http://www.drugstorenews.com/article/nyt-board-pharmacists-retail-clinics-nps-can-address-gaps-care
NYT board: Pharmacists, retail clinics, NPs can address gaps in care
From the article:
The NACDS heralded the editorial’s publication.
“This New York Times editorial adds to the increasing recognition that face-to-face, pharmacist-provided services can complement the vital role of physicians in a team-based approach to patient health,” NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson said. “Doctors, pharmacists and other partners in emerging healthcare models each provide tremendous expertise and advantages. Their unique strengths and collaboration among them can benefit the patient and can help to advance the nation’s approach to healthcare delivery.”
As where/how is this “team” going to function.. face to face is not a option if all the RPH’s are still “holding down a counter”… I am waiting to see the details.. especially when MD’s give up some of their turf.. especially to someone geographically separated by blocks or miles..
Filed under: General Problems
Retail pharmacists may have lots of time on their hands as their pharmacies are increasingly left out of Medicare Part D networks and as more health care plans force patients into mandatory mail order. The question is will employers keep “high priced” pharmacists around if they are not filling 500+ Rxs per day?
Either way a poor job market will translate to few job options for most pharmacists and working conditions will worsen as corporations look to trim their labor budgets.
Legislation and BOP action aimed to improve patient safety may be the only hope. I don’t see time in a retail pharmacists day for the Marshmallow World of collaboration Mr. Anderson describes here. Labor budgets are cut as soon as it appears the pharmacists may have time for a restroom break during the day.