A Pharmacist’s Role in Healthcare

The current team-based model of health care puts primary physicians in the role of leading a team of professionals to better manage patient care. The team often includes non-physician practitioners, such as pharmacists, who actively participate in chronic disease management.  Today's pharmacist is much more than a pill dispenser, he/she helps manage the care of patients, particularly those with diverse and complicated needs, by providing immunizations, participating in collaborative practice agreements, offering diabetes care and prevention services, and more.

Because the scope of practice for pharmacists varies from state to state, the pharmacist role in health care continues to evolve. In Pennsylvania, pharmacists are beginning to be an integral partner on the patient-centered medical team.

Through the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network (PPCN) community pharmacies that offer enhanced services, such as immunizations, comprehensive medication reviews, adherence packaging, medication synchronization, and more, are identified and available to work with patients through programs that insurers are beginning to offer.  An application which will allow these PPCN pharmacies to be identified in communities throughout the state is coming soon and will be able to help patients find pharmacies offering a full array of services from home delivery to Diabetes programs, and smoking cessation services. 

To learn more about PPCN amd access the application when it is available, please go to the PPCN website:  http://papharmacistsnetwork.com/

PPCN is part of a nationwide effort, CPESN - Community Pharmacy Enhanced Service Network, to link patients with pharmacies who can provide this care.  To learn more about CPESN, please visit: www.cpesn.com

For more information on the role of pharmacists in healthcare, please visit the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.