Improvements in technology and digital services over the last few decades have completely changed the world as we know it. You don’t rent movies at Blockbuster anymore (sorry Blockbuster) — you stream virtually endless content on Netflix. Now the technology revolution is coming to your pharmacies!
When it comes to pharmacies, digital pharmacies have a leg up on their brick-and-mortar cousins in a number of ways. This doesn’t mean traditional pharmacies will disappear anytime soon, but it does mean that there’s a new kid on the block — and it’s one we should pay attention to.
The Rise of Digital Pharmacies
Digital pharmacies have been around for a while now, but they are beginning to make waves as new acquisitions and services come on the market. Consumers are driving the demand for faster access with a focus on ease and convenience. And if there’s one thing digital pharmacies do well, it’s convenience.
Like many technology upsets, adoption takes time (Blockbuster didn’t go down in a day), and in this case, it’s unlikely that traditional pharmacies will disappear. Instead, a hybrid solution between brick-and-mortar and online seems likely.
Increased Uptake During (and After) COVID-19
Just as virtual telemedicine services which allow access to healthcare from home, digital pharmacies are well positioned for growth in a post-pandemic world. Remote healthcare access has proven incredibly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic and has seen significant uptake in Canada since the pandemic began.
The Advantages of a Digital Pharmacy
Digital pharmacies provide a number of advantages that are very attractive to consumers.
Here’s a few reasons why you should consider filling your next prescription online:
#1. Lower Cost
When you visit a pharmacy, you’re not just paying for the cost of your prescription. There are unseen markups and dispensing fees that add to the overall cost of your drug. On average, these costs account for approximately 20-25% of the cost of a prescription.
A digital pharmacy can offer less costly solutions. For example, at Benefits by Design (BBD) Inc., we’ve partnered with PocketPills, which offers applicable plan members a low pharmacy markup. This adds up to significant savings for both employers and employees on a per prescription basis.
What’s more, you’ll save on the additional cost in gas and time spent picking up prescriptions, since everything is being delivered right to your door!
#2. Convenience
Digital pharmacies bring greater convenience through delivery of your prescriptions. Additionally, many digital pharmacies will have an app that allows you to check your prescriptions, access resources, and even speak directly with a pharmacist!
What’s more, refills can be automatic, so you never have to remember to refill a prescription again. Staying organized with PocketPills is easy. All of your prescriptions arrive in clearly labelled PocketPacks for morning, afternoon, and evening, alongside the name of your prescription!
How convenient is the ability to do all of that right from the comfort of your own home?
#3. Added Support Through an App
As mentioned above, most digital pharmacies will promote an app alongside their service. This not only adds to the convenience of the service, but also allows users access to valuable resources and information.
For example, the PocketPills app lets you check up on your orders, set up automatic refills, search medication prices, and even speak to a pharmacist via phone, live chat, text, or email if you have questions! They have someone available for support 7 days a week to answer your questions.
#4. No “Pharmacy Deserts”
A majority of Canadians live within driving distance of a pharmacy. However, Canada is a huge country with some sparsely populated and rural regions where access to a pharmacy isn’t as easy as you’d think. A “pharmacy desert” is an area or community where access to prescriptions is limited.
Online pharmacies like PocketPills solve this problem by providing prescription access online — no matter where you are!
The Future of Pharmacy is Digital
It’s unlikely that online pharmacies will completely replace traditional pharmacies. However, it’s undeniable that the future of prescription medication has a place for digital pharmacies like PocketPills. The added convenience, support, and service, combined with its lower-cost, is attractive. In a post-pandemic world, more Canadians are expected to turn to these online solutions.
Please reach out if you would like to know more!
Borrowed from BBD Blog, May 11, 2021: https://www.bbd.ca/blog/digital-pharmacy-advantages