Medication non-adherence is a persistent issue in healthcare, affecting a large number of patients who take chronic medications. Whether due to forgetfulness, misunderstanding instructions, or lack of motivation, missing doses can lead to poor health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs. For pharmacies, this also translates into missed opportunities to fill prescriptions, increased DIR (Direct and Indirect Remuneration) fees, and a negative impact on adherence metrics. Fortunately, the best pharmacy software such as Datascan’s Winpharm makes it easier than ever to improve medication adherence through robust reminder tools and patient engagement features.
Modern pharmacy software solutions now include integrated mobile apps, automated refill reminders, and medication synchronization programs to help patients stay on track with their medication regimens. These systems don’t just streamline pharmacy operations—they actively support better patient outcomes by fostering consistency and communication.
One of the most effective tools is the Datascan pharmacy mobile app, Mobile Scripts, with custom medication reminders. Through Mobile Scripts, patients can receive alerts on their phones at the exact times they need to take their medications. These reminders are easy to set up and can significantly reduce the chance of missed doses. In addition to push notifications, some of the best pharmacy systems offer text messaging directly from the pharmacy, providing refill reminders, pickup notifications, and even prompts to schedule appointments or consultations. This ongoing engagement helps patients feel connected and supported in managing their health.
Automatic refills and medication synchronization are other powerful features offered by top-tier pharmacy systems like Winpharm. Auto-refill programs ensure patients don’t run out of their maintenance medications, while med sync aligns all of a patient’s medications to be refilled on the same day each month. This reduces confusion, saves time, and makes it easier for both patients and caregivers to manage complex medication regimens. For the pharmacy, it also means fewer missed fills and better inventory planning.
From a business standpoint, these adherence solutions contribute directly to improved performance metrics. Higher adherence means more prescriptions filled consistently, leading to increased revenue and reduced DIR fees—penalties often assessed based on a pharmacy’s ability to keep patients adherent to their medications. By using these features, built right into your pharmacy software, proactively, pharmacies not only support their patients’ well-being but also strengthen their financial performance and build patient loyalty.
Pharmacies using advanced pharmacy software from companies like Datascan can position themselves as proactive partners in healthcare, rather than just dispensers of medications. These features turn the pharmacy into a primary care provider, not just a place to fill a prescription—leveraging technology within the pharmacy management system to empower patients and keep them on the right path. In today’s competitive pharmacy landscape, offering tools like medication reminders, medsync, and personalized communication isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity.
To help improve patient care and boost profits in your independent pharmacy, investing in comprehensive medication adherence programs using platforms like Datascan’s pharmacy software system is a win-win: patients become healthier and more compliant, while pharmacies enjoy stronger outcomes, reduced DIR fees, and stronger, long-term relationships with the people they serve.
Administering and managing these programs can be very time-consuming, wasting your staff’s time. However, using the technology you have within your pharmacy management software, you can ease that burden and automate many of these tasks. This will help to build your adherence levels, star ratings, lower DIR fees, and raise your profitability. If your pharmacy software can not offer the tools necessary to build adherence with the patients you serve in your community pharmacy, perhaps it’s time to shop around for a pharmacy systems vendor that can automate these tasks.
Kevin Minassian is the President of Datascan Software. Under his leadership, the company rapidly expanded to provide pharmacy management software on a national level. Over the last 15+ years, he has ensured that Datascan has continuously evolved to offer innovative solutions for independent pharmacies while still offering world-class customer support. He is passionate about helping independent pharmacies to remain competitive, achieve success, and offer the very best service to their communities.
