First-of-its-kind program in Central Pennsylvania will add pharmacists to an individual’s medical care team
Capital BlueCross today is announcing My Rx Guide, a first-of-its-kind arrangement in Central Pennsylvania in which a pharmacist will be embedded into a patient’s medical care team in an outpatient setting. Pharmacists will actively collaborate and provide one-on-one medication consultation and support to physicians and patients.
“When pharmacists are able to be a part of a medical care team, they are given an opportunity to identify gaps in care, improve patient health and clinical outcomes, and help to improve the overall member experience,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, President and CEO for Capital BlueCross. “Managing pharmacy benefits in real time as the individual receives medical care is a natural next step for an improved healthcare experience for our members.”
Collaborating with five local health systems, the My Rx Guide creates a more personalized approach to complex medication management. Participating pharmacists will collaborate with physicians on comprehensive and targeted reviews of patients who are high-risk and/or need chronic care management, have co-morbidities, or have medical conditions with strict prescription regiments. The participating health systems include Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, St. Luke’s University Health Network, UPMC Pinnacle and WellSpan Health.
Through a multidisciplinary care relationship, clinicians and pharmacists will be able to give patients direct and timely access to medication therapy management consultation. Pharmacists will be able to look at a patient’s record and, if possible, consult with a physician and intervene by suggesting an alternative medication, discontinuing a prescription or suggesting a different dosage or frequency of use.
The program seeks to reduce physician workload and drive down the cost of medications.
“The pharmacist of today is an integral member of the care team. We are excited to offer this innovative solution to our members and health system partners in care,” St. Hilaire added.
Date: April 02, 2019
Source: Cision