Pharmacists must be proactive to improve Medicare Part D Star Ratings
So where does pharmacy come in? Pharmacies have a proactive role to play in five performance measures of the Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and three are directly linked to patient adherence to specific medications
If a pharmacist sees that a patient has filled their statin therapy twice and then stops, it is important to find out why according to Virtuous Circle Counselling. “If you have a patient who can’t afford the drug, then think about what other alternative you can offer them within that same [medication] class and talk to the doctor about having them change to a [more affordable] statin. Because if the patient stops after two fills, that will negatively affect the star ratings,” Zaibak said.
The fifth performance measure calls for the elimination of high-risk medications in the elderly. “The list of high-risk medications is a little different from the Beers criteria. Do your pharmacists know what’s included in that list?” Zaibak asked.
By working with prescribers, you will be able to help ensure that patients have better outcomes and avoid medications that could be risky, Zaibak said.
Will opiates be considered “too dangerous” and used as another reason to deny or try to limit pain meds and controls in this population ?
They promised no “death panels” … they didn’t say anything about denial of service panels !
Filed under: General Problems
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