BCBSM aims to include pharmacists in PCMH care teams

A new initiative from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan aims to create an environment where pharmacists from otherwise competing physician organizations and practice units have a non-competitive forum to collaborate on best practices and share ideas. 

The initiative would facilitate the coordination of pharmacy care into the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) practice, by piloting an initiative that integrates clinical pharmacists with physician practices across the state.

As part of the initiative, according to Laurie Wesolowicz, director of pharmacy services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, pharmacists become part of the coordinated PCMH care teams.

“They will review medication changes, work with patients to help them understand their medications and how to use them, and help the care team with appropriate medication management,” Wesolowicz says. “The primary goal is to improve patient care and outcomes through integration of clinical pharmacists in direct patient care. Through this integration, we expect to improve performance on several quality and process-related measures such as HEDIS and QRS.” A strong collaborative relationship between pharmacists and physicians increases physician acceptance of pharmacists’ therapeutic recommendations, according to Wesolowicz.