Pharmacy Closures, Access Gaps, and the Need for Point-of-Care Dispensing

Pharmacy access is becoming less reliable across the U.S. as pharmacy closures, shifting networks, and pressure from PBM models make it difficult for patients to obtain medication in a timely, consistent way. These access gaps can directly impact medication adherence, leading to treatment delays and poorer health outcomes. They also place additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system. 

Addressing these challenges will require an integrated approach to medication access, like point-of-care dispensing. By aligning medication access with care, point-of-care dispensing can close the gap between prescribing and access, improving adherence and reducing the risk of treatment delays. 

The Growing Impact of Pharmacy Closures and Pharmacy Deserts

Nearly half (46%) of U.S. counties have at least one pharmacy desert, where residents live 10 or more miles from the nearest pharmacy. Lack of access affects both rural and metro communities, and is increasing as retail pharmacy chains like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS have closed 8,600 locations since 2017.

Reduced pharmacy access directly impacts patient adherence to medication by introducing barriers such as increased travel time, transportation challenges, and interruptions in care. As a result, patients may miss doses or delay treatment if they don’t abandon the prescription altogether. 

The impact of pharmacy closures and pharmacy deserts extends beyond dispensing. Local pharmacies also provide medication counseling and chronic disease management. As this access disappears, gaps in preventative care and treatment widen, which can lead to declines in patient health. 

The Cost of Medication Non-Adherence

Taking medications as prescribed is essential for managing chronic conditions and preventing avoidable complications, yet adherence remains low at 50%. Patients with multiple conditions or complex treatments have even higher rates of non-adherence of up to 76.5%; clear evidence of systemic problems in medication access and support. The cost of non-adherence not only affects patient health but also the healthcare system at large.

Missed Medications = Poorer Outcomes

According to the CDC, three in four American adults have at least one chronic condition, and over half have two or more. Chronic disease management relies on adherence. Missed doses or prescription abandonment can leave patients with conditions like diabetes or heart disease with increased symptoms and disease progression, reducing quality of life and hurting patient outcomes.

Increased Hospitalization and Healthcare Costs

Non-adherence causes about 10% of all hospitalizations and is responsible for an estimated $100-300 billion in avoidable healthcare costs due to increased utilization each year. Patients may require more in-person visits, diagnostic testing, or additional treatments they would not otherwise need if they were adhering to their medication. These avoidable costs hurt patient well-being and place a higher burden on healthcare professionals and the healthcare system. 

Why Convenient Medication Access Matters

Reducing access barriers that keep patients from starting or continuing medication is critical because every extra step between prescribing and dispensing can lead to non-adherence. When patients face pharmacy distance, complicated refill processes, or unexpected costs, even necessary medications can become difficult to fill. 

An estimated 30% of prescriptions are never filled, often due to cost, travel, prior authorization, or other access friction points. Convenient medication access minimizes the steps between diagnosis and treatment so fewer patients are lost along the way.

Supports Adherence

When pharmacies close, the impact on treatment is immediate. Adherence to cardiovascular medications like statins, beta blockers, and blood thinners dropped about 6% in the first three months after closure. Increased medication access reverses that trend, as patients are more likely to fill and take medications consistently when the process is simple and predictable. 

Patients Receive Medications When and Where They’re Needed

Today’s patients prioritize convenience and access in healthcare, and point-of-care dispensing aligns with that by meeting patients where they receive care. Delayed refills and prescription abandonment become less likely when medications are dispensed through models that fit patients’ daily realities.

Convenient access is critical for patients managing chronic conditions and multiple medications, and for those facing mobility, work, or transportation constraints. Point-of-care dispensing addresses access and adherence directly by integrating medication fulfillment into the care experience, strengthening patient-centered care.

Point-of-Care Dispensing and Prepackaged Medications: Transforming Access and Adherence

Healthcare leaders are already signaling where change needs to happen. More than 40% of executives in Deloitte’s 2026 Health Care Outlook Survey say care delivery transformation will shape their strategy this year, with 23% pointing to service gaps, patient experience, and outcomes as key issues. Point-of-care dispensing addresses those priorities by improving access and reducing treatment disruption, leading to better patient experience and outcomes. 

Improves Access and Convenience 

Point-of-care dispensing and prepackaged medications shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment by empowering providers to prescribe, fill, and dispense medication to their patients during a healthcare visit. It puts medication into a patient’s hand before they leave their provider’s office or clinic, removing layers of friction and ensuring all patients have access to medication without delays.

Reduces Prescription Abandonment

By eliminating the gap between when a medication is prescribed and when it’s picked up, point-of-care dispensing helps prevent prescription abandonment. In-office medication dispensing also allows patients to ask questions about their treatment during their visit, reducing confusion or uncertainty that can contribute to abandonment.

Benefits Patient Safety

Point-of-care medication is typically prepacked in doses that align with standard treatments. This feature offers added value by improving patient safety in several ways:

• Pre-dosed treatments are clearly labeled, reducing the risk of dosing or other medical errors.

  
  

• Patients can get guidance from their physicians, which is critical as up to 46% of patients misunderstand prescription instructions.

  
  

• Increased medication access and adherence help patients avoid preventable health complications and disease progression.

Why It’s Time to Rethink Medication Access

With a rise in pharmacy closures and pharmacy deserts over the past decade, it’s clear that medication access needs to be a strategic priority for healthcare leaders. Physicians, healthcare stakeholders, and policymakers must consider new healthcare models that meet patient needs.

The evidence is clear: when access improves, adherence improves. Innovative models like point-of-care dispensing improve medication access by reducing barriers to treatment and supporting medication adherence and better patient outcomes. 

About A-S Medication Solutions

A-S Medication Solutions (ASM) helps healthcare organizations improve medication access, increase adherence, reduce costs, and create a more seamless patient experience. Through point-of-care dispensing, home delivery, onsite pharmacy solutions, and integrated medication management programs, ASM helps providers connect patients to the therapies they need, when and where they need them most. ASM partners with health systems, employers, clinics, and provider organizations nationwide to improve outcomes and simplify medication access.

Interested in learning more? Visit our Contact Us page: Contact ASM