In a recent blog, our pharmacy misfill error injury attorneys in Baltimore, Maryland discussed the importance of medication therapy management (MTM) check-ups with a pharmacist, to avoid medication error, pharmacy misfill, and potentially dangerous drug mix-ups that can lead to patient injury or even wrongful death.
The goal of an MTM is to get the maximum benefit from a patient’s prescription medication, and to have the opportunity to ask the pharmacist questions, as one would talk with their doctor, to avoid any medication error, possible side effects or problems with single or multiple medications.
People who reportedly benefit from consulting a pharmacist about medication management are:
• Patients taking medication for more than one chronic condition such as diabetes, depression, asthma, or high blood pressure.
• Patients who are taking one drug with potentially risky side effects, such as the blood thinner warfarin, or medication for seizures.
• Patients who have a hard time following a medication schedule, who forget to take their medicine, or skip them because they are experiencing side effects.
When attending an MTM, Family members or care givers are recommended to join the patient, and patients are advised to bring all medication with them, and if diabetic, their blood-glucose meter along as well. An MTM meeting is recommended once a year, unless the patient is prescribed a new medication and experiencing troubling side effects, a possible medication error, or if the patient is having monthly scheduled meetings the pharmacist.
According to Ed Webb, associate executive director of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, typical MTM visits can last thirty minutes and range from $35 to $55, although some appointments could take longer, or be more expensive, as some pharmacists reportedly charge more when including things as monthly patient monitoring or yearly flu shots. MTM is reportedly covered by many insurance plans.
Patients are advised to remember that even with an MTM, a pharmacist is not able to change a patient’s medication without consulting with their doctor, of if they find a problem with a current medication, they will call a patient’s doctor to consult on what the best plan of action is.
Our lawyers at Lebowitz and Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers represent victims of pharmacy misfill in Maryland or the Washington, D.C. area. Contact us today for a free consultation about your rights.
Reviewing Medications with Pharmacist Can Improve Health, Save Money, The Plain Dealer, December 6, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Survey Reveals Most Consumers Do Not Carry a Medication List: Americans Urged to Get to Know their Pharmacist, APhA News Room, October 1, 2009
American Pharmacists Association: APhM, American Pharmacists Month 2009