Taking multiple medications for different health conditions is common as we get older. But over time, medications may no longer work as they once did. Or, they don’t interact well with newer prescriptions.
That’s when a Comprehensive Medication Review (CMR), offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program, can be useful. The service is available at no additional cost to members with a full Medicare Part D plan. It involves a phone call with a pharmacist who reviews and evaluates each medication to make sure they are doing what they should.
“The key reason this was started was to support patients in their medication usage,” says Marypat Habermas, a Blue Cross MTM pharmacist. “We wanted to optimize therapies and reduce risk of hospitalization and of falling, which can be strongly related to medication use.”
A PREVENTIVE APPOINTMENT
Karyn Pierce, 67, of Minneapolis, set up a CMR in June. She manages several different medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, and other conditions. Though she had no problems, she wanted to make sure there weren’t issues that she wasn’t aware of.
“It was a precautionary appointment,” Pierce says. “I just saw that it was included in my drug plan and I thought, well, this is a good idea to have a double check. I trust my physician. But it can’t hurt to have a second set of eyes on things.”
During the appointment, the pharmacist did the following:
- Went through Pierce’s medication list to make sure nothing was duplicated.
- Verified that dosages were right.
- Ensured the drugs were doing what they were intended to.
- Made sure Pierce’s medications were compatible with her supplements.
- Discussed how Pierce takes her medications.
“I thought that the pharmacist that called me was very sharp and it was a great conversation,” Pierce says. “It was a very easy process to go through and gave a lot of peace of mind.”
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
Scheduling a CMR appointment is highly recommended if:
- You are experiencing potential drug-related side effects, such as trouble sleeping or discomfort.
- You have questions about your medications.
But annual preventive CMR checkups can also help ensure problems never happen, Habermas says.
“We’re trying to look for and identify any potential issues before they cause a problem and you end up in the hospital,” Habermas says.
MEDICATION SPECIALISTS
Habermas says MTM pharmacists work in partnership with patients’ doctors. A CMR does not replace a doctor visit. The biggest distinction between a CMR and a doctor visit is the specific focus on medications from a clinical pharmacist.
“Doctors usually only have about five to 10 minutes with each patient,” Habermas says. “So it’s a very limited ability to look in-depth at medications. And while they may be able to address side effects from one drug, they’re unlikely to be able to address issues across multiple medications.”
One of the most common challenges MTM pharmacists see is patients who have been on multiple medications for many years. They might have started on one or two, but that number has since climbed into double digits. Every time you add a medication, Habermas says, it can affect how a previously prescribed medication works. Changing health conditions can also impact the effect of medications.
A FEW OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Certain drugs that are routine for younger adults can create risks, in older adults.
Some temporary drugs are mistakenly continued.
Any challenges you have managing or taking medications as directed can be dangerous.
You can become more or less sensitive to a drug over time.
“As people age, their bodies change,” Habermas says. “Their kidney functions might change. Their liver function might change. All of those things can impact medication usage, effectiveness, and the risk for side effects.”
A CMR will not affect your prescription coverage. And it will not force you to change your medications. It is meant to provide you with the best information to make the right choices. You will receive a written summary of recommendations. And, with your permission, the pharmacist can talk to your doctor about updates. In the end, it is still up to you and your doctor to make any changes.
It’s easy to schedule your CMR, just call 1-866-873-5941.
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