INNOVATIVE PRACTICE FORM

Name : Viola Dwight, Chief, IHS Pharmacy Services

Address : IHS Pharmacy Program
               Room 6A-38 Parklawn Building
               5600 Fisher's Lane
               Rockville, MD 20857

Phone # : (301)443-1830

FAX # : (301)594-6135

E-mail/Information service: vdwight@ihs.ssw.dhhs.gov

Briefly describe innovation:

IHS pharmacists do not use prescription blanks, instead they utilize the patients entire chart, giving them access to the patients history, immunization status, all data and SOAP notes from the physician, laboratory values, current findings, etc. IHS pharmacists are taught to screen the patients' charts for the appropriateness of therapy, allowing interventions to be performed prior to implementation of therapy. In some locations, pharmacists are credentialed to provide primary care, and utilize prescriptive authority in evaluating and managing the care of certain patients. All patients are counseled via an interactive method in private consultation rooms on both new prescriptions and on refills. Pharmacists also participate in physician rounding, pharmacokinetic consultation, drug information, and discharge medication counseling.

For more information, visit the IHS Pharmacy homepage on the WWW at http://www.ihs.gov

Method of Reimbursement:
None currently, but are working on a method of reimbursement for cognitive services.

Is documentation required? Yes (If yes, please include form) All information is documented in the patients' charts.

Specialized training required? Yes (Please describe: IHS Pharmacy Practice Training Program, a three day course in Phoenix, AZ which emphasizes training in chart screening, communication, conflict resolution, interaction with other professionals, patient education and consultation, and interviewing. A review of the most common disease states of Native Americans is also provided, Training is in a case study format which includes role playing and practice.

Software/instrumentation required? Yes ; In house; have adapted VA program to fit their needs.

Interviewed by: Tammy Brandt