Optimizing Ambulatory Prescription Capture via Informatics

Abstract

Topic: Leveraging Pharmacy Informatics to Keep Health System Patients in Health System Pharmacy: Ambulatory Clinic Edition

This presentation and article explore a strategic informatics approach to solving the challenge of "prescription leakage" in ambulatory clinics. While health systems invest heavily in internal pharmacies, traditional methods like staff education and marketing flyers often struggle to compete with external pharmacy networks and PBMs.

The proposed solution is the implementation of a Medication Order Verification Queue, often referred to technically as Multistep Order Transmittal (MSOT). This workflow mimics inpatient safety checks by routing specific ambulatory prescriptions—such as high-cost specialty meds or complex therapies—to an internal pharmacy team before they leave the EHR.

Key Benefits Discussed:

• Prescription Capture: Secures revenue and 340B opportunities by keeping prescriptions within the health system.
• Enhanced Safety: Allows pharmacists to perform clinical checks (interactions, dosing) before the patient even leaves the clinic.
• Workflow Efficiency: Reduces administrative burden on clinic staff by centralizing benefits investigation and prior authorizations.
• Patient Experience: Ensures patients leave with their medications in hand or a clear plan, rather than navigating complex insurance issues alone at an external pharmacy.