Why patients aren't filling prescriptions — and why you don't know about it

Doctors and other prescribers are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of a growing problem in healthcare: helping patients afford the medications they need. Results of a survey from Buzz Health examining electronic prescribing workflows suggest that those conversations are becoming a routine part of patient care, as clinicians balance treatment decisions with concerns about cost, insurance hurdles and whether patients ultimately follow through on filling prescriptions.

The findings point to a disconnect between the information available inside today’s electronic health record systems and the real-world challenges patients face at the pharmacy counter. Although pricing tools and coverage data are more common than in years past, many clinicians say they still lack clear visibility into what happens after a prescription is sent. The result can be delays in treatment, changes in therapy and added administrative work for physician practices already under pressure.

The report also highlights the growing role of discount pricing, cash-pay options and pharmacy routing decisions during office visits, signaling broader shifts in how medications are accessed and paid for. Medical Economics spoke with Joseph Kleiman, president of Buzz Health, about what the findings reveal about prescribing workflows, medication affordability and the technology gaps that continue to shape patient care.