As people become more conscious of their health and well-being, the demand for high-quality healthcare facilities is rising exponentially. To meet these increasing demands, however, we require skilled human resources as well as better technology solutions that allow us to streamline and automate operations while reducing effort, time, and cost.
Pharmacy– one of the key components of the healthcare industry, is not an exception. According to Statista’s report, the global pharmaceuticals market is anticipated to grow by 5.23%, with a market value of US$1431.00 billion in 2027.
This means, there will be a significant increase in the number of patients/customers visiting pharmacies or dispensaries in the coming years.
In such a case, it is recommended that you, as a Pharmacy owner, invest in the best Pharmacy management software that will help you optimize all facets of your pharmacy’s operations, boost profits, better serve your customers, and ultimately give you a competitive advantage.
We have reviewed and identified Datascan and their suite of products that can meet the needs of a modern day pharmacy. In this software review, we will explore the following topics:
- Introduction to Datascan
- Key Features of Datascan
- How does Datascan benefit pharmacies?
- Our final verdict
Introduction To Datascan Pharmacy Management System
Datascan is a family-owned, 5 star rated retail pharmacy management system that has been in business since 1981. This windows-based pharmacy software is designed to assist pharmacies of all sizes with day-to-day business operations such as drug dispensing, customer management, inventory management, patient medication synchronization, compliance management, and so on.
In addition to all of the basic features, the Datascan pharmacy software includes a number of cutting-edge, client-focused features such as,
- Fully customizable workflow
- Automatic refill process
- Automated maintenance medication utility
- Claim analytics and DIR dashboard
- Custom, data-driven reports
- Task & To-Do dashboards that help organize staff
- Mobile Applications
- Built in Medication Synchronization
- Integrated point of sale (POS)
- And so much more…….
Additionally, the system’s customizable scheduler enables pharmacies to automate most of their tasks. For instance, they can automatically download wholesaler cost updates, run auto refills, notify customers when refills are ready for fill, send notifications when RXs are ready for pickup or if they’ve not been picked up, and even print your daily dispensing log.
Most importantly, Datascan continuously enhances the pharmacy system by regularly adding innovative new features, ensuring that the product maintains its position as the market leader in the pharmacy industry.
However, one feature that piqued our interest was Datascan’s small business culture. It encourages users to express their ideas and suggestions, with many of these client suggestions being incorporated into the software at no cost.
Now let’s quickly go over a few Datascan features that we think are particularly noteworthy or highly helpful to pharmacists.
Key Features of Datascan Pharmacy Software
1. Automated refill processing & Scheduler
This feature is impressive to us because it significantly reduces the workload for pharmacists and operational errors. For instance, Datascan’s auto-scheduler function enables you to run automatic refills, notify customers when refills are due, send out notifications when RXs are not picked up, and automatically download wholesaler cost updates, as well as restock your inventory. By automating all of these important and recurring operations, you can devote your attention to other critical business activities.
2. Multichannel communication system
The Datascan pharmacy software also allows you to communicate with your customers, vendors, and suppliers via a variety of channels. Based on the data fed into the auto-scheduler, the system will identify your patients who have refills ready to be filled or prescriptions that are still waiting to be picked up and will automatically notify them via email, text, and even smartphone notifications. Datascan also allows you to sync IVR with this utility for outbound dialing. The Winpharm pharmacy management software allows for communication with patients via 2 way text, email, through its Mobile Scripts application, through an IVR, and via the internet through the web refills website.
3. Medication synchronization
The Winpharm pharmacy management system also enables you to synchronize a patient’s medications– a medication management strategy that aligns the refill dates for two or more prescriptions. The Datascan software also assists in identifying patients with maintenance medications who would benefit from the program, as well as making suggestions and assisting in synchronizing other medications. This will eventually improve medication adherence while also avoiding contraindications, duplicate therapies, and other potential problems.
4. Simple to use, and extensive customization
The fourth aspect of Datascan pharmacy software that we found to be very advantageous to the users—the pharmacies—is its extensive customization. Most of the features of the software can be altered to suit your preferences and needs. Not only the workflow and functions but the software allows you to customize things like reports and even coupons in the point of sale. Besides, you can also share your ideas and requirements with the Datascan team in order to have personalized features built into the software.
5. Centralized reporting and management
Datascan software is ideal not only for individual pharmacies but also for owners with multiple locations. Using this system, you can easily manage multiple stores located in different cities around the country. Datascan users can run and customize all types of reports, as well as run by a single location or multiple locations, and even run comparative reports between locations. Moreover, they can manage and run billing for house/charge accounts across all locations from a single location. This feature also enables pharmacy staff to view central patient profiles directly within their software.
6. Inventory Management & Shopping Tools
Datascan pharmacy software also facilitates electronic RX inventory updates and order management. The tool not only allows you to create traditional purchase orders for inventory replenishment using reorder points, but it also allows you to handle everything electronically with your vendor. Moreover, Datascan provides you with the price history of your vendors to help you better understand pricing movement and make the best purchase. Both the pharmacy software and the point of sale system can shop for you across your wholesalers to choose the best pricing for inventory purchasing.
7. Coupons & Discounts
Winpharm pharmacy software also allows you to automate coupon management in the same way that you can automate all other pharmacy operations. Using the coupon function, you can attach a coupon to the RX and specify whether it is for one-time use or for the system to automatically COB bill the coupon on future refills. In addition to insurance based coupons, you can print POS coupons with receipts to target customers who have previously purchased the item.
These are just 7 features of Datascan pharmacy systems that make it an ideal partner for independent pharmacies, but there are so many more!
How Does Datascan Benefit Pharmacies?
Based on our analysis of Datascan, we believe the product may benefit pharmacies in the following ways:
- Increased operational efficiency: The first significant advantage that independent pharmacies will receive from working with Datascan is an efficiency boost. Since the software allows you to automate the majority of daily and recurring tasks, you will save a significant amount of time and effort that can be diverted into other critical business activities. Additionally, automation will reduce the scope of errors.
- Better inventory management: Maintaining an updated inventory that is neither overstocked nor understocked is one of the biggest challenges in pharmacy management. Thankfully, you can control inventory levels, prevent overstocking, and better manage the inventory using Datascan. Its free EDI makes ordering from different vendors much simpler and more efficient than ever.
- Improve star ratings, profits, and compliance: Pharmacy software is vital when it comes to lowering DIR fees and raising star ratings, profits, and compliance. All of these objectives can be attained to a significant extent thanks to Datascan’s cutting-edge functionalities, including auto refill, maintenance medication utility, and medication synchronization.
- Better customer experience: With all of these features, your pharmacy operations can be greatly amplified, and you can provide better customer service. Additionally, the Datascan mobile and Windows applications make it simple for patients to order new prescriptions and refill existing ones. By enabling push notifications from your store, they can set up refill reminders, scan a barcode off a bottle, and receive timely updates.
- Extensive Customization: The fifth advantage that Datascan will offer to its users is extensive customization. In addition to personalizing workflow and in-built functions from top to bottom, you can also get the desired features or functionalities in the software based on your needs or preferences.
Being independently owned, and competing with so many large private equity owned firms in the pharmacy software space gives Datascan an advantage as well as their customers. You get individual attention, you have a voice that is heard, and if you ever need to escalate any issue, it goes right to the executive level and is handled quickly.
Our Final Verdict
Considering all of Datascan’s features and benefits, as well as comparing it to other leading pharmacy software, we can confidently state that Datascan clearly outperforms all of its competitors. As an independent business with a strong 40+ year legacy, Datascan understands the frustrations, requirements, and objectives of independent pharmacy businesses.
Their ultimate package is primarily focused on three aspects: pricing, product, and service. Datascan’s prices are among the most affordable compared to its competitors. Besides, to stay ahead of the competition, the Datascan product is updated daily by incorporating more advanced features that make the pharmacy’s job much easier. Finally, the company provides unrivaled customer service to all its clients worldwide, with an average response time of 30 seconds!
To summarize, if you are an independent pharmacy or dispensary looking for a perfect pharmacy software solution to effectively manage your business operations while improving profitability and star ratings, Datascan is the ideal choice!
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