At a recent conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, hosted by Abarca, a pharmacy benefit manager, industry experts gathered to discuss the challenges of data interoperability in healthcare. Despite efforts to improve data sharing among stakeholders, data silos remain a major issue plaguing the industry. The panel at the conference highlighted the importance of adopting automation technology to facilitate real-time data sharing and achieve greater interoperability.
They discussed the potential benefits of this technology, focusing on three key areas:
1. Improved medication adherence: By integrating pharmacy operations with providers' electronic health records, physicians can track whether their patients have filled their prescriptions. This real-time data can help intervene and prevent patients from experiencing adverse events. Automated prior authorization processes can also play a crucial role in ensuring medication adherence.
2. Time savings: Pharmacy automation technology can lead to significant time savings for providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care and reducing burnout. Health plans also benefit from automation, seeing reductions in call center volume and faxing. The healthcare industry's administrative burden is a significant concern, with billions of dollars spent on administrative tasks that do not directly impact patient outcomes.
3. Cost savings: Advanced pharmacy technology can show clinicians more affordable drug regimens for their patients, leading to potential cost savings. By presenting information on formulary adherence directly within the electronic health record, clinicians can make more informed decisions about medication regimens.
Overall, the panel emphasized the need for greater adoption of interoperability technology in healthcare to accommodate the changing landscape of patient care. With patients receiving care in a variety of settings beyond traditional healthcare facilities, it is essential for clinicians to have access to comprehensive data to inform their decisions.
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