My success:
Your Ally
Thinking outside the pillbox
Your Off Script pharmacist strives to be your ally, who thinks outside the pillbox:
> To help you achieve your goals
> To help you focus on your top priorities
>To provide the convenient access to pharmacy services
Success Stories
solution to your money problems and gene troubles
JR was concerned about the high copay for Brilinta, a blood thinner.
Clopidogrel is a less expensive and equally effective alternative
- if JR's body can normally break down the drug.
Fortunately, JR's genetic test revealed that he breaks down clopidogrel as expected.
Therefore, with the doctor's authorization, JR's Brilinta was safely switched to clopidogrel.
Interaction
MR complained about muscles pains, which she attributed to low potassium and her water pill.
After a thorough medication reconciliation, the pharmacist determined that her muscle pains were actually due to an interaction between amlodipine 5 mg and simvastatin 40 mg.
After informing MR's doctor, simvastatin 40 mg was changed to rosuvastatin 5 mg. The successful switch resulted in the absence of subsequent muscle pain.
Natural Essentials
At GS's dedicated appointment with the pharmacist, she brought the following supplements to include in her medication list: Brain Essentials, calcium + vitamin D, Digestive Essentials, melatonin, probiotics, Vision 360, and vitamin B12.
During GS's medication review, the pharmacist noted GS's decreased kidney function. GS also stated the following complaints: potential ineffectiveness of duloxetine in helping her mood and frequent low blood sugar. Her daughter even mentioned recent potassium issues.
Upon additional research, the pharmacist counseled GS about a few precautions with most of her supplements but strongly recommended against Digestive Essentials. Not only can the Digestive Essentials components worsen kidney function, but all of GS's complaints can actually be attributed by this supplement.
Happy Opportunities
When pharmacists start a job search, they are looking to find happiness in some shape or form.
However, pharmacists are hesitant to make the leap and change jobs for various reasons, including stability, experience, and skill gaps. Unawareness of what is available is another possibility.
Fortunately, career coaching sessions can help pharmacists feel more confident with what is available and determine next steps to address any concerns.
Career coaching sessions have successfully helped pharmacists transition into the following settings:
> Account Management of a Pharma Company
> Clinical Supply Manager for a Pharma Company
> Independent Pharmacy with a focus on Ambulatory Care
> Inpatient Telepharmacy
> Insurance (Prior Authorization and Utilization Management)
> Long-Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy
> MedComms Department in a Pharma Company
> Remote Medication Therapy Management (MTM)
> Specialty Pharmacy
PA Issues
MG was discharged from the hospital to the the nursing home on a Saturday. MG's doctor prescribed Xarelto to treat a blood clot that developed in her leg.
Unfortunately, MG's insurance wanted to hear from the doctor before covering for Xarelto. To make matters worse, the prior authorization process can potentially take 1 to 2 weeks!
Fortunately, the pharmacist discovered that MG's insurance will cover enoxaparin and warfarin.
After informing MG's doctor, Xarelto was changed to enoxaparin and warfarin with follow-up labs scheduled in a few days. Due to the successful coordination of care as MG transitioned from different healthcare settings, a potential hospital readmission was avoided.
Achieving 100% in one quarter
As an independent pharmacy was barely starting to offer medication therapy management (MTM) services, the comprehensive medication review (CMR) rate was only 33%. After some observations, the following changes were implemented:
> Coaching pharmacists on ways to better market the service over the phone
> Increasing prescriber buy-in by changing the wording on faxes
> Creating handouts for pharmacists to prepare, conduct, document, and bill appointments
These changes resulted in a CMR completion rate of 100% within one financial quarter.
Business paralysis to GROWTH
When a group of people meets and agrees to build a business together, the initial steps can be overwhelming.
Business consultation sessions can prevent analysis paralysis and clear up the path ahead with:
> A guide to help set up the business
> Accounting and book-keeping reference
> Business plan and financial calculator development to help the organization evaluate its current health and determine next steps for growth or expansion