Matt Evans, Longhorn Health Solutions pharmacy director, examines the pharmacy’s machine that sorts out the correct dosages for patients.[/caption]

The Pharmacy Division of Longhorn Health Solutions, a direct-to-home provider of medical supplies and equipment located at 11310 W. Hwy. 290, purchased a machine to help separate the correct dosages for patients’ needs.

The machine sorts medication into sealed, small, labeled plastic bags that are boxed and sent to patients.

“Instead of having a nurse go to a patient’s home and waste time trying to sort through pill bottles figuring out what to put in there, we have a packing machine that can sort a morning dose, an afternoon dose and evening dose,” Pharmacy Director Matt Evans said.

The automated machine simplifies the process of taking medication, Evans said. Typically, patients do not know exactly which medication they are taking, and they may be visiting multiple doctors who do not know what other doctors are prescribing to the patient, he said. The machine is not meant for all pharmacy patients, however. It sorts medication for patients who have chronic conditions or who require a steady supply of medicine, Evans said.

The automated machine cost LHS $250,000, Evans said. The company has used the machine since late 2013, and in its first year the technology has helped increase the volume of patients LHS serves, Evans said.