Pharmacotherapy Clinic
Pharmacotherapy clinics are led by clinical ambulatory care pharmacy specialists (pharmacists) and focus on providing medication therapy management to achieve clinical goals of care (A1c, LDL, decreased admissions, etc.), patient medication education, and assistance with medication access.
Patients will continue to receive medical and disease management from their physician. A clinical pharmacy specialist may be added to the patient’s care team to provide optimal medication support.
At Salinas Valley Health, we are committed to providing our patients with an experience of connected care and improved health outcomes.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Pharmacotherapy Clinic designed to support safe and effective medication management for our patients.
- Initial collaboration: Salinas Valley Health Diabetes and Endocrine Center
- Additional collaborating locations to follow
Our care team will work to ensure scheduling and coordination of services are as smooth as possible to minimize disruption in workflows.
What patients can expect:
- Patients will continue to see their physician for the ongoing management of their chronic condition(s).
- Patients will be referred to a clinical pharmacy specialist.
- The pharmacist will act as a member of the patients care team and work to coordinate with all providers.
- The patient will have an appointment with the clinical pharmacy specialist where the pharmacist will:
- Review all medications.
- Monitor for medication efficacy/side effects/drug-drug interactions.
- Initiate appropriate changes in medication therapies when needed for pre-specified chronic diseases (ex: T2DM, weight loss, HTN, HLD).
- Educate patient on medications and lifestyle recommendations for disease control.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a clinical pharmacy specialist?
Clinical pharmacy specialists play an important role in our Pharmacotherapy Clinic. They create a connected experience between all providers on your care team and have the qualifications and training to address multiple medication therapy needs.
Clinical pharmacy specialists will focus on your medication regimen, help to manage any side effects, provide helpful information to ensure you take your medications properly, and assist with medication fulfillment. They will also help you with timely refills, be available for medication questions, and assist with medication access.
What is changing with my health care services?
While your doctor will continue to oversee your medical and disease management, a clinical pharmacy specialist will work with you and your doctor to manage and monitor your medications.
A clinical pharmacy specialist will work with your medical team to ensure you are on the most effective, safe and appropriate medication therapy regimen.
Will there be a change in how I receive care?
While you will see your doctor for medical treatment, your doctor may refer you to meet with a clinical pharmacy specialist for medication-based services.
The pharmacist will help you achieve an optimal medication regimen and assist with medication access and medication education.
Do I have to pay for a visit with a clinical pharmacy specialist?
You will not be charged for a televisit with a pharmacy specialist for pharmacotherapy services.
How do I benefit from these changes?
Pharmacotherapy Clinics are especially beneficial for patients who manage complex chronic conditions, and have been proven to improve quality of care and lead to better health outcomes.
The goal of the Pharmacotherapy Clinic is to provide a seamless experience to ensure appropriate medication selection, drug monitoring, and communication with all providers involved in your care.
Clinical pharmacy specialists will focus on your medication regimen, help to manage any side effects, provide helpful information to ensure you take your medications properly, and assist with medication fulfillment. They will also help you with timely refills, be available for medication questions, and assist with medication access.
How often will I meet with a clinical pharmacy specialist?
Depending on your condition, visits may be as often as bi-weekly or as seldom as once yearly check-ins.