A new "Script Concierge" service offered by fledgling medicines delivery service Chemist2U (PD 16 Apr) is promising doctor's surgeries a simple prescription fulfilment service for telehealth services and script renewals.
Chemist2U launched earlier this year amid the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns, and is the brainchild of media medico Dr Norman Swan and his Tonic Health Media Network business partner Dr Matthew Cullen, the pair behind the TV screens often seen in GP waiting rooms.
In the latest development, the new Concierge service aims to tackle the tricky problem of telehealth where a prescription is needed, either necessitating a patient pick-up or having the doctor email or fax the script to a pharmacy - "time-consuming manual tasks which often come at a hard cost to the practice".
Chemist2U works via local pharmacy partners, who receive the scripts, then dispense and deliver.
"Upload the prescription to Script Concierge and we'll arrange for fast delivery of the medication from a growing network of over 100 community pharmacies across Australia," according to a website at scriptconcierge.com.au.
Tonic said sending a script to the platform takes less than 30 seconds, and eliminates the need for doctors to search for pharmacy fax numbers as well as subsequently post scripts to pharmacies.
"While e-prescribing is on the way, it will be some time before all pharmacies can dispense e-scripts," the company said, noting that new technology platforms were drawing customers away from traditional primary care by providing instant online script renewals and consultations.
"GPs are being displaced by technology...we believe we can help you offer your patients convenient digital solutions at no costs to your practice," doctors are promised, with the platform free for prescribers.
If same day delivery is not available from a pharmacy in the patient's local area, the medication is delivered via Express Post.
Pharmacies wanting to join the program are being invited to sign up and secure exclusivity in their local area at join.chemist2u.com.au.
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