INNOVATIVE PRACTICE FORM

Name: Lois Hurst or Ned Looney (Becky Wade, technician)
Address : Iowa
Phone # (515) 265-8408

Briefly describe innovation:
CAREPOINT is a pharmaceutical care program done in conjunction with physicians in an effort to bring down healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes. Patients are the biggest benefactors of this very innovative practice. The program consists of two parts primarily: 1) an Asthma module ; 2) a Diabetic module.
The asthma module seems to be the one progressing the best currently. It involves patient education about the disease and medication review and adjustment (if necessary). Patients are also educated on peak flow meter use to ensure optimal use of the device. Patients are encouraged to see their CAREPOINT pharmacy professional about twice monthly. The visits last about an hour each.
The diabetic module, another educational module also teaches patients about their disease. In an hour long visit at the CAREPOINT pharmacy the patients review their medications to ensure proper adherence to their regimen and monitor therapy. Blood glucose tests are also done to keep patients abreast of desired goals.
Blood pressures are monitored and complete patient profiles are kept on each patient for each visit. This is done for patients in each of the modules . This history is an important part of proper pharmaceutical care. Also, highly trained technicians are used to free up the pharmacists in this environment. They are more able to fully apply their training and maximize patient outcomes.

Method of Reimbursement:
Payor(s): Bills are sent to insurance companies first then to the client if no payment is received. The patients will receive a discounted rate however.

Reimbursement rate: Initial visit $150 and less per subsequent visits.

Is documentation required? Yes
ICD9 forms are sent to the hospital.

Specialized training required? Yes.
Pharmacists must undergo CAREPOINT training to be certified in pharmaceutical care. They must also be certified in the areas of diabetes and asthma through special training.

Software/instrumentation required? Yes.
CAREPOINT supplies the software. The software is used for patient file maintenance, blood pressure monitoring, peak flow measurement, and patient education.

Interviewed by: Joe Rutland