INNOVATIVE PRACTICE FORM

Name: Dan Herbert

Address: Richmond Apothecaries 2120 Staples Mill Road Richmond, VA 23230

Phone #: 804-288-8361

FAX #: 804-359-8113

Briefly describe innovation

This pharmacy does a variety of innovative practices. It is one of a group of three independently owned pharmacies designed to provide professional pharmacy services for the patient. They are involved in hands on patient education and are dedicated to pharmaceutical care. For example, they use a computer screen for a patient, controlled by a prompt, which allows the pharmacist to teach patients about their disease state. However, this is more than just disease state management. Rather, it is management of the patients entire health. The medication consultants, "provide patient education, follow up, and communication with physicians in order to achieve positive patient outcomes." The pharmaceutical care specialists educate patients with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol risk reduction, and smoking cessation programs. The pharmacy uses two different computer systems to help red flag the high risk patients. This allows them to selectively counsel and follow those patients who need extra care. The pharmacist then works with the physician to help the patient achieve the best possible care.

Method of Reimbursement

Payor(s):
They try and bill the insurance company if they feel the service can be justified and will be reimbursed. They are reimbursed if the insurance company can see the benefits. Usually insurance will pay for services such as diabetes education and lipid counseling. They have found that addressing non-compliance is a "soft-service" that takes time but, does not provide a lot of payoff for the pharmacist. However, the pharmaceutical care they provide is inclusive and the services are not limited simply because they are non-profit.

Is documentation required?: Yes
They simply use the standard 1500 form. The key to being reimbursed is providing the right information and does not depend on the form used. The insurance company must be able to see the realistic prize. Therefore, describe your service well and it will not be difficult to get reimbursed.

Specialized training required?: Yes
This pharmacy has a "high powered staff". There are two Pharm D pharmacists that organize, conduct, and monitor the training of the other nine pharmacists.

Software/instrumentation required? Yes
The pharmacy uses two computer systems. Cognacare is software designed for pharmaceutical care that provides a way to document and process patient information. They then use Computer Rx for filling prescriptions. These systems are linked together and catch the "high-risk" patients that are in need of pharmaceutical care.

Interviewed by: Lisa Butler