Removing the MEDICATION Access Barrier

Amid several pressing issues affecting our neighbors, medication non-adherence continues to concern us. It’s a public health crisis that disproportionately impacts our patient population.1 2 But we have a plan, and it starts with launching our first on-site pharmacy at our Ora Glen location in Greenbelt.

Understanding medication non-adherence and its prevalence helps put the importance of an on-site pharmacy in context.

Medicine non-adherence occurs when a patient fails to take their medication as prescribed.

It’s very common; roughly 20 to 30% of prescriptions in the U.S. are left unfilled by patients, and if they do fill their prescriptions, they are liable to take them incorrectly.3

Low adherence contributes to poor health outcomes and a decreased quality of life for patients. Even more alarming, more than half of hospital admissions nationwide are due to non-adherence, and it’s a cause of death for more than 125,000 people annually.4

Patients may agree to fill their prescriptions and follow the dosage when their clinicians are present, but whether they follow through once they leave the office is anyone’s guess. An on-site pharmacy removes some of that guesswork, connecting expectation of compliance with the opportunity to comply. And research proves they work.

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy found that an on-site pharmacy increases adherence rates and reduces hospitalizations.5

CCI patients will be able to fill their prescriptions in-office beginning in 2024. They can have their questions answered then and there by a technician or give us a call if any concerns arise afterward. That’s the kind of experience we are proud to offer, easing a sometimes complicated process by adding convenience and assurance.

Our on-site pharmacy compliments our patientcentered and comprehensive approach to care and enables clinicians, medical assistants, and patient representatives to work in collaboration to ensure patient adherence. We are committed to making on-site pharmacies a standard offering at every CCI health center so that we may empower our patients to take control of their health by helping them take control of their medication regimens.