Patients leaving Lakewood Ranch Medical Center can now receive their prescriptions before leaving the hospital through a new partnership with Publix Pharmacy.

The 180-bed hospital at 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. has introduced Meds to Beds, a program that delivers filled prescriptions directly to participating patients' rooms before discharge. Tampa Bay Beacons reported the launch Oct. 13.

The service eliminates the need for participating patients to make a separate pharmacy stop on their way home, helping them begin prescribed treatment without delays.

How the bedside prescription service works

Publix Pharmacy staff coordinate with patients before discharge to fill prescriptions, explain medications and answer questions about their use.

Pharmacists can also work with patients and their physicians to identify medication alternatives that better fit their insurance coverage or budget, according to the hospital.

The program is designed to address barriers that can prevent patients from obtaining prescribed medications after hospitalization, including cost, transportation and pharmacy access.

"When patients have their medications before they leave the hospital, they are more likely to begin treatment as directed and continue their recovery safely at home," Jason Madsen, CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, said in a hospital news release.

The hospital also hopes the service will improve medication adherence and reduce avoidable readmissions by helping patients follow their treatment plans after discharge.

The announcement did not include data showing whether the program has reduced readmission rates.

Program follows $120 million hospital expansion

The partnership comes months after Lakewood Ranch Medical Center opened a five-story patient tower April 21 as part of a $120 million expansion.

The first phase added 60 patient beds and expanded laboratory and pharmacy services, according to the hospital's website.

The tower also includes unfinished space for another 60 beds that could be developed in a future phase.

Patients interested in Meds to Beds can ask their hospital care team about participating before discharge.