By: Lisa Morris, R.Ph., Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at CarelonRx. Morris leads the development and execution of clinical and specialty pharmacy benefit management strategies — driving quality, cost management, and drug utilization programs across Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare lines of business. Original article also published in Drug Topics .
Medication reviews for patient safety
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, pharmacists are increasingly being recognized not just as dispensers of medication, but as vital health advocates. One of the most impactful, yet often overlooked, ways pharmacists contribute to patient safety and public health is through comprehensive medication reviews.
“Do you know what each of your prescriptions are for?” “Are you taking your medications as directed?” “Do you have access to reliable transportation to your pharmacy?”
These are common questions in our profession as pharmacists. But these simple questions can make a real difference in spotting and closing gaps in care, increasing medication adherence, and improving the whole health of our patients. As pharmacists, we are key players within a patient’s health team, advocating for safer, smarter medication use.
Prevalent use of prescribed medications
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 70% of adults ages 40-79 say in the past 30 days they’ve used at least one prescription medication. And in the past 30 days, more than 22% report using five or more, a concept known as polypharmacy, which significantly raises the risk of adverse drug events and medication errors. In addition to prescribed medications, we know many people also take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements, often without disclosing these to their healthcare provider.
To make matters more complex, about 41% of patients in the U.S. use more than one pharmacy , increasing the likelihood of uncoordinated care and missed drug interactions.
The risks are real: nonadherance alone is estimated to cause 125,000 deaths annually and costs the U.S. healthcare system nearly $300 billion in avoidable expenses. It also accounts for about 10% of hospitalizations.
What is a medication review?
A medication review is more than a safety check. It is a clinical service that allows pharmacists to identify potential drug interactions, streamline therapies, recommend discontinuation of expired or unnecessary medications, find cost saving alternatives, and, most importantly, engage with patients in conversations that improve their understanding, adherence, and safety.
For healthcare leaders, investing in pharmacist-led medication reviews isn’t just a clinical best practice, it’s a strategic imperative to improve patient outcomes, reduce avoidable costs, and strengthen the safety net across the continuum of care, particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
How pharmacists check your meds
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to spot gaps in care through medication reviews, as they are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals . In fact, about 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy . And for those receiving pharmacy benefits, pharmacists in settings like CarelonRx are just a phone call away, expanding access even further. That accessibility can, and should, translate into action. Whether practicing in a community pharmacy, health system, or pharmacy benefits management organization, we must continue to include and support pharmacists as key leaders in optimizing medication therapy and improving health outcomes in our communities.
National Check Your Meds Day, observed on Oct. 21, is an important annual reminder of the value of these pharmacist-led interventions. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to initiate a conversation that could prevent hospitalization, reduce costs, or even save a life.
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