Most patients recently experienced medication delays, and most providers and pharmacists want better access to patient-specific data, according to new survey results by CoverMyMeds, a healthcare software company.
The survey was conducted during the month of September in 2021, asking respondents about the past 12 months, and it reached 1,000 each of patients, providers and pharmacists across the U.S.
The survey found 82% of patients experienced medication delays in the past 12 months as the result of COVID-19 restrictions, insurance processes, delays in provider communication, transportation limitations or cost. More than half reported trying to stretch out a prescription. About half skipped other expenses to afford a prescription or treatment (up from 43% in 2020); about half also skipped a prescription or treatment to afford other expenses (up from 36% in 2020).
“The industry sits on a precipice of tipping the needle from reactive sick care to truly proactive healthcare,” a report on the survey said. “The convergence of technology can create efficiencies to advance patient outcomes, enable affordable healthcare and sustain medication adherence so patients can continue to live their healthiest lives in 2022 and beyond.”
Nearly 80% said they have encountered unexpected costs at pharmacies, up from 67% the previous year. Meanwhile, more than a third of pharmacists have started finding new ways to help patients save money. This is mirrored by more than a third of patients who reported relying on their pharmacist to explain costs. Nearly half of pharmacists have also started prescription home delivery programs or patient follow-up calls in the last 12 months.
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More than half of pharmacists reported lacking time to complete their job effectively, with most citing inadequate staffing and time-consuming administrative work. Staffing issues were indicated by more chain retail pharmacists as an issue (65%) than independent pharmacists (39%).
Due to COVID-related restrictions, fear or resource shortages, 84% of patients had to delay or forgo in-person visits. Most were primary care visits. Most patients reported using telehealth for various reasons including avoiding COVID-19 spread, convenience or cost. Nearly half of patients discussed affordability options with their provider. Most providers, too, reported being most likely to discuss costs with their patients.
More than half of providers don’t have the necessary benefits information to start patients on specialty therapies. A third believe the ability to complete reimbursement processes electronically would be the most helpful solution. More than half of providers and pharmacists said they need access to patient-specific benefit information, while only a quarter of providers and just over a third of pharmacists reported having that access.