Switching Long-Term Care Pharmacies: What the Transition Actually Looks Like
Switching long-term care pharmacies can seem daunting, especially when your residents depend on getting the right medications on time. But if your agency is thinking about making a move, it usually means things aren't going the way they should. Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy's team specializes in prescription transfers, facility and pharmacy transitions, and staff training, so the switch is as smooth as possible. This post walks through the signs it may be time to change, what the transition process involves, and the improvements your team will notice.
How do you know it's time to switch LTC pharmacies?
Most agencies don't go looking for a new pharmacy unless something isn't working. Common signs include:
- Prescriptions arrive late or inconsistently, leaving staff worried about whether medications will be delivered.
- Staff spend time on the phone trying to track down Medication Administration Records (MARs) or figure out when they'll arrive.
- Nurses are pulled into pharmacy problems instead of focusing on patient care.
- Problems don't get solved quickly when your team calls for help.
If any of these sound familiar, the cost of staying put may be higher than the effort of switching.
What happens when you switch to Hudson Regional?
Our team handles the heavy lifting of the transition, including transferring prescriptions and managing the move from your current pharmacy. Then we focus on getting your staff comfortable with how we work.
Every new facility partner receives training on our web portal, tailored to your agency's needs:
- An introductory Zoom call. Our nurse consultants meet your agency's nurses and staff, introduce themselves, and walk through the web portal.
- Ongoing trainings on your schedule. Training is available weekly, monthly, or as needed.
- A detailed training manual. Your team receives step-by-step directions for using the web portal.
- Continued support. Your staff has access to our nurse consultants and team to troubleshoot any questions.
How long does reordering medications take?
Reordering medications can be one of the most burdensome parts of a nurse's week. With Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy's web portal, reordering can be done in only about 15 minutes each week.
What improvements will your agency notice after switching?
No delays. Your residents receive their prescriptions when needed and on time.
A friendly voice. When you call, we listen to your problems and do our best to solve them right away.
Nurses focused on patient care. Your medical staff can do what they do best, which is care for patients, without worrying about pharmacy problems or deliveries.
Staff time spent with residents. MARs show up the same day every month, so no one is stuck on the phone looking for them.
A positive pharmacy experience. Our team is here to serve your facility, your staff, and your residents. It's hard to put a value on excellent care until you don't have it.
Does Hudson Regional serve Long Island agencies?
Yes, through our sister pharmacy. Kinexion LTC Pharmacy is now open and serving the Long Island ID/DD community from Port Jefferson Station. Kinexion was built on the same foundation as Hudson Regional: patient-centered care, responsive service, and genuine partnership with the agencies and families who depend on us.
Ready to talk about switching?
Call us at (845) 341-2714 to discover the difference in your pharmacy care. You can also reach Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy at info@hrltcp.org or 845-341-2700, or visit us at 280 Rte 211 E, Suite 112, Middletown, NY 10940.
FAQs
Is it hard to switch long-term care pharmacies?
It can feel daunting, but Hudson Regional's team specializes in prescription transfers, facility and pharmacy transitions, and training to make the process manageable for your staff.
What training does Hudson Regional provide when switching?
New facility partners get an introductory Zoom call with our nurse consultants, weekly, monthly, or as-needed trainings, a step-by-step training manual, and ongoing access to our team for questions.
How long does it take to reorder medications with Hudson Regional?
With the Hudson Regional web portal, reordering medications takes only about 15 minutes each week.
When do MARs arrive with Hudson Regional LTC Pharmacy?
MARs arrive the same day every month.
