Access to healthcare is a growing challenge for many Americans, particularly those in groups experiencing disadvantages and pharmacy deserts. These areas lack the resources needed to support basic healthcare needs, leading to worse health outcomes and higher medical costs.
But independent and community pharmacies have the power to make a difference. From implementing telepharmacy services to offering delivery options, there are actionable steps you can take to expand access and improve patient care. Read on to explore how your pharmacy can be a lifeline for those who need it most.
FEMA defines underserved populations/communities as “groups that have limited or no access to resources or that are otherwise disenfranchised.” Examples include:
Lack of access to healthcare affects all aspects of life, adversely influencing quality of life, the detection and treatment of potentially life-threatening illnesses, and ultimately life expectancy.
80% of rural America is medically underserved, according to the National Institute of Health Care Management (NIHCM), and on average, rural residents live nearly two years less than metropolitan residents.
This disparity has led to rural individuals having higher rates of dying from:
Along with groups experiencing disadvantages, pharmacy or healthcare deserts have been on the rise. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) defines pharmacy deserts as “communities that are both low-income and have low access to pharmacies.” They exist mainly in rural or historically marginalized neighborhoods, furthering the current healthcare disparity.
As mentioned in the previous section, pharmacy deserts mainly occur in rural or historically marginalized areas. But how do they develop? Like anything with pharmacy financials, there is much to unpack.
Pharmacy benefit managers can play a role, says Dima Qato, a senior fellow at USC’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. PBMs create pharmacy networks for insurers that cover specific pharmacies, namely chains. In this scenario, independent pharmacies are not part of a PBM network.
This leads to, as Qato describes, patients traveling to get their medications filled at a chain pharmacy, making the independent pharmacy lose patients over time. Fewer patients means lower profits, which can lead to an independent going out of business.
The impact of this kind of health disparity builds on the many problems some citizens currently face with their healthcare (lack of access leads to a decline in general health and quality of life). Patients not taking medications means that pharmacies are filling fewer prescriptions, as mentioned in the previous section.
This also brings huge financial baggage. Another NLM study found that ineffective medication therapy, like non-adherence, costs the U.S. $528.4 billion annually, almost 20% of the country’s entire healthcare spend.
The problems facing populations in underserved areas will only grow. An increasingly unhealthy population with minimal resources can have a long road ahead of them. With the constant news of pharmacy closures (both on the chain and independent sides), these patients — and the pharmacy deserts they live around — are in a more precarious position than ever.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Independent and community pharmacies, with their knack for ingenuity, can be a light at this time of uncertainty.
While you may not be able to open a pharmacy in the middle of an underserved area, you can expand your outreach with the help of pharmacy technology. Consider implementing a telepharmacy model, which can help reach patients who are underserved.
Because this approach is completely virtual, ensure that your pharmacy can safely handle protected health information (PHI). Telepharmacies exchange PHI with patients, providers, and payors through digital channels, so make sure you have a pharmacy software that safely stores and exchanges that information to the appropriate parties.
A telepharmacy lets you care for those in areas who wouldn’t otherwise get these services — making your pharmacy a pillar of the community in every sense.
For more on this pharmacy model, read our blog “The State of Telepharmacy in 2024.”
Sometimes you need to step out of your pharmacy to help the community. An independent pharmacy is only as effective as its community ties, from its patient base to relationships with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Reach out to local health clinics, non-profits, and community centers to see how your pharmacy can address the needs of populations experiencing disadvantage. Doing this gives your pharmacy additional insights into how you can tailor your care to these patients.
The results can be profoundly helpful, resulting in health screenings, vaccination drives, and educational workshops. Patient education is often an overlooked aspect of patient care, especially with patients who live in pharmacy deserts. Educational workshops give your patients the tools to make better-informed decisions for their overall health.
Sometimes patient care doesn’t involve putting pills in a vial — a simple patient consultation or workshop can go a long way in creating a healthier and better-educated community.
Convenience is the name of the game in the modern pharmacy world. Patients expect their pharmacy to provide the most efficient care possible, a perfect blend of speed and accuracy. Some also prefer delivery options, opting to receive their medications right at their door. That's where delivery services come in.
Pharmacy delivery can be a game changer for both your pharmacy and pharmacy deserts. Distance no longer becomes an issue to provide comprehensive and tailored care. Rural and medically underserved communities especially benefit from delivery services, as they may lack nearby pharmacies or reliable transportation.
Implementing a delivery service in your pharmacy is easier than ever with software solutions designed to streamline the process. Software platforms like RedSail Technologies’ PioneerRx and DeliveryTrack offer integrated delivery solutions that allow pharmacies to track, manage, and optimize delivery routes, ensuring medications reach patients safely and efficiently.
If your pharmacy doesn’t currently offer delivery, now is the time to consider it. Even a limited delivery radius can significantly impact patients who would otherwise struggle to access their medications.
In many communities, pharmacies serve as primary healthcare hubs. By expanding your services beyond medication dispensing, your pharmacy can fill critical gaps in care and improve patient outcomes.
Consider offering services such as:
By expanding your services, your pharmacy can become an invaluable resource for those who may not have easy access to a primary care provider. What’s more, services like MTM and immunizations can create new revenue streams while improving patient health.
Many pharmacy management systems, including PioneerRx and BestRx, offer tools to help streamline these services, making it easier for pharmacies to integrate them into their workflow.
Pharmacy deserts and underserved populations present significant healthcare challenges, but independent and community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to help bridge these gaps. By leveraging technology, collaborating with local organizations, offering delivery services, and expanding care options, pharmacies can make a tangible difference in their communities.
Independent pharmacies serve as vital healthcare access points for many. In times of uncertainty, innovation and commitment to patient care will continue to shape the future of the industry.
