What is the fastest way to issue private prescriptions?

One of the fastest ways for GPs to issue private prescriptions is through an e-prescription platform.

This electronic system allows them to send the prescription directly to the pharmacy.

Digitalisation of prescriptions has become commonplace in the UK with 95% of NHS prescriptions fulfilled electronically. Private practices are also seeing the benefits of e-prescriptions in making their lives more efficient and reducing admin time.

With a full workload, busy GPs are always looking for ways to make their work lives more optimised and streamline daily processes.

Cutting down time to complete prescriptions frees up valuable time for GPs and their clinic staff, allowing them to focus on improved patient care.

Healistic offers private GPs a free e-prescription software that can make their days significantly more efficient.

How Long Does It Take for Doctors To Issue Private Prescriptions?

Typical paper prescriptions can be incredibly time-consuming for GPs, pharmacists and patients.

GPs often need to carry out thorough checks about the type of medication and drug interactions and also verify patient information.

Local pharmacists need to wait to receive paper prescriptions from the patient and have to potentially wait to order in stock if they don’t have it on site. For patients, private prescriptions involve them having to go to their local pharmacy, wait in a queue and potentially not even get the medicine they need on the day that they need it.

If the pharmacy has to order in the medication, it could take up to a few days before they get what they have been prescribed.

Why is Issuing Private E-Prescriptions Faster?

E-prescriptions allow for prescriptions to be transmitted electronically in a matter of seconds - directly from the GP to the pharmacy. They negate the need for lengthy manual processes and the typical delays that occur with physical paperwork.

They are faster for a range of reasons:

• No need for manual processes - unlike paper prescriptions, there is no need to physically write, mail or fax a prescription making for a much faster experience.
• Instant electronic transmission - the digital transmission of the prescriptions from the GP to the pharmacy can happen within seconds, rather than the delivery of a physical prescription.
• Fast checks - instead of having to manually check the prescribed medication and do a thorough check for drug interactions, e-prescription software can perform real-time checks to speed the process up even further.
• Immediate access to patient information - GPs don’t have to sift through old files to find the information they need as e-prescription software can be integrated with the GP’s electronic health records. This gives GPs instant access to a patient’s medical history to make informed decisions faster.
• Fewer errors - the automation of processes has been shown to minimise risk and maximise accuracy when compared to handwritten prescription and the potential misinterpretation of information. This saves time down the line as everybody gets the information they need from the offset.
• Improved efficiency for pharmacies - pharmacies are able to process e-prescriptions more efficiently thanks to automated data.
• Faster wait times - for patients, e-prescriptions offer an enhanced experience when it comes to time saved. Rather than having to wait ages for their medications, they can pick them up when they’re in stock and reduce their wait times significantly. E-prescription platforms like Healistic even offer door-to-door delivery, meaning that the patient can receive their necessary medication as quickly as possible without even having to leave home.

How is Technology Helping Busy GPs Issue Private Prescriptions?

Embracing digital solutions can make the life of a GP far easier and much more efficient.

Tele-appointments - virtual consultations have been able to optimise GP time significantly. Patients can do appointments on the go without having to go to a specific place and wait in a waiting room. GPs can work more efficiently, see more patients and save valuable time and resources.

E-prescriptions - taking away manual processes makes the job of prescribing medication far quicker and easier for GPs.

Digital record-keeping - software for private clinics allows them to keep records digitally and track prescriptions online meaning that information is instantly accessible. It can save a huge amount of time for GPs and clinical teams.

Automated processes - automation of processes - from scheduling appointments to automatically refilling prescriptions - can save GPs hours of time.

How Quickly Can GP’s Issue Private Prescriptions with an E-Prescriptions Software?

With a digital prescription platform like Healistic, doctors can issue private prescriptions in under 60 seconds.

Thanks to seamless integrations with medication databases, these prescriptions are not only quick but less at risk of prescription and dispensing errors. The prescriptions are transmitted directly from the GP to the pharmacies in a secure and encrypted format.

Prescribing digitally can also automate repeat prescriptions based on desired frequency - saving time for both the GP and their patients.

Choosing to issue private prescriptions digitally can reduce over 10 hours a week of admin for private GPs and their staff.

How Quickly Can Patients Get Medication with Private E-Prescriptions?

The speed at which e-prescriptions can be fulfilled depends on the software used. For GPs using Healistic, patients can have their medication delivered to their door within 24 hours (nationwide in the UK) or in as little as 2 hours (Central London).

This is much more convenient for patients as it saves them the hassle of travelling to a pharmacy. It also means that patients get the medication they need as quickly as possible.

How Healistic Can Save Time for Busy GPs When Issuing Private Prescriptions

By issuing e-prescriptions through the Healistic platform, GPs can do the work they need safely and securely in just a few clicks.

Healistic partners with pharmacies across the UK to ensure that the medication is in stock and at a competitive price for patients.

Once the e-prescription is transmitted by the GP, the medication is dispatched as quickly as possible, directly to the door of the patient.

This enhances patient experience substantially and reduces the need for patients to call the clinic and check the status of the medication. With Healistic, private GPs can save over 10 hours a week of unnecessary admin for themselves and the wider clinic team, making the workplace far more efficient.