However, many providers and clinics are not fully utilizing the option to integrate pharmacist-led telehealth into their care settings, missing out on opportunities to monitor and manage patients remotely, improve care management and boost quality metrics that introduce potential revenue streams under shared savings, value-based contracts. Furthermore, a pharmacist-led virtual care model can reduce physician workloads and burnout, and enable a smaller provider workforce to effectively manage a larger patient base.

Enhancing patient experience and access to care
Pharmacist-led telehealth services allow patients to receive high-quality disease and medication management and counseling without needing to visit a healthcare facility, effectively addressing some of the most significant barriers to care access, especially in rural or underserved areas.
With approximately 50% of the 4.5 billion prescriptions filled annually taken incorrectly, leading to $300 billion in avoidable healthcare costs, these virtual care solutions are instrumental in helping patients manage their treatment more effectively. By delivering pharmacy-specific healthcare remotely, PCMs improve patient experiences by reducing medication errors, offering after-hours services and minimizing travel times for patients who might otherwise lack access to essential care. RPM also empowers patients by allowing them to monitor their health from home, adding convenience and continuity to care, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

For example, a study on remote patient monitoring (RPM) for hypertension demonstrated that telepharmacy services enabled patients to track their blood pressure from home while receiving regular pharmacist guidance, resulting in notable improvements in blood pressure management and overall health outcomes. This level of accessibility is invaluable for patients who may struggle to regularly attend in-person visits due to geographical or logistical challenges.

In addition to minimizing travel-related obstacles, virtual care enhances patient engagement by enabling PCMs to conduct regular check-ins—vital interventions for preventing adverse drug events and supporting adherence to prescribed therapies, particularly for patients with complex medication regimens. Patients have access to PCMs 24/7 around the clock for all medication-related questions.

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