What is a Closed-Door Pharmacy?

There are two forms of pharmacies: retail and closed-door.  Unlike retail pharmacies, closed-door pharmacies are specialized facilities that are not open to the public. Usually, the general public will get their prescriptions from retail pharmacies such as: Walgreens or CVS. However, some healthcare providers may choose closed-door pharmacies for their patients' prescriptions.

A closed-door pharmacy, is a private, specialized pharmacy that caters towards residential assistance facilities. People often call these pharmacies non-retail pharmacies, specialized pharmacies, institutional pharmacies, or long-term care pharmacies. 

During the 20th century, long-term care facilities began opening around the country. As a result of long term care patients needing tailored prescriptions, closed-door pharmacies began operating.

Their growing importance comes from several key factors. These include an aging population, a focus on patient-centered care, technology and innovation, and cost control.

How do Specialized Pharmacies Function?

Closed-door pharmacies differ significantly from regular drugstores. They primarily offer specialized services to healthcare facilities and patients with distinct medication requirements, particularly those residing in long-term care (LTC) facilities. In this model, healthcare providers send prescription medication orders directly to the non-retail pharmacy.
‍
Constant collaboration between the pharmacy and the assisted living facility is important for the medical care of each patient. Many patients require tailored, personal care, including medication adjustments and medication management.

As the patient's needs change, pharmacists and healthcare providers communicate regularly. This helps with quick adjustments to medications and therapies. Specialized pharmacists also provide training and resources to healthcare providers.
‍
At Prime Care Pharmacy, we are open 24/7. We are committed to providing around the clock customer service, so in case of an emergency, we will be there. Our team will also work one-on-one with your team to provide patient care education.

What are the Services that Specialized Pharmacies Offer?

Specialized pharmacies provide more services than just filling prescriptions. Prime Care Pharmacy offers services designed for the specific needs of patients in LTC facilities. These include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and rehabilitation centers.

Specialized pharmacies, like LTC pharmacies, are pivotal in health care. Besides dispensing prescription drugs, they focus on patient safety, managing medications, and providing clinical support.

What is the Future of Specialized Pharmacies?

According to the ASPE, the number of specialty drug prescriptions being filled in a closed pharmacy has increased by 40%. The specialty pharmacy industry has grown 10% each year over the past decade, with pharmacists predicting an 8% increase in growth in 2015. As the aging population continues to get older, more LTC pharmacies will be in demand.

To meet with this rise in demand, specialized pharmacists will have to continuously innovate. Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest innovators in healthcare. At Prime Care Pharmacy, we use the InspectRX by Parata Systems, which utilizes artificial intelligence driven technology to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and enhance patient safety.

Specialized pharmacies are critical in healthcare, because many patients require unique care that retail pharmacies cannot offer. Prime Care Pharmacy has been proudly serving long term care facilities for over 30 years. To learn more about what we do, view our services here.