title: Potential cost savings of medication therapy management in safety-net clinics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate potential cost savings based on estimated cost avoidance from medication therapy management (MTM) services delivered in safety-net clinics over 4 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  High-risk patients taking multiple medications and with chronic conditions were referred for MTM services in primary care safety-net clinics in Maryland from October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2013. Medication-related problems (MRPs) were identified and pharmacists' costs determined to evaluate the estimated cost savings and return on investment (ROI). A range of potential economic outcomes for each MRP identified was assigned to a cost avoidance for outpatient visit, urgent care visit, emergency department visit, and/or hospitalization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 4 years, 246 patients received MTM, nearly 2,100 medications were reviewed, and 814 MRPs were identified. The most common MRPs identified were subtherapeutic doses, nonadherence, and untreated indications, with respective prevalences of 38%, 19%, and 16%. The corresponding costs of medical services were estimated at $115,220-$614,570 for all MRPs identified, yielding a mean of $141.55-$755.00 per identified MRP. Pharmacists' expenses for encounters were calculated at a total expenditure of $57,307.50 for 16,965 minutes. ROI based on the time spent during billable face-to-face encounters ranged from 1:5 to 1:25.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmacist-provided MTM in safety-net clinics yielded potential economic benefits to the organization. The Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County plans to expand MTM services to additional clinics to improve patient care and increase cost savings through preventable medical services.
authors: Hoai-An
authors: HA
authors: Truong
authors: C Nicole
authors: CN
authors: Groves
authors: Heather B
authors: HB
authors: Congdon
authors: Diem-Thanh Tanya
authors: DT
authors: Dang
authors: Rosemary
authors: R
authors: Botchway
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Thomas
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings / Q000191:economics*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D054539:Medication Therapy Management / Q000191:economics*; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000191:economics*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics*