Medication Therapy Management: What is it?

Medication related problems and medication mismanagement result in an estimated 1.5 million preventable adverse events each year.

Pharmacists, the medication experts, are uniquely positioned to proactively identify the potential medication related problems, mismanagement issues and medication errors through their involvement in medication therapy management (MTM) programs.

MTM describes the broad range of health care services provided by pharmacists. These services include medication therapy reviews, pharmacotherapy consults, anticoagulation management, immunizations and many other health and wellness programs and clinical services.

All pharmacists actively monitoring patients under MTM programs strive to identify, address and resolve medication therapy problems by working directly with the patient, their physician (or physicians) and other healthcare providers. This generally includes, but is not limited to, extensive medication therapy review, the creation of a medication action plan and the possible addition, elimination or switching of medications. Exploring the financial benefits of using generic medications is common. Documentation and follow-up are also key components of a successful MTM program.

Ultimately, pharmacists want to ensure that the patient is taking the correct medication(s) for his or her health condition(s). This, in turn, ensures the best possible patient outcomes.

Patients that can potentially benefit the most from MTM include:

• Patient with multiple medications required for multiple disease states (i.e. diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc);
• Patients seeking to address medication costs;
• Patients who have recently changed medications.

While MTM may not be covered by all insurance plans, the benefits of obtaining the services of an accessible, knowledgeable and qualified pharmacist are well documented, especially when it comes to improving patient outcomes and reducing health care related costs.