Delays at the pharmacy counter and going “back-and-forth” with a health plan or provider are the top challenges for patients filling prescriptions, according to a national survey.
Surescripts, a health information network focused on electronic prescriptions, partnered with The Harris Poll to survey 1,007 adults who have interacted with the U.S. healthcare system within the past year.
The organizations reported several pharmacy industry trends. Here are the most notable findings:
1. Among respondents who received a prescription within the past three months, the average person said they take three prescriptions per day. Nearly half, or 47%, report taking specialty medications.
2. Most survey respondents said they fill their prescriptions in-person. Nearly 40% of those who have filled a prescription within the last 12 months did so digitally, such as an online pharmacy. Fifteen percent filled a prescription from a hospital pharmacy.
3. Fifty-six percent of patients said they experience challenges when filling prescriptions. The most common challenges were:
- Prescription took too long to fill — selected by 37% of respondents
- Back-and-forth with health plan, provider or pharmacy — 31%
- Prior authorization delay or denial — 26%
- Learned about lower cost option too late — 23%
- Couldn’t afford medication — 22%
- Unable to get prescription filled — 20%
- Difficulty finding pricing information — 19%
4. One in four patients said they have previously not picked up a prescription because it was too expensive.
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