Despite overwhelming evidence of the positive impact pharmacists can have on patient health, pharmacists are not recognized as healthcare providers under the Social Security Act and, therefore, cannot be paid by Medicare for therapy management and patient consultation services. The Social Security Act does recognize other healthcare professionals such as dieticians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse midwives, and clinical social workers.
By changing the compensation structure allowed under Medicare, we can ensure that patients have access to the medication expertise of pharmacists. Studies have shown that when a pharmacist is directly involved in patient care, patients have fewer adverse drug reactions, experience improved outcomes, and healthcare costs are reduced.
Pharmacist Sandra Leal of Arizona has started a petition to ask President Obama to have pharmacists recognized as providers by CMS. This petition is not limited to a small group of pharmacists or to any specific healthcare setting, but it is designed to seek broad recognition of pharmacist capabilities and impact on the health of patients. You can sign on the petition by clicking here.
In a closely related matter, NMSHP Past President Ernie Dole has also co-authored an article in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy about the role of advanced-practice pharmacists in North Carolina and New Mexico that is now posted on the NMSHP website. Click here.