We’ve talked a bit in in the past about how Pharmacy practice has changed over the years and that Pharmacists are now providing different services to patients. One of the most impactful services that Pharmacists now provide is Medication Therapy Management (MTM).
What is MTM?
The official definition of MTM is… medical care provided by pharmacists whose aim is to optimize drug therapy and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients. Really, it is a service provided by an experienced Pharmacist that goes beyond traditional medication consultations. These confidential appointments provide in-depth one-on-one review of all of your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal and nutritional) to ensure that your current drug therapy is both safe and effective.
Why is MTM important?
Managing your medications and health becomes more difficult as your number of medications increases. Your MTM Pharmacist will review your health status and treatment plan to ensure that:
- You are taking only the medications that you need.
- You are taking the correct amount of medicine at the right time.
- Your medications are not interacting with each other.
- Any vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter drugs you are taking are safe and effective.
- You are not spending more than you need to for your medications.
Is MTM affordable?
Yes! MTM is an affordable service available to everyone and, in some cases, is provided at no charge through certain health plans (including some Medicare and state Medicaid programs). The American Pharmacy Association estimates that there are up to 1.5 billion drug-related adverse events each year resulting in $177 billion in healthcare costs. By doing a detailed evaluation, your Pharmacist can identify unneeded treatments, recommend cost-saving alternatives, suggest helpful changes to your prescription regimen, and provide drug and disease education.
Reach out to your local Pharmacist if you are interested in having an MTM appointment for yourself or a loved one.
