Medication therapy management: The evolution of clinical pharmacy services in U.S. Community-Based Pharmacy Practice—An opinion of the community-based practice and research network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

Abstract

Pharmacists in all settings are continually expanding their roles and responsibilities and advocating for the profession. Pharmacists, as medication experts, are trained to identify and resolve medication therapy problems. The act of providing clinical pharmacist expertise is not tied to a specific practice setting, but rather is the mindset in which a pharmacist approaches patient-centered practice. In community-based pharmacy settings, pharmacists have been providing clinical services for years through Medication Therapy Management (MTM) and other enhanced services which prioritize quality care. This manuscript will outline the history of the pharmacist's role in managing patients utilizing MTM, present evidence of positive patient care outcomes from pharmacist-led services in the community-based setting, and provide recommendations for United States payers to acknowledge and increase payment for pharmacist-led services. This paper represents the opinion of the Community-Based Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) in the United States. It does not necessarily represent an official ACCP commentary, guideline, or statement of policy or position.