Meds to Beds is a prescription delivery service offered to hospital patients that are ready for discharge. Centra's outpatient pharmacy will fill any new prescriptions for the patient and deliver them directly to their bedside. The program eliminates the patient's need to stop at an outside pharmacy, so they may go directly home with their prescriptions in hand. The pharmacy can bill the patient’s prescription insurance just like any other pharmacy, with patients only responsible for their usual copay.
The benefits of Meds to Beds extend beyond convenience. The service saves patients time and reduces the barriers to returning home after a hospital stay. It also allows Centra’s pharmacy team to identify and address any prescription issues before discharge. For example, if a prescription is not covered by a patient’s insurance, the pharmacy can work with the discharging provider to find a suitable alternative medication. Additionally, the team can help patients access trial cards or copay cards for expensive medications, often securing discounts or free trials to lower costs.
Launched as a pilot on one unit in December 2023, Meds to Beds expanded to another unit in March 2024, with plans to extend the program to several more units at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital by the end of the year. The program’s primary goal is to ensure that patients leave the hospital with all necessary prescriptions, helping to improve medication adherence and reduce Centra’s 30-day readmission rate.
Meds to Beds represents an innovative use of Centra’s outpatient pharmacy resources, which traditionally served long-term care, Centra PACE, and Centra Hospice. This expansion directly impacts patients in the hospital setting and improves overall patient care within the Lynchburg community.
So far, our patients have been extremely satisfied with this service. We can match or beat the prices they would pay at an outside pharmacy, and they benefit from the added convenience of bedside delivery. After spending time in the hospital, patients want to return home as quickly as possible, and the program helps our patients concentrate on their recovery without the added distraction of visiting a retail pharmacy.
