Episode 066: The Fight to Dispense Medications in Doctor's Offices.

In most states, physicians are able to dispense medications in their offices to patients. Although it isn't the most common practice, it allows doctors to have a better handle on how well their patients are following medication instructions, adds convenience for patients, and oftentimes leads to lower prices. However, there are six states that do not allow physicians the privilege of dispensing the medications despite the fact that they are examining, diagnosing, determining a treatment plan, and prescribing medications.

My guest today is Dr. Kris Held, the new president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons and an ophthalmologist in private practice. She wants to dispense medicines to her patients in the office which would help in their compliance and save them lots of money - often upwards of 70% or more on what they would pay at the pharmacy. After trying to get laws passed to change the rules in Texas, she has teamed up with the Institute for Justice to sue the state.

Their legal case is built upon the justification that the State of Texas is violating the state constitution with irrational and protectionist laws affecting her legal right to earn a living. The argument that pharmacies should only dispense medications because of safety concerns seems to be debunked by the fact that 44 states have had this privilege with no obvious problems.

Also, there is a significant cost savings that could be gained through this practice. Currently, Texas spends over $3 billion on medication prescriptions each year in their MedicAid program. That translates into approximately $75 per prescription. One practice in Kansas, which is allowed to dispense in house writes 22,000 prescriptions a year and spends an average of $6 per prescription. This means even if Texas could only move a quarter of their dispensation to doctor's offices they might save $1 billion. That's a lot of money and could be spent elsewhere in the budget or maybe returned to taxpayers.

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show notes

Stone Oak Ophthalmology: Dr. Held's practice in San Antonio, TX

Texas Doctor Dispensing Case: This is the write up on the Institute for Justice case that Dr. Held is fighting for dispensing medications in the doctor's offices.

Dr. Held's Twitter Feed: @kksheld

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS): The physicians organization that Dr. Held is president.

Dr. Kris Held's Blog: You can find links to her writings and speeches here.

Episode 005: My discussion with Marion Mass, MD about drug shortages.

Episode 019: My discussion with Dr. Singh on his case with IJ fighting North Carolina's certificate of need laws.

Institute for Justice: A free market based legal nonprofit that works to help individuals gain economic rights.

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Always Andy's Mom: Home of my wife, Marcy's, podcast for parents grieving or those looking to help them.

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Episode 066: The Fight to Dispense Medications in Doctor’s Offices. A Discussion with Dr. Kris Held.

Episode 066