The program is the result of a collaboration between Blue Cross, Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health System, numerous physician organizations and pharmacists across the state.
Under the Michigan Pharmacists Transforming Care and Quality program, clinical pharmacists will work with patient-centered medical home practices within 10 participating physician organizations across the state to become part of the medical home team that cares for patients.
Together, the pharmacists and physicians will review patients’ medication plans, make necessary medication changes and help patients understand how to safely and properly use their prescribed medications.
“This initiative aims to broaden the relationships between physicians and pharmacists, creating additional care coordination for the patient,” said David Share, MD, senior vice president of value partnerships at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We’ll be developing effective care models. It extends the team caring for patients, and extends the reach of our value partnerships umbrella to include additional care providers such as pharmacists.”
To begin, pharmacists will focus on patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, according to Hae Mi Choe, PharmD, director of pharmacy innovations and partnerships at the University of Michigan Health System’s faculty group practice, and director of the initiative.
Over the next few years, all 46 physician organizations that participate with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan patient-centered medical home program are expected to be phased in to the MPTCQ program.
More articles on pharmacy:
The unnecessary costs hidden in healthcare supply chains
Make your hospital a high reliability organization: 8 pharmacy strategies to improve the patient experience
Cerner, Allscripts to integrate CoverMyMeds into EHRs
