How Your On-Site Rx Pharmacist Can Be a Key Advocate for Your Health and Wellbeing
By Kristin Lammers, Pharm. D. – Pharmacist in Charge: Chesapeake Public Schools
Navigating the healthcare system can be complex, expensive, and confusing. Often viewed as the final point of contact in the healthcare journey, pharmacists bridge the gap between the medical community and the patient. How can a patient fully leverage their On-Site Rx pharmacist to enhance their overall well-being?
Patients are most familiar with the pharmacist’s role in dispensing medications. The Pharmacist reviews the patient's medical history, current medications, appropriate dosing, and potential drug interactions. We are trained to recognize potential issues such as allergic reactions, duplications in therapy, or interactions between prescription and over-the-counter medications. By identifying potential issues and working with prescribers, pharmacists help prevent adverse reactions that could be harmful or life-threatening. This responsibility involves more than just handing over prescriptions. We translate medical concerns and terminology into information the patient can easily understand. Patients should leverage the pharmacist’s expertise and actively engage in every counseling session.
What if we dig deeper, beyond dispensing, where does the Pharmacist make the most impact on a patient’s well-being? Why don’t we start with accessibility? The On-Site Rx Pharmacy layout ensures that patients can have a face-to-face interaction with their pharmacist during every visit. As a result, patients may feel more at ease and more inclined to seek advice from their pharmacist. Accessibility enables the Pharmacist to understand the patient beyond their medication profile.
What distinguishes the On-site Rx Pharmacy from other retail settings is its capacity to provide individualized counseling with a personal understanding of each patient’s circumstances and challenges. The Pharmacist can tailor advice to the needs of the individual patient. Patients receive prompt advice on prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options, as well as guidance on when to seek further medical care. Along with prescription counseling and assessing patient conditions, we dedicate significant time to educating patients on lifestyle changes, troubleshooting medical devices, medication adherence, and smoking cessation. These counseling sessions are vital in preventing disease and promoting long-term health, contributing to the overall well-being of patients.
Now, let’s talk cost savings! Your On-Site Rx Pharmacist is the best advocate for optimizing care while minimizing the financial burden for the patient. On-site Rx Pharmacies utilize formularies provided by the client to optimize cost savings. The pharmacist can suggest a lower tier or formulary preferred product, a manufacturer coupon, or an OTC alternative. Cost savings can directly impact patient compliance and adherence to their medication regimens, improved medication adherence has a direct effect on improved health outcomes.
Pharmacists consistently rank among the most trusted members of the healthcare team. Our ability to educate patients, maintain accessibility, and navigate the healthcare system supports a comprehensive approach to patient care. The On-site Rx model enables a tailored approach to meet each patient’s needs. Through expertise in medication management, patient education, preventive care, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring that our patients lead healthier lives.
