The New York Times (8/14, A1, Abelson, Singer) reported on "the expanding role of the nation's pharmacists in ways that may benefit their customers and also represent a new source of revenue for the profession." Pharmacists are being enlisted to help address non-adherence to prescribed treatments. Poor adherence is estimated to cost “nearly $300 billion a year in emergency room visits, hospital stays and other medical expenditures." The Times also describes medication therapy management, which "typically involve face-to-face sessions between pharmacists and patients in retail stores or clinics,” and is paid for by some insurers and health plans.
Helm Benefit Design offers alternative strategies to encourage member medication adherence. While pharmacists can be very helpful in encouraging correct medication use, this can be a costly approach. Additionally, adherence programs must be focused on encouraging first-line medication use and guideline-supported medical treatments. Contact us, to learn more.
