According to the latest National Progress Report from Surescripts, over 2.5 billion medication histories were requested through their platform in 2022. Having the latest medication information is key to reducing medication related adverse events. The Report also showed a significant increase in the use of real-time prescription benefits which decreases the out-of-pocket cost of medications for patients.
We sat down with Frank Harvey, CEO of Surescripts to discuss the findings in their 2022 National Progress Report and learn more about the company’s plans in the months ahead.
Medication Reconciliation
Medication reconciliation continues to be a patient safety risk during transitions in care. A recent study showed that over 39% of inbound adult patients had an unintended medication discrepancy. The latest National Progress Report from Surescripts shows that healthcare organizations are taking this risk more seriously. Over 2.5 billion medication histories were requested through the Surescripts platform in 2022.
“Medication history is so critical to make sure the right treatment decisions are made for patients,” said Harvey. “We are encouraged by the growth [in the number of medication histories requested], but it should be even more.”
To help encourage more organizations to retrieve the latest medication information for patients through its platform, the Surescripts team are continuing to educate their customers and partners about this functionality.
Real-time Prescription Benefit
High prescription drug prices create affordability challenges for patients and the health care system as a whole. According to a report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the average price increase was $150 per drug (+10%) in January 2022 and $250 (+7.8%) in July 2022 versus the same month in the previous year.
Medication cost is a well-established barrier to medication adherence. Discussing medication affordability and exploring treatment alternatives while the patient is still in the room with the prescribing physician is an extremely effective way to address the issue.
Surescript’s Real-Time Prescription Benefit provides patient-specific benefit and cost information within the EHR or pharmacy system. This helps address cost concerns, boost adherence and avoid prior authorizations. According to the 2022 National Progress Report, this feature helped to save $61 on average per standard prescription and $428 per specialty medication prescription.
Watch the interview with Frank Harvey to learn:
- Why Harvey is keeping his eye on the changing nature of care teams
- The role pharmacists can play in medication safety and affordability
- How Surescripts remains a mission-driven organization
Learn more about Surescripts: https://surescripts.com/
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