Transaction Data Systems (TDS), the leader in pharmacy software solutions for the independent pharmacy, today announced their analysis of trends in their community pharmacy network. Recent data provides proof that independent pharmacists are increasing their involvement in the evolving care model to meet patient demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TDS, through its extensive network of more than 8,000 independent pharmacies, has seen a rapid increase in patient interactions across its network. The importance of independent pharmacy solutions has risen to the forefront during the coronavirus crisis, as independent pharmacies are staying open and supporting their patients through expanded services such as curbside pick-up, shipping, and home delivery.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TDS has reported a 33% year-over-year increase in prescription processing. For more than 3,000 zip codes in the U.S., independently owned pharmacies are the only pharmacies in town. Pharmacists are therefore the most accessible health care providers as the U.S. faces a shortage of primary care providers.
Most patients see their pharmacists more than their medical providers, whom they see just four times per year on average. As further evidence of the importance of pharmacist-patient interactions, last week Health and Human Services authorized licensed pharmacists to administer COVID-19 tests due to their community accessibility. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores found that for almost 90% of Americans, a community pharmacy is within five miles of their home. In metropolitan areas, patients are within two miles of a community pharmacy.
“We are proud to support our independent pharmacy clients through this unprecedented time. While our clients continue to work tireless hours, we have been able to dynamically improve support and decrease open support tickets by 74% through moving our valued TDS associates to a fully remote business model. We appreciate our dedicated pharmacists and pharmacy technicians battling this pandemic on the front lines and are doing everything we can to do our part to support them,” states TDS President, Kevin Lathrop.
The role of the independent pharmacist is changing as millions of Americans rely on community pharmacists to provide a new level of care during this healthcare challenged time. For more information about TDS, please visit transactiondatasystems.com.
ABOUT TRANSACTION DATA SYSTEMS
For over 40 years, Transaction Data Systems has been dedicated to the success of independent pharmacy. TDS, with its portfolio of products and services including Rx30, Computer-Rx, Enhanced Medication Services, and Pharm Assess, provides pharmacy management systems and innovative technology solutions to the pharmacy industry. Proudly supporting the largest install base of independent pharmacies in the industry with systems in all 50 states and the Virgin Islands, TDS is the largest, most trusted provider of Independent Pharmacy Management Solutions.
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