Say Goodbye to Sticker Shock: Leveraging Real-Time Prescription Benefit in Your EHR

April 18, 2024

Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB) is changing the game when it comes to handling prescriptions. It offers unparalleled drug-price transparency right when it’s needed most, and it fits into the ePrescribing tools doctors already use. DoseSpot integrates this price-transparency tool not only to streamline clinical decision-making but also to drive significant cost savings and optimize patient care.

Let’s take a closer look at how RTPB works and how it benefits prescribers and patients.

What is Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB)?

Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB) stands out by providing patient-specific medication costs in real-time, a leap forward from traditional methods that relied on and reported average costs. This API-driven system, integrated within ePrescribing software, evaluates a myriad of factors such as insurance eligibility, formulary information, and pharmacy location to present out-of-pocket costs and affordable alternatives to prescribed medications. The precision and personalization of RTPB ensure that patients receive the most cost-effective care tailored to their specific needs.

How Does RTPB Work?

Using Real-Time Prescription Benefit fits seamlessly into the prescribing process. Here’s how it works:

1. When selecting a medication, a prescriber performs a Real-Time Prescription Benefit check within the electronic health record’s ePrescribing workflow.

2. In real-time, data is sent directly from the patient’s pharmacy benefit manager so the prescriber sees what the patient will pay at their choice of pharmacy.

3. The prescriber can also review up to five therapeutic alternatives for the selected drug, complete with cost and coverage information.

4. Flags for prior authorization and step therapy alert the prescriber to any requirements that might prevent the prescription from being filled.
   
5. The prescriber and patient make a choice together. The patient leaves confident that they’ll receive their medication at a price they can afford, and the provider feels confident the patient will remain adherent to their prescribed medication.

Empowering Prescribers with RTPB

Over half of physicians see prescription price information as a priority, but only 11% can easily access it electronically, according to a Surescripts survey. This pricing information isn’t just a “nice to have.” Physicians believe prescription price should impact prescribing decisions, and 59% want to be able to compare the price of therapeutic alternatives.

Here are some key benefits of Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB) for prescribers:

• Pricing Transparency: RTPB gives doctors a clear view of medication costs, upping the quality of care.
• Immediate Access: Docs get real-time info on what meds cost for each patient, plus cheaper alternatives.
• Better Adherence: According to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), when a drug copay is raised by just $10, medication adherence can be adversely decreased by 10%. By showing more affordable med options, RTPB helps patients stick to their treatment plans. 
• Saves Time: A Surescripts study showed that doctors using RTPB can save over 90 minutes a day by cutting down on prescription tweaks and pharmacy mix-ups.
• Easy Integration: Hooking RTPB up with systems like DoseSpot is a breeze. No extra training is needed, and it reaches most patients right out of the gate.

Benefiting Patients Through RTPB

Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB) is a win-win for patients, bringing a new level of clarity and control over their medication choices. Here’s how RTPB makes a difference:

• Informed Choices: With RTPB, patients see the real costs and alternatives for meds, making it easier to decide with their doctors.
• Trust and Transparency: Knowing the costs upfront builds trust with healthcare providers and removes any surprises at the pharmacy.
• Better Adherence: Affordable options mean patients are more likely to stick to their treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes.
• Fewer Delays: RTPB cuts down on the hassle of pharmacy callbacks and prior authorizations, getting patients their medication faster.

Enhanced Experience: All these benefits come together to improve the overall care journey for patients, making it smoother and more satisfying.

Incorporating RTPB into Your EHR

For healthcare technology companies and clinical health entities, integrating Real-Time Prescription Benefit (RTPB) into EHR/EMR systems is a strategic move. This full software integration not only enriches the functionality of your EHR/EMR systems but also positions your organization as a leader in adopting advanced technologies that prioritize patient care and cost efficiency. RTPB’s ability to provide drug-price transparency and real-time data directly impacts clinical decision-making, ensuring that your EHR/EMR system stands out in the competitive healthcare market.

Real-Time Prescription Benefit is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a patient-centric approach that aligns with the goals of healthcare providers and patients alike. By offering real-time drug-price transparency, RTPB enhances clinical decision-making, drives cost savings, and optimizes patient care.