title: Revealing undetected problems with medication therapy management services.
abstract: Implementation of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 has highlighted the innovative roles that pharmacists are assuming in progressive, community-based practice settings. MTM underscores the vital role that community pharmacists have in helping patients achieve desirable therapeutic outcomes and reduce health care expenses. Pharmacists can: 1) obtain detailed medication histories, 2) assess patient adherence and the development of side effects, 3) educate patients on their medications and disease states, and 4) perform cost-effective therapeutic interchanges in collaboration with prescribers. This case describes an MTM session with a 68-year-old Caucasian male who is a regular prescription customer at a local grocery-store chain pharmacy. The patient was screened and identified by his Medicare Part D plan as one who qualifies for MTM services. He has a history of dyslipidemia, depression, and epilepsy. The patient was contacted by the pharmacist to participate in a MTM appointment to discuss his current medications and disease states. After obtaining a detailed history, the pharmacist identified significant medication-related problems including inappropriate prescribing of medication, self-treatment, and the patient's lack of knowledge concerning his medications. After discussions with the patient and his health care providers, a medication plan was created for the patient to follow. Open communication among the patient, pharmacist, and prescribers is a crucial component to ensure the success of MTM services.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
authors.forename: Akash J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: Sharon B S
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Gatewood