Addressing healthcare staffing shortages
The U.S. healthcare system faces a significant workforce shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Telehealth-enabled care models make efficient use of existing healthcare staff by enabling remote monitoring, consultation and intervention.

This means that PCMs can monitor and manage multiple patients simultaneously without requiring in-person appointments, significantly alleviating the burden on healthcare facilities and staff. By expanding the reach of healthcare providers, they help to ensure that patients in remote locations or those with transportation challenges receive consistent and quality care.
Additionally, by leveraging technology for routine follow-ups and medication reviews, they free up time for healthcare professionals to focus on more complex cases requiring direct intervention. This shift not only optimizes resource use but also enhances the quality of care provided to patients with the most pressing needs.

Embracing pharmacist-led telehealth as a pillar of modern healthcare
PCMs are helping to reshape the U.S. healthcare system, offering notable improvements in patient experience, cost savings and chronic disease management. By enhancing access to care, enabling continuous monitoring and supporting value-based care initiatives, this care model addresses key challenges confronting both providers and patients.

For healthcare professionals and policymakers, it is an approach that presents a practical solution to existing healthcare gaps and aligns with the future direction of value-based, patient-centered care. While its potential is vast, further research and economic evaluations are needed to refine best practices and optimize reimbursement policies.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, pharmacist-led telehealth is well-positioned to play a transformative role in creating a more accessible, efficient and patient-focused healthcare system.

About the author: Dr. Cynthia C. Nwaubani, PharmD, BCPS is a visionary healthcare executive driving PharmD Live’s growth strategies and organizational goals, with a focus on expanding innovative clinical pharmacy solutions across U.S. healthcare verticals. As an entrepreneurial and analytical leader, she excels in problem-solving, streamlining operations, and optimizing productivity to deliver cost-effective, patient-centered outcomes. As the founder of PharmD Live, Dr. Nwaubani introduced a groundbreaking virtual clinical pharmacist solution that leverages clinical pharmacist care managers and proprietary AI-driven technology to manage chronic disease and medication therapy. This solution has consistently improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare utilization and costs, and enhanced value-based care profitability.

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