Economic justification of pharmacist involement in patient medication consultation.
The financial savings experienced by patients as a result of pharmacists' efforts in a discharge medication interview program were evaluated.  The study involved 1,000 patients discharged from the surgery service of a university hospital.  Pharmacists worked with physicians and patients in reducing the cost of medications by: (1) substituting less expensive drugs when possible, (2) relabeling bedside medication, (3) securing third party coverage for eligible patients, and (4) recommending purchase of non-prescription drugs over the counter.  Savings of nearly +1,700 were realized on 517 out of 1,832 prescriptions; this was equal to +9.13 of savings to the patient per hour of pharmacist consultation time.
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004470:Economics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008484:Medicaid; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011641:Public Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation