format, generates a wealth of data that can be leveraged to make meaningful and impactful decisions. This data provides valuable insights into patient behavior, such as prescription patterns, preferred pharmacies, and medication adherence. By analyzing e-Prescribe data, covered entities can identify the pharmacies where their patients most frequently fill their prescriptions. This information creates a foundational element for a heat map, highlighting areas of high patient activity.
Switch Data: Unveiling Prescription Transfers
Switch data refers to information on prescription transfers from one pharmacy to another. This data can reveal patient preferences, insurance changes, and shifts in prescription fulfillment locations. Analyzing switch data helps covered entities track patient movement between pharmacies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of prescription utilization and revealing potential gaps in patient care. With the never-ending saga of the manufacturer restrictions plaguing 340B covered entities and impacting their quality patient care, in some cases, this information plays a strategic and vital role in ensuring the right pharmacies are positioned as a designated primary pharmacy.
Creating a Heat Map: Identifying Filling Pharmacies
The integration of e-Prescribe and switch data enables the creation of a dynamic heat map showcasing the geographic distribution of patient-prescriber-pharmacy interactions down to the NDC level. The heat map highlights clusters of pharmacies where patients most frequently fill their prescriptions, revealing areas of high patient engagement. This map can be a powerful tool for identifying underserved regions, making informed strategic decisions about the placement of contract pharmacies, and expanding access to affordable medications to continue and increase quality patient care.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Quality Patient Care, available in early July.
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