Physician dispensing

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Physician dispensing refers to the practice of doctors providing prescription medications directly to patients during office visits. This practice is common in many countries, but its prevalence varies widely. In some countries, such as the United States, physician dispensing is regulated by state laws.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Physician dispensing involves the direct provision of prescription medications by doctors to patients during office visits. This practice is common in many countries, but its prevalence varies widely. In some countries, such as the United States, physician dispensing is regulated by state laws. These laws often require physicians to obtain a special license or permit in order to dispense medications.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, physician dispensing is regulated by state laws. These laws often require physicians to obtain a special license or permit in order to dispense medications. Some states also have specific regulations regarding the types of medications that can be dispensed, the amount of medication that can be dispensed at one time, and the labeling and packaging of dispensed medications.

Benefits and Criticisms[edit | edit source]

There are several potential benefits to physician dispensing. For patients, it can be more convenient to receive medications directly from their doctor, rather than having to go to a pharmacy. For doctors, it can provide an additional source of revenue. However, there are also criticisms of the practice. Some people argue that it creates a conflict of interest for doctors, who may be incentivized to prescribe more medications in order to increase their profits. Others argue that it can lead to overuse or misuse of medications, as doctors may not have the same level of expertise in medication management as pharmacists.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Physician dispensing Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD