A new national survey commissioned by Surescripts and conducted by The Harris Poll suggests that prescription access remains a significant challenge for many patients in the United States, with financial concerns, administrative hurdles and fragmented communication contributing to delays in treatment.
The survey, which included 1,007 U.S. adults who had interacted with the healthcare system within the previous 12 months, found that 56% of respondents experienced challenges when attempting to access prescription medications. Cost emerged as one of the most significant barriers, while prior authorization requirements and limited visibility into medication pricing also affected patient access.
According to the findings, nearly half of respondents (48%) reported uncertainty about where to find reliable information regarding prescription medications and pricing. One in four patients said they had not picked up a prescribed medication because it was too expensive, while one in five reported splitting pills or rationing medication supplies to extend treatment duration.
The survey also highlighted the impact of prior authorization processes on patient care. Among respondents who filled a prescription during the previous year, 29% experienced delays related to prior authorization requirements. The rate increased to 36% among individuals taking two or more medications daily. Notably, 13% of those affected by delays reported that their health worsened as a result.
The findings indicate strong interest in technology-enabled solutions that improve transparency and coordination. Thirty-six percent of respondents said that receiving clearer cost information before collecting a prescription would make navigating medication expenses easier. An equal proportion identified improved communication between healthcare providers and pharmacies as a priority.
Commenting on the results, Frank Harvey, Chief Executive Officer for Surescripts, said, "Patient access to prescription therapies is much harder than it should be—and too often that means going without medication therapies. The encouraging news is that patients want to work with their prescribers to understand their medication treatment options before arriving at the pharmacy. We’re working to equip care providers with technology that enables them to help patients access more affordable medications without unnecessary delays."
Matt Koehler, Chief Product Officer for Surescripts, added, "This survey reveals what we’ve known anecdotally: the path from prescription to therapy is too often slowed by unclear costs, fragmented support and disconnected systems—with real consequences for patients' health. When clinicians are equipped with the right technology, they can help patients access treatment faster, close gaps and keep patient care on track."
Surescripts also highlighted the role of prescription access technologies in addressing these challenges. The company reported that its Prior Authorization Automation platform can deliver median approvals in 18 seconds when clinical criteria are met, while its Real-Time Prescription Benefit solution provides prescribers with cost transparency at the point of care. According to Surescripts, patients saved an average of $77 per prescription and $817 per specialty prescription when lower-cost alternatives were identified through the platform.
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