MedEssist Blog

From Sore Throat to Swift Care: How Pharmacists Are Leading the Charge in Strep Testing and Treatment | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:15:00 GMT

It’s a familiar scene: a parent rushes in with a feverish child, or an adult arrives exhausted, clutching a sore throat. They’ve been unwell for days and quick care feels out of reach.

Now imagine assessing and treating them within minutes - no doctor’s requisition needed. That’s what some Ontario pharmacists are doing today through MedEssist’s Access to Care (ATC) program.

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‍The Strep Throat Challenge

Bacterial pharyngitis, or strep throat, is common and easy to treat. Yet delays often lead to days of discomfort, missed school or work – and potentially serious complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or abscesses.^1,2

‍Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes up to 30% of sore throats in children and 15% in adults.¹ But with 1 in 5 Canadians lacking a family doctor, and rural communities facing fewer walk-in options, longer ER waits, and staffing shortages, timely care poses a challenge.³ That’s where pharmacists can step in.

Rapid Testing, Rapid Answers

Pharmacists are accessible, trusted, and trained to deliver frontline care. Access To Care strengthens this role by providing the tools and oversight to manage conditions like strep throat in real time. With rapid tests, pharmacists can confirm strep on the spot and act immediately – whether that means dispensing antibiotics under ATC’s medical directive, offering symptom relief, or referring patients when complications are likely.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RADTs): Detect strep antigens in 5-10 minutes. Quick, affordable, easy to use. Highly specific, though slightly less sensitive, making them ideal for initial testing. Negative results may require follow-up.
Rapid Molecular Tests: Detects bacterial DNA in ~6 minutes. Highly sensitive and specific, typically eliminating the need for confirmatory testing. More costly, but ideal for recurrent or higher-risk cases.

Recognizing Strep Early

At-risk groups: Children 5–15 years, especially in schools or daycares, and anyone in close contact with an infected person.²

Common symptoms: Sudden sore throat, fever, red/swollen tonsils with patches, tender neck glands, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Symptoms peak in 3–5 days and usually resolve by day 10.²

Rare complications: Rheumatic fever (mainly in children 3–15) may appear 1–5 weeks later. Watch for fever, joint pain, chest pain, rash, or jerky movements.^3,4

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Key Features That Help Differentiate Infections^1,2,5

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‍Viral: Cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, red/watery eyes

Bacterial: High fever, severe throat pain, swollen neck glands, no cough/runny nose

Fungal: White plaques or red patches (especially immunocompromised patients), sometimes with mouth pain, loss of taste, or cracked lip corners.¹

‍Clinical tip: No runny nose or cough? It might look like strep, but testing is the only way to know for sure.²

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Treatment: Effective, Not Excessive ²

Once strep is confirmed, treatment is targeted:

First line: Penicillin or amoxicillin (narrow-spectrum, effective, affordable)
Allergy Alternatives: Cephalexin, macrolides, or clindamycin

Clinical tip: Broader antibiotics don’t improve outcomes and can increase resistance. Completing the full course prevents relapse – even if symptoms improve early.

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Closing the Accessibility Gap with ATC

Millions of Canadians face barriers to timely care, especially in rural areas. Launched in April 2024, the Access to Care (ATC) program brings assessment and treatment directly into the pharmacy. Under medical directives in collaboration with authorized prescribers (MDs/NPs), pharmacists can test and treat common infections like strep throat and shingles in Ontario and select U.S. regions.

How it works:

Pharmacist assesses the patient and performs a rapid strep test if indicated.
If criteria are met, a prescription is generated immediately - no doctor visit required. Built-in safeguards automatically prevent treatment of complicated cases (patients under 3, immunocompromised individuals, any red-flags), prompting referral for further assessment.
Collaborating prescriber reviews the case within 72 hours for oversight and safety.

Find an ATC Pharmacy near me → https://communitypharmacyclinics.com/

Huge Impact:

Access To Care gives pharmacists a safe, compliant framework and the confidence to provide same-visit care.

In just two months, Ontario pharmacists completed 63 ATC strep assessments, its uptake highlighting how quickly the service is helping patients.

“The customers were very appreciative last night [...] the service saved them from having to wait 12 hours or more in the ER.” - Sally’s Pharmasave, Ontario, October 2025

Pharmacies aren’t just filling prescriptions - they’re closing critical gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, one swab at a time.

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Ready to bring Access to Care to your pharmacy?

Join the growing network of pharmacies offering same-visit strep testing and treatment through ATC → [Link]

References: 

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Businesses Everywhere Are Choosing Uber for Deliveries, Should your Pharmacy too? | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT

For smaller pharmacies, utilizing MedEssist for deliveries is an obvious choice. But for pharmacies that currently have a dedicated driver, at what point is it more cost effective to opt for Uber delivery over having a dedicated driver?

Let’s dive into this:

Based on our calculations, MedEssist Uber delivery is a cost-effective option if your pharmacy averages fewer than 35 deliveries per day. However, if your pharmacy handles more than 35 deliveries daily, hiring a private delivery driver may be more economical.

We arrived at this conclusion by analyzing private delivery driver job postings and factoring in all associated vehicle expenses. We then compared this total to Uber’s pricing in Canada. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the charts below to help you choose between using Uber for pharmacy deliveries or hiring a dedicated driver.

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Cost breakdown comparison for MedEssist Uber deliveries vs. a private driver

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Other Things to Consider

When it comes to choosing between using MedEssist for pharmacy deliveries or hiring a private driver, there are several important factors to consider beyond just cost.

MedEssist Delivery

MedEssist is designed to accommodate pharmacies of all sizes, making it an ideal solution for those handling fewer than 35 deliveries per day as well as those managing 35 or more deliveries daily. One of its key benefits is its flexibility and on-demand availability, allowing for operations on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The user-friendly app simplifies the tracking and management of deliveries, making it especially useful for urgent prescriptions that need quick attention.

Even if your pharmacy is doing more than 35 deliveries per day, the cost of using MedEssist is roughly comparable to hiring a driver yourself. However, with MedEssist, you avoid the challenges of hiring, training, and managing delivery staff. This means less administrative work and fewer logistical issues, such as car maintenance, breakdowns, insurance, and record keeping. It’s as simple as a few clicks to ensure timely deliveries, allowing you to focus on your core business without the added burden.

MedEssist deliveries are not only quick and efficient, but they can also accommodate any volume of requests at any time, depending on your location. Plus, you have the option to expedite deliveries when needed. For any pharmacy, MedEssist is clearly a hassle-free and efficient solution that streamlines operations while providing reliable service.

In House Private Driver

On the other hand, hiring a delivery driver brings its own advantages. Having an in-house driver means they become part of your pharmacy’s team, contributing to a more personal and consistent customer experience. This can enhance brand representation and develop stronger relationships with your customers. Additionally, if the pharmacy has multiple nearby locations, the in-house driver can split their time delivering between different locations.

An added benefit to consider is that having an in-house driver may offer greater accessibility in rural areas, whereas Uber coverage can vary significantly by location. In urban locations, Uber drivers can arrive in just minutes, with service available 24/7. Conversely, rural areas typically have at least one Uber driver available, but the speed of delivery is reduced due to a lower number of drivers. For those in rural settings, MedEssist Uber deliveries can still be effective, provided you are comfortable with same-day arrival. However, it’s important to note that you may not be able to expedite deliveries as quickly as you could with your own dedicated driver.

Bottom Line

Choosing between MedEssist and a private delivery driver depends on several factors, including your delivery volume, budget, and need for flexibility. MedEssist offers a hassle-free, flexible option with almost no administrative upkeep but may be costlier for high delivery volumes (roughly more than 35 deliveries a day). When making this decision, remember to take into account other factors beyond costs!

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The Pros and Cons of IVR Phone Systems in Pharmacies | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:45:00 GMT

The pharmacy is a busy place. On average, the pharmacist’s workflow is interrupted at least once every 19 minutes¹, and most of the time by patient enquiries². Interactive voice responses (IVRs) are automated phone systems that allow callers to provide and receive information using voice or menu inputs without having to wait for a live representative. For every major pharmacy chain, IVRs serve millions of patients each year without requiring staff to pick up the phone. So why isn’t it used more often in independents? Let’s weigh in on some pros and cons.

Why IVRs Might Be The Best Investment for Your Pharmacy

Workflow Efficiency: If you work in a pharmacy, then you KNOW how often it can feel like you’re ACTUALLY working at a call center. Think about all the time that is freed up if your team isn’t busy answering unnecessary calls. If you are working in a smaller volume pharmacy, either working alone or with limited staff, IVRs can be even more impactful by ensuring that no call goes unanswered.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Many patients love the convenience of IVR systems as evidenced by their long standing usage at every enterprise pharmacy brand. They run 24/7 and allow pharmacies to increase their capacity without having to hire extra staff. By providing patients with the choice of submitting simple refill requests by IVR or speaking with the pharmacy, you can increase patient accessibility, convenience, satisfaction, and save money in the long run^4,5!
Better Communication: How often do you get simple calls about store hours or flu shot availability? A well-designed IVR lets you promote new services, make announcements and saves you an incredible amount of time by providing valuable and up-to-date information upfront.

Why IVRs might not work for you

IVRs can feel like a Hurdle: Sometimes you just want to talk to another human being. Slow, outdated, and generic IVRs can feel like they are needlessly getting in the way. Even worse, if your IVR is too complicated or the narrated options are lengthy! This has been shown to negatively affect customer satisfaction^4,5. Furthermore, if you serve a community that often doesn’t speak English, your IVR can be an even bigger barrier.
Difficult to Use: Traditional IVRs can only accept inputs in a specific way which can make it difficult to use. For instance, Does your IVR require patients to input complex and long prescription numbers for each item? Some patients may not know what their Rx numbers are or may not have the dexterity to enter them in time. Also, what if patients have to refill multiple items? Manually inputting these numbers can be a frustrating task.
Costs and Maintenance^4,5: IVRs can save you money in the long run, but there is almost always an upfront cost of hundreds of dollars to setup and a $100+ monthly fee as well. This makes it difficult to justify for smaller pharmacies.

Are Newer AI-powered IVRs the Solution?

Not sure if IVR is right for you? At MedEssist, our pharmacists have set out to build an IVR system that works for independents of any size. Here’s what’s different about our IVR:

Completely Customizable: MedEssist IVR is completely customizable from start to finish! Share new pharmacy services or news with your patients on the fly straight from your dashboard. For instance, you can let your patients know the minute flu shots have arrived through your IVR system. Our IVR can even be customized to have menu options in an array of different languages. We’ll even translate any messages left in other languages back to English for you.
Efficient Appointments and Prescriptions: With MedEssist IVR, patients are not only able to refill their prescriptions 24/7, but they can also schedule appointments or record messages. We know some patients don’t mind typing in their prescription numbers, but many more would rather just tell you what they need! Let patients record messages and our AI-integrated transcriptions will make actioning them incredibly easy.
Amazingly Affordable: MedEssist IVR is priced so low that any pharmacy will see tremendous value. For just $25/month, even the smallest pharmacies can now offer the same convenient experience as a big box pharmacy. Plus if you're the only staff member at your pharmacy, you'll feel good knowing no phone call will ever go unanswered 24/7.

At MedEssist, we’re building the most user-friendly and customizable pharmacy IVR, all at an affordable price. To learn more, visit medessist.com/ivr to learn more.

References

Karia, A., Norman, R., Robinson, S., Lehnbom, E., Laba, T. L., Durakovic, I., Balane, C., Joshi, R., & Webster, R. (2022). Pharmacist's time spent: Space for Pharmacy-based Interventions and Consultation TimE (SPICE)-an observational time and motion study. BMJ open, 12(3), e055597. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055597
Reddy, A., Abebe, E., Rivera, A. J., Stone, J. A., & Chui, M. A. (2019). Interruptions in community pharmacies: Frequency, sources, and mitigation strategies. Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP, 15(10), 1243–1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.10.030
https://www.snetconnect.com/blog/stop-your-ivr-from-turning-customers-away/#:~:text=How%20to%20Get%20the%20Most,because%20they%20reached%20an%20IVR
Kraft, M. R., & Androwich, I. (2012). Interactive voice response technology: a tool for improving healthcare. NI 2012 : 11th International Congress on Nursing Informatics, June 23-27, 2012, Montreal, Canada. International Congress in Nursing Informatics (11th : 2012 : Montreal, Quebec), 2012, 224.
Reidel, K., Tamblyn, R., Patel, V., & Huang, A. (2008). Pilot study of an interactive voice response system to improve medication refill compliance. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 8, 46. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-8-46

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An Introduction to HIPAA and PIPEDA for Community Pharmacies | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

As pharmacists, we handle sensitive information about our patients on a daily basis in order to provide them with the best care possible. But, with great power comes great responsibility! It’s crucial that we understand the laws and regulations that govern how much we can use and share personal health information. In this article, we’ll dive into two regulations: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada. We’ll explore what these two regulations mean for us as community pharmacists, and how we can uphold our patient’s right to privacy and security.

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HIPAA vs. PIPEDA

HIPAA was created by Congress to set national standards for how healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other stakeholders must protect personal health information. In Canada, the equivalent standard is known as PIPEDA. Both these laws govern the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for health care providers including us as pharmacists. There may also be additional provincial or state regulations you may need to follow.

Here are 4 fundamental concepts that you should ensure your staff members understand to help you begin to enforce HIPAA and PIPEDA regulations at your pharmacy:

Obtaining patient consent: Before collecting, using, or sharing a patient’s personal health information, pharmacists must ask for their consent. Patients should be informed about how their information will be used and disclosed, and to whom it will be disclosed. For example, if a patient’s spouse wants access to a patient’s prescription file, the patient must authorize this. Your pharmacy staff should get a verbal or written consent from the patient and document it before releasing any information to a spouse or other third party.

Limiting collection, use, and disclosure: Pharmacists must only collect, use, and share the minimum amount of information to fulfill their intended purpose. For example, when filling a prescription, we should only collect the relevant and necessary information required to fulfill the prescription. In addition, the information should only be used for its intended purpose of filling a prescription. It should not be used for other reasons such as marketing. For example, if a patient is getting a covid test for non-travel, it is not appropriate to document passport numbers. You should ensure that all your forms show what is mandatory or optional under which conditions so that you can limit the collection of data and stay compliant with HIPAA.

Protecting personal health information: Pharmacists must implement reasonable and appropriate security safeguards to protect personal health information. These safeguards include technical measures as well as administrative measures. An example of a technical measure is using strong passwords, password management software, and two factor authentication. Do not save passwords in an open, easily accessible file especially without additional authentication systems. An administrative measure to protect information is if a patient is discussing a sensitive health concern, they should always be offered a private counselling room instead of discussing it in an open space.

Providing access to patients: Patients have the right to access their personal health information and to know who else has seen or received it. This allows patients to monitor how their information is being used and ensure its accuracy. There also needs to be a way for pharmacies to correct patient records when requested. For example, patients should be allowed to see an original prescription they submitted, and request adjustments to their records if there is an error.

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As pharmacists, it is essential to understand and comply with the regulations that govern the use and disclosure of personal health information. Unless a privacy officer is assigned, the designated manager of a pharmacy is likely responsible and liable for ensuring all software, policies, and procedures will meet the regulations. Teaching your staff about these fundamentals and documenting is the first step in protecting yourself from potential liabilities and maintaining patients’ trust.

Does your current software meet the requirements of HIPAA and PIPEDA? MedEssist is designed to streamline workflows, enable your team to collaborate efficiently, and grow your business with an online presence that meets HIPAA and PIPEDA regulations. All MedEssist subscriptions include a HCP authentication system (two factor authentication) that is built to minimize workflow disruptions while maximizing patient data security. We also never advertise or send any non-technical communications directly to patients without specific patient or provider consent.

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Google - Your Pharmacy’s Digital Prescription for Virtual Success | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:45:00 GMT

While traditional methods, such as signage and word of mouth, remain relevant, they are often not enough to promote your pharmacy. In today’s digital age, the Internet plays a crucial role in shaping businesses. Therefore, pharmacies must also evolve and adapt to new ways of digitally connecting with patients. This also means the ability to leverage Google as a strategy to enhance your pharmacy’s online presence can become a significant factor in optimizing patient engagement with your pharmacy.

Don’t believe us? The numbers speak for themselves…

Recent statistics highlight a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with the Google My Business marketing site experiencing a nearly 2X increase in organic traffic by implementation of web fundamental best practices (1). Moreover, a global survey revealed that 74% of in-store shoppers researched online for store-related information, such as the closest store near them, locations, hours, directions, wait times, and contact information, before going to the store to shop (2). This underscores the significant impact Google can have on a business’ (including your pharmacy’s) online visibility!

Here are 4 simple ways you can grow your pharmacy with Google’s free marketing tools!

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1. Google Business Profile - Establishing an Online Presence

The first step to establish a robust online presence is to accurately update your Google Business Profile (or create one if you haven’t already!). This includes ensuring that your address, phone number, business hours, services offered, website, and social media links are all up-to-date. By doing so, you’ll increase your local visibility and make it easier for potential patients to find comprehensive and accurate information about your pharmacy at all times. If you have a website, it would be a good idea to connect it to your Business Profile to further amplify your online presence!

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2. Google Reviews - Manage Your Pharmacy’s Reputation

Reviews can be the deciding factor for some prospective patients looking at your pharmacy. Therefore, you should encourage your pharmacy staff to routinely ask patients to leave a Google Review! To make reviewing more accessible to patients, consider sharing your review link in your email templates, share it on social media, or display a QR code that patients can quickly scan. You should also try your best to promptly respond to all feedback, whether positive or negative. Responding to reviews will show your commitment to patient satisfaction and helps you to build trust and credibility within your community. Don’t feel discouraged from negative reviews. Rather, you can take these as an opportunity to improve and demonstrate that your pharmacy is dedicated to delivering quality services to your patients.

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3. Google Maps - Improve Your Pharmacy’s Discoverability

Ensure your pharmacy’s address is accurately listed to ensure both current and prospective patients can easily find you through Google Maps. This is particularly beneficial if locals are looking for nearby pharmacies or healthcare services on Google. This is important since Google Maps Searches for ‘Shopping Near Me’ Increased Globally by Over 100% in 2022 (3). You can also consider adding photos of your pharmacy to your Google Business Profile to make your pharmacy appear more inviting and personal to people looking for nearby pharmacies.

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4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

We can’t really speak about Google without mentioning their search engine! SEO will provide your website with increased visibility on search engines including Google. To do this, you will need to incorporate relevant keywords within pages of your website. With 77% of consumers relying on Google for local business information (4), maximizing your online presence through local SEO can help you stand out and significantly increase local traffic, awareness, and patients to your pharmacy.

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TIP : If SEO sounds like a foreign language, MedEssist offers a digital marketing course for community pharmacies that you can view for free here:
Marketing 101: Digital Marketing for Community Pharmacies

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BONUS Reserve with Google - Streamlining Pharmacy Appointments

Pharmacies can now use the Reserve with Google marketing tool through MedEssist’s collaboration with Google! This integration enables your MedEssist pharmacy account to integrate with Google, expanding your reach to a wider audience of patients. This tool ultimately makes the booking process convenient and smoother for patients searching for your pharmacy, allowing them to seamlessly schedule appointments and check availability using Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Places! Additionally with the MedEssist scheduling system, patients are not only sent email and text reminders, but appointments are automatically synced with google calendar to reduce no shows. This improves efficiency and patient satisfaction!

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This collaboration with Reserve with Google is included for both the Essential and Professional MedEssist plans!

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In summary, by strategically utilizing free Google marketing tools to promote your pharmacy’s business, your pharmacy will be able to thrive in an increasingly competitive healthcare market that is being driven by advancements in technology. Explore the many opportunities Google presents and succeed in this digital era.

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References

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What to know about Florida’s plan to import prescription drugs for Canadian Pharmacists | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:30:00 GMT

You may have heard that the US FDA recently approved Florida to start importing prescription drugs from Canada. So you may be asking yourself: What does that mean and why would they do that? When would it start? Should I be concerned about it? And what do I tell my patients? If those types of questions come to mind, then keep reading.

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What is the plan and why is this beneficial to Florida?

‌Back in January, the US FDA approved Florida’s drug importation program for a two year trial period, making Florida the first state to get this type of approval. The idea is by importing from Canada, it gets around the issue of the US’s extremely high prescription drug prices. Individual Americans have crossed the border for years to take advantage of our lower drug prices so why not do that through bulk importation as a state? This plan could serve as a significant cost savings to the state. As for when this could start happening, that’s unclear at the moment.

When would it start happening?

Even though the plan itself is approved, the Florida government still needs to carry out quality testing to prove the safety and efficacy of each drug they wish to import, demonstrate cost savings to the state, as well as go through relabeling to meet US standards. In addition to that, the US FDA will need to approve each drug type that Florida intends to import. So there’s quite a few steps to get through first and bulk importation won’t suddenly start happening overnight.

What are the concerns?

There have been a lot of questions and concerns from Canadians over how this plan would affect the Canadian drug supply. We deal with our own shortages everyday and just in the past year there’s been quite a few notable shortages such as children’s Advil and Tylenol, nitroglycerin sprays, and the ongoing Ozempic shortage. If the US started to bulk import prescription drugs originally meant for the Canadian market, it would be reasonable to think it would disrupt our drug supply. Florida’s population alone is about half of the entire Canadian population, so our supply simply can’t sustain the demands of this one state, nevermind other states also trying to gain similar approval.

What do I tell my patients?

Patients may have heard about this on the news and come into the pharmacy with questions. As we’ve experienced in the past, the common response to hearing of any potential shortage is to stockpile. However, we should be discouraging our patients from attempting to stockpile their medication as that increase in demand alone can lead to a shortage. Health Canada has released a statement that they will be “actively monitoring the Canadian drug supply and continues to ensure that Canadians have access to the drugs that they need”. To avoid causing or worsening a drug shortage, Health Canada has regulations in place to prevent certain at-risk drugs manufactured for Canadians to be sold outside of Canada. So the hope is that even if the US FDA has approved Florida to import a specific prescription medication, Health Canada won’t allow it if doing so could put our drug supply at risk of a shortage.

What to know about current personal drug importation practices

Even if there may not be bulk importation of prescription drugs to the US occurring anytime soon, this doesn’t prevent individual Americans from crossing the border to try getting their prescription drugs for cheaper. This is also known as personal drug importation and it’s important to acknowledge this practice and to be equipped with the knowledge on what’s allowed. Currently, Americans seeking to benefit from Canada's lower drug prices must obtain a prescription from a physician licensed in Canada.

They can obtain a valid prescription by:

Visiting a Canadian physician at a walk-in clinic and pay out of pocket for their appointment.
Having a prescription written by a physician with a dual license. Some physicians in the US hold dual licenses which enables them to prescribe medications that can be filled in either the US or Canada.
Have their prescription co-signed by a Canadian physician. The practice of co-signing is an area of controversy as sometimes, these Canadian physicians sign off on prescriptions without directly assessing the patients.

Also keep in mind that there are some drugs that may require prescriptions in the US but don’t in Canada. These would be among our Schedule II or behind the counter drugs such as insulin or Epipens (two high cost drugs in the US). Americans would not require a prescription for these items for you to be able to sell to them.

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For more information on Florida’s drug information program and its potential impact, check out these podcasts:

The Big Story - Is Florida coming for Canada's cheap drugs?

The Journal - Will Florida's Plan to get Cheap Drugs from Canada Work?

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References:

1. Canada H. Statement from Health Canada on FDA decision on Florida bulk drug importation plan. www.canada.ca. Published January 8, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/01/statement-from-health-canada-on-fda-decision-on-florida-bulk-drug-importation-plan.html

2. Dangerfield K. Canada issues warning as Florida plan to import drugs raises fears - National Globalnews.ca. Global News. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://globalnews.ca/news/10210913/florida-generic-drugs-health-canada-warning/#:~:text=The%20warning%20comes%20days%20after

3. Freed M, Cubanski J, Published TN. What to Know About the FDA’s Recent Decision to Allow Florida to Import Prescription Drugs from Canada. KFF. Published January 12, 2024. https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/what-to-know-about-the-fdas-recent-decision-to-allow-florida-to-import-prescription-drugs-from-canada/

4. Rawson NSB, Binder L. Importation of drugs into the United States from Canada. CMAJ. 2017;189(24):E817-E818. doi:10.1503/cmaj.170372

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Pharmacy Appreciation Month: What’s it like being a Pharmacy Student at MedEssist | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:45:00 GMT

As Pharmacy Appreciation Month dawns upon us, it is a fitting time for the pharmacy students here at MedEssist to reflect on their paths to pharmacy and their experience at MedEssist. Cassie, Nicole, and Madison are students from diverse backgrounds at different universities across Canada. In this article, we delve into their journeys to pharmacy and what they experience during their rotations at MedEssist.

Cassie, Nicole, and Madison - pharmacy students at MedEssist

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Why did you get into pharmacy?

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Cassie: Volunteering in hospital sparked my interest in healthcare, but it wasn’t until I took a pharmacology class in my third year of undergrad that I found myself intrigued in learning more about medications. Hearing about the skills and knowledge gained in pharmacy school from friends, along with the diverse career opportunities and continuous professional growth, solidified my decision to pursue pharmacy as a career.

Nicole: Throughout my undergrad, I knew I wanted a career focused on helping people daily. Volunteering at local pharmacies confirmed this for me. As a pharmacy assistant, witnessing the expanding role of pharmacists made me love the profession even more. I’m drawn to pharmacists’ accessibility in healthcare and aspire to provide that for others, including my family.

Madison: It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do but I’ve always been interested in science. It wasn’t until I was already a few years into my genetics degree at the University of Manitoba that I became interested in healthcare. I eventually took a pharmacology course that I really enjoyed and that was the same year I decided to apply for pharmacy school.

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What’s it like doing a rotation at MedEssist?

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Cassie: Doing a rotation at MedEssist allowed me to gain a unique set of experiences. I acquired skills applicable to diverse pharmacy areas and got to see how a startup tech company runs. From testing new features to creating clinical workflows, my rotation at MedEssist allowed me to use my clinical knowledge as well as enhance my creativity and problem-solving skills. Moreover, interacting with pharmacies nationwide broadened my understanding of diverse practices and different scopes of practice.

Nicole: I love it. After working with different softwares in community pharmacy it has been a really engaging experience to work behind the scenes. I have really enjoyed testing features and brainstorming solutions. This rotation has challenged me to think differently and tap into my creativity, combining problem-solving with pharmacy. Each day brings a new role or task, adding to the excitement of the experience.

Madison: It’s quite unique from any other rotation I’ve done. Rather than interacting with patients, you’re guiding pharmacists from all across the country, which is quite different. However the majority of this rotation is project based and you get a good variety on the types of projects you work on whether it’s clinical workflows, socials and marketing, or new product testing, so there’s always something that interests everyone and you get a lot of independence when you work.

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As a student at MedEssist, what did you find most rewarding about your work?

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Cassie: The most rewarding part of my work is being able to connect with pharmacists and assist them in advancing their businesses by suggesting solutions using MedEssist features and promoting their pharmacy by designing their digital portals. Moreover, testing new features is also a very rewarding aspect because seeing my suggestions leading to changes makes me feel like I’m making real contributions.

Nicole: It has been very rewarding to see my suggestions and questions lead to real implementation or further discussion. Knowing that I can contribute to making a pharmacist’s life easier with MedEssist is deeply rewarding. Additionally, the one-on-one experiences with independent pharmacy owners have allowed me to understand their workflows and tailor MedEssist to their specific needs. Acting as a consultant to optimize patient experience and workflow efficiency has been very fulfilling.

Madison: On the project side of things, it’s cool knowing that a lot of what you work on will be viewed and used by pharmacists all over Canada (and now some places in the US too). Also on the training and onboarding side of things, helping pharmacists understand how best to use the MedEssist platform can empower them to grow their business and by doing this it also means more patients are being helped and getting access to the care they need.

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Interested in a pharmacy student rotation?

MedEssist hosts student rotations from 6 different faculties of pharmacy from across the country. They can be completed remotely or in-person in Toronto, Ontario. Visit medessist.com/students to learn more!

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Is AI ready for use in the pharmacy? How a recent study challenged ChatGPT with real drug-information questions | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:45:00 GMT

That's what pharmacy researchers at Long Island University investigated. They challenged ChatGPT with real drug-related questions that had come through the Long Island University's College of Pharmacy drug information service. The research showed that ChatGPT was only able to provide satisfactory responses to 10 out of the 39 medical questions asked. For the other 29 questions, ChatGPT did not address the question posed or provided an incorrect or incomplete answer.

When prompted by the researchers to provide the references to verify the information, ChatGPT only provided references for eight responses and each included non-existent references. This study highlights how ChatGPT is not an appropriate tool when it comes to making clinical decisions in your everyday practice.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has a usage policy that states that its AI tools are "not fine-tuned to provide medical information. You should never use our models to provide diagnostic or treatment services for serious medical conditions." Additionally, in its technical report, OpenAI states that GPT-4’s biggest limitation is that it “hallucinates” information (makes it up) and is often “confidently wrong in its predictions.” Meaning that it can provide an answer that is seemingly correct but is making up the information, which can lead healthcare providers astray if they are depending on the AI for accurate information.

AI models are trained to predict strings of words that best match the question posed, meaning it doesn’t understand the question but rather predicts the next words in order to be accepted by the user as an appropriate answer. AI hallucinations occur because AI lacks the capability to employ logical reasoning or identify factual inconsistencies in the information they generate. Meaning, generative AI doesn't actually understand the question like a human would, instead it predicts what sounds like the right answer.

There are generative AI models being developed for healthcare. At MedEssist, we've been working with Pendium health to develop an AI that can be used and trusted by healthcare professionals. Together we have pharmacists, NPs, MDs working on creating the most accurate AI possible for primary care. MedEssist AI is a highly accurate and easy-to-use AI that is integrated into the MedEssist platform, helping you answer complex DI questions, create personalized patient handouts instantly, and draft newsletters or other marketing materials.

How is MedEssist AI any different than ChatGPT?

MedEssist AI was created by a team of healthcare providers and it is trained from only reliable medical information such as drug product monographs, practice guidelines, and merck manuals.
Unlike ChatGPT, it was designed specifically to address the kinds of questions you would be asked as a pharmacist.
MedEssist AI provides reliable references. It cites each line when possible, making it easy for you to find the original source.
Lastly, it's integrated into the platform you use everyday allowing you to tap into AI whether you're making a patient assessment, writing a newsletter, or creating a new patient intake form.

Visit our website: https://www.medessist.com/ai to learn more!

Also take a look at our social media pages and website for great tips on how you can use MedEssist AI in your daily practice.

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References:

Bhaimiya, S. (n.d.). The free version of chatgpt may provide false answers to questions about drugs, new study finds. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-may-provide-false-answers-to-medical-questions-study-2023-12
Clark, M., & Vincent, J. (2023). What’s new with GPT-4 — from processing pictures to acing tests Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23640047/openai-gpt-4-differences-capabilties-functions

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How Much of a Difference Does Pharmacy Strep Throat Testing Make? | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Sore throats are one of the most common complaints that patients have and many are prescribed antibiotics for suspected strep throat despite less than half of people actually having a bacterial infection. As pharmacists, we are the most accessible point of contact for patients with suspected strep throat to get tested and we can determine the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment. So, how effective is strep throat testing, and which pharmacies are implementing this practice?

According to a 2018 retrospective analysis by Papastergiou et al. involving 7,050 patients, only 25.5% of patients who were tested for strep throat at a Canadian community pharmacy had positive results for Group A Strep. Patients who tested negative were advised to not take antibiotics. Despite the $20 testing fee, 82% of the participants stated that they were satisfied with the service and indicated they would use it again if needed. This outcome highlights the impact of strep throat testing in not only reducing harm from unnecessary antibiotic use, but also increasing access to quality healthcare and patient satisfaction.

Current Scope of Practice in Canada

With that said, an important factor to consider when discussing strep throat testing –perhaps the biggest barrier–is scope of practice. Currently, there are only three provinces who have implemented this practice–Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia–in pharmacies. Furthermore, Alberta is the only province where pharmacists have prescribing rights in addition to testing for strep throat. This means that patients can be assessed, tested, and receive appropriate treatment all in one place. However, pharmacies all across Canada have already been performing countless rapid tests for COVID-19 for the past 3 years and are well-trusted by the public. In addition, with the ongoing expansion of pharmacist scope of practice, such as the implementation of minor ailments prescribing in several provinces, it is plausible that strep throat testing and prescribing may be added to more provinces in the near future.

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Implementing Rapid Strep Throat Testing in Your Pharmacy

Symptoms suggestive of strep throat:

Severe sore throat
Fever
Pain when swallowing
Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
White or yellow spots in the back of the throat

If you have a patient presenting with the above symptoms, they may benefit from rapid strep throat testing! Rapid strep throat testing is quick and can be completed in 4 easy steps.

The patient will tilt their head back and open their mouth
The pharmacist will press down the tongue with a tongue depressor and swab the back of the throat, tonsils, and any red, sore areas
Sample is tested for Group A Strep
Results are available after 10-15 minutes

And with MedEssist’s new Strep Throat Testing feature, you can implement this service for your patients just as easily and seamlessly as your other services! When using MedEssist, patients can find all of your services such as strep throat testing on your digital storefront and book an appointment after completing our custom-built intake form. Our platform allows you to complete documentation, prescribe, and fax other healthcare providers–all in one place!

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Still have questions? Talk to our Pharmacy Success team by clicking the yellow chat bubble in the bottom right-hand corner! ➡️

Happy swabbing!

References

Strep throat - causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/strep-throat‍
Papastergiou, J., Trieu, C. R., Saltmarche, D., & Diamantouros, A. (2018). Community pharmacist-directed point-of-care group A Streptococcus testing: Evaluation of a Canadian program. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 58(4), 450–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2018.03.003

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Elevate your Pharmacy Practice: The Power of Deprescribing | MedEssist

support@medessist.com (MedEssist Team) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:15:00 GMT

Are you searching for a way to distinguish your pharmacy practice and offer your patients something truly exceptional? If your aim is to stand out and provide unparalleled value to your community, then keep reading!

Let's start by addressing some familiar scenarios:

Do you often encounter patients who feel overwhelmed by their medication regimen, yearning for a simpler pill routine?
Have you noticed that some patients rely on medications that have lost their suitability over time?
Are there individuals who've tried to stop their medications but faced challenging rebound or withdrawal symptoms?
Are your patients concerned about the potential risks associated with their current medications?
Have you witnessed patients experiencing falls or grappling with mysterious symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, or memory issues?

If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions and have successfully assisted your patients in any of these scenarios, you're already well on your way! Integrating deprescribing into your professional approach and clearly communicating this service to your patients can set your pharmacy apart significantly. This is what we like to call the “Deprescribing Difference”.

Deprescribing involves the reduction or discontinuation of medications that are no longer beneficial or may be causing harm. Its focus is on optimizing medication regimens to enhance patient outcomes and improve their quality of life. You may have already helped patients with this on some level, so why not dive deeper and call it out as an actual service you provide!

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Here’s what offering this service can do for you:

Distinguish Your Pharmacy

By introducing deprescribing services into your pharmacy, you instantly set yourself apart from the crowd. It positions your pharmacy as a center of comprehensive care, offering a unique value proposition that resonates with patients.

Enhance Patient Retention
Patients value pharmacists who go the extra mile to optimize their medication management. This patient-centric approach builds trust and fosters strong patient-pharmacist relationships, leading to increased patient loyalty and retention.

Promote Patient Well-Being

Deprescribing is fundamentally about enhancing the quality of life for your patients. It reduces the risk of adverse effects, eliminates ineffective treatments, and enhances medication adherence. This focus on patient well-being aligns perfectly with the evolving role of pharmacists as integral healthcare partners.

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To facilitate your journey into the world of deprescribing, we've partnered with Stacey D'Angelo, founder of Your Simple Health. She has developed a comprehensive course on the MedEssist Education Hub that provides invaluable insights and guidance for incorporating deprescribing into your practice: https://edu.medessist.ca/courses/deprescribing-101.

Here are some key steps she emphasizes:

Thoroughly assess the patient's medication history and their current health status
Engage in open discussions about their values, goals, and any concerns they may have
Collaborate effectively with the patient's healthcare provider to ensure a well-coordinated approach
Safely taper down medications, avoiding abrupt discontinuation when necessary

If you come across cases that are beyond your expertise, don't hesitate to reach out to deprescribing specialists, such as Stacey, who can offer additional support: https://www.simplehealthpharmacist.com/providers

When you're ready to promote your new deprescribing service to your patients, leverage the array of tools available on the MedEssist platform. Customize your own website campaigns, bag stuffers, posters and more, to promote your unique offering of this service.

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In summary, deprescribing is about more than just reducing medications; it's about elevating your role as a pharmacist and delivering comprehensive care that truly makes a difference in your patients' lives. Visit our Education Hub to get started!

"Deprescribing is like teenage sex... Everybody talks about it, no one knows how to do it, and everybody thinks everybody else is doing it!"

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MedEssist Blog

From Sore Throat to Swift Care: How Pharmacists Are Leading the Charge in Strep Testing and Treatment | MedEssist

‍The Strep Throat Challenge

​​Rapid Testing, Rapid Answers

Recognizing Strep Early

Key Features That Help Differentiate Infections1,2,5

Treatment: Effective, Not Excessive 2

Closing the Accessibility Gap with ATC

Huge Impact:

Ready to bring Access to Care to your pharmacy?

Businesses Everywhere Are Choosing Uber for Deliveries, Should your Pharmacy too? | MedEssist

Let’s dive into this:

Other Things to Consider

MedEssist Delivery

In House Private Driver

Bottom Line

The Pros and Cons of IVR Phone Systems in Pharmacies | MedEssist

An Introduction to HIPAA and PIPEDA for Community Pharmacies | MedEssist

HIPAA vs. PIPEDA

Google - Your Pharmacy’s Digital Prescription for Virtual Success | MedEssist

1. Google Business Profile - Establishing an Online Presence

2. Google Reviews - Manage Your Pharmacy’s Reputation

3. Google Maps - Improve Your Pharmacy’s Discoverability

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

BONUS Reserve with Google - Streamlining Pharmacy Appointments

What to know about Florida’s plan to import prescription drugs for Canadian Pharmacists | MedEssist

What is the plan and why is this beneficial to Florida?

When would it start happening?

What are the concerns?

What do I tell my patients?

What to know about current personal drug importation practices

Pharmacy Appreciation Month: What’s it like being a Pharmacy Student at MedEssist | MedEssist

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Interested in a pharmacy student rotation?

Is AI ready for use in the pharmacy? How a recent study challenged ChatGPT with real drug-information questions | MedEssist

How is MedEssist AI any different than ChatGPT?

How Much of a Difference Does Pharmacy Strep Throat Testing Make? | MedEssist

Implementing Rapid Strep Throat Testing in Your Pharmacy

Elevate your Pharmacy Practice: The Power of Deprescribing | MedEssist

Rapid Testing, Rapid Answers

Key Features That Help Differentiate Infections^1,2,5

Treatment: Effective, Not Excessive ²