Study: Pharmacist adherence interventions help lower overall health costs

Community pharmacists can dramatically help their patients stick to their prescription regimens, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. The findings, reported Monday in Health Affairs, also suggest that greater adherence to medications can lead to a reduction in emergency room visits and hospital admissions, thereby lowering healthcare costs for a variety of chronic conditions, including diabetes and asthma.

"The cost savings demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Project should draw the attention of many payers to the value of leveraging pharmacists in the community where their members live to improve health and wellness and reduce overall healthcare costs," said study co-author Jesse McCullough, director of field clinical services at Rite Aid. "This is another area where the value of the pharmacist to the healthcare system is demonstrated."

Read the full story via Drug Store News.