Associations between the use of a real-time benefit tool and measures related to prescription obtainment found in order type subgroups

Abstract

BackgroundThe use of real-time benefit tool (RTBT) may help increase transparency of patients’ out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, thereby reducing patients’ OOP spend and increasing prescription obtainment. ObjectiveWe have previously reported on the potential benefit of RTBT in electronic health records at a large health system. We explore the benefit of RTBT by subgroups of prescriptions (i.e., order types). MethodsIn a retrospective cohort, we reviewed orders generated with and without RTBT use. We compared the 2 groups on key metrics related to prescription obtainment (fill rate, modification rate, cancellation rate, time to ready, time to sold, abandonment rate, and cancellation and transfer rate). Subgroup analysis included orders without over-the-counter (OTC) medications, orders without specialty medications, and orders without OTC and specialty medications. ResultsFill rate, cancellation rate, time to ready, time to sold, abandonment rate, and cancellation and transfer rate were statistically significantly different between the RTBT and non-RTBT groups, favoring the RTBT group (all, P < 0.01). Differences in modification rates were not statistically significant between the 2 groups. ConclusionRTBTs have the potential to increase prescription obtainment. A consistent difference in key outcome measures between the RTBT and the non-RTBT groups was apparent among prescription orders regardless of whether OTC and specialty medications were included in the analysis.