Abstract
The practice of pharmacy is evolving from a product-related focus to one that is more patient-oriented and outcome-directed. This new focus can reduce the cost and/or improve the quality of care. Pharmacists often detect and resolve medication-related problems, though few reimbursement incentives exist for the amount of time and effort it takes. With statutory restrictions on the total use of pharmacy technicians and state-mandated OBRA patient counseling and prospective drug utilization review, community pharmacists are pressed for time more than their hospital colleagues to document their daily interventions for improving drug therapy for their patients. PharmD students can assist the community pharmacist in documenting these medication-related problems. Documentation of these "cognitive" or "value-added services," including their outcome on cost and care, is critically necessary for future reimbursement consideration by third-party payers. Copyright © 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company
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