As an independent pharmacist, you have lots expenses to stay on top of. However, if you want to stay successful – and even legal – you must take the time (and money) to make sure your pharmacy is updated in three key areas.
Here are three ways you can tell your pharmacy is totally outdated.
You're not set for the 2013 HIPAA regulations
This is critical. If you're not in compliance with 2013 HIPAA regulations, adjust your pharmacy now. These pharmacy updates are required not for aesthetics or even improved workflow, but for patient privacy compliance. Specifically, the new regulations require stricter controls to protect patient privacy. Patients have the right to restrict who sees their personal health information or PHI with some exceptions, and they can have complete access to their own files.
The new regulations also mean that you must report all security breaches that happen to the Department of Health and Human Services, not just those that put the affected individuals at significant risk or threat. What can you do to update your pharmacy for compliance?
- Implement physical safeguards that will protect PHI. Any devices used to store PHI must be completely protected at all times, including portable devices like tablets and laptops. Lock away these devices when they're not in use; use pharmacy shelving and fixtures that you can secure, such as locking cabinets behind the pharmacy counter.
- Workstations must be centralized. They must also have secure authentication and login protocols in order to ensure controlled, restricted access.
You aren't using pharmacy automation systems and your workflow is inefficient
Pharmacy automation systems for prescription fills not only improve efficiency because they can do the job much faster than you can; they also increase accuracy so that you make fewer mistakes. Their efficiency keeps your customers happy because their prescriptions are filled much faster, and they're also safer because there's less risk of medication mixups.
You can still improve your pharmacy workflow even for tasks that can't be done with pharmacy automation systems.
- Work areas should be optimized for efficiency, with appropriate pharmacy shelving and fixtures to hold supplies.
- Counters should be at the proper heights for comfort and efficiency.
- The traffic flow in work areas should be established so that there are no bottlenecks and so that personnel need to take as few steps as possible to perform a particular task.
Your store looks "old and tired"
This may seem the least important of the three shortfalls listed, but it's important to your customers and therefore your profits. If you haven't upgraded your store's decor or interior in awhile, work it into your budget as soon as you can.
- Repaint walls and replace/recover floors. You can start with simple and relatively inexpensive changes. Repaint walls and replace/recover sterile tile floors with updated options like carpet, or real or imitation wood.
- Redo lighting. Replace overhead, institutional fluorescent lights with newer versions that are softer and won't have the glare or "buzz" of older fluorescent lights.
- Replace pharmacy shelving and fixtures with new, stylish options. You don't have to do this all at once, but begin to replace bland, institutional pharmacy shelving with new pharmacy shelving and fixtures that are stylish and up-to-date. Mix and match old pieces with new ones that complement each other to save money.
If your pharmacy is completely outdated, it's time to update it and bring it into the present time. Industry compliance is most important factor here. However, improved pharmacy workflow and an updated, fresh look that your customers will enjoy are also necessary as you can do them, for happier customers, less stress, and better profits.
