Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) play a critical role in providing care to underserved communities. Balancing high prescription volume, 340B program compliance, and patient adherence is no small task. One major decision FQHCs face is whether to continue filling prescriptions manually—or to move toward automation. Here are five facts that highlight the difference automation can make, along with practical tips on how automation supports better patient care.
Without automation: Manual filling increases the risk of human error, especially when staff are rushed. Studies show that dispensing errors can occur in 1–2% of prescriptions. Even small mistakes can affect patient trust and health outcomes.
With automation: Automated systems use built-in vision verification to confirm medication type, quantity, and placement in packaging. This dramatically lowers the error rate and ensures patients receive the right medications, every time.
Pharmacy tip: Use automation’s verification reports to double-check your 340B compliance documentation while you safeguard accuracy.
Without automation: Patients often struggle with vials and complicated regimens, especially if they take 5–10 medications daily. Missed doses are common, and adherence can drop below 50% for patients with chronic conditions.
With automation: Packaging in blister cards or pouches makes it easier for patients to see what to take and when. Studies show adherence rates can improve by 20–30% when meds are packaged this way.
Pharmacy tip: Offer adherence packaging as part of your 340B value proposition—patients will see the benefit immediately, and prescribers will notice improved outcomes.
Without automation: Manual filling requires pharmacists and technicians to spend most of their time counting, bottling, and labeling. This leaves less time for patient counseling, MTM services, and outreach.
With automation: Machines can prepare dozens of prescriptions in minutes, freeing staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Pharmacists can reallocate time to patient care, clinical services, and expanding community programs.
Pharmacy tip: Track how many hours per week are saved by automation and reinvest that time into medication reviews or immunization clinics.
Without automation: Higher labor costs and inefficiencies eat into margins. Manual processes also make it harder to fully capture 340B savings.
With automation: Streamlined filling and accurate packaging help optimize inventory, reduce waste, and strengthen financial sustainability. FQHCs can stretch grants and 340B dollars further, improving both care delivery and financial performance.
Pharmacy tip: Use automation data reports to demonstrate your efficiency and compliance during audits. This transparency protects your FQHC’s financial standing.
Without automation: Repetitive, stressful manual filling contributes to burnout, especially for technicians and pharmacists managing high-volume clinics.
With automation: Staff can focus on meaningful, patient-facing tasks rather than endless counting. This improves job satisfaction and can reduce turnover.
Pharmacy tip: Frame automation as an investment in your team. Happier staff = better patient interactions.
For FQHCs, automation isn’t just about machines—it’s about elevating care, improving adherence, and maximizing limited resources. By moving away from manual processes, FQHCs can deliver safer prescriptions, stronger patient outcomes, and long-term financial stability.
Discover how automation can help your pharmacy boost adherence, protect 340B savings, and free up staff time for patient care. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a personalized demonstration.