Cost avoidance, acceptance, and outcomes associated with a pharmacotherapy consult clinic in a veterans affairs medical center

Abstract

A pharmacist-directed pharmacotherapy consult clinic (PCC) was established in an interdisciplinary primary care medicine continuity clinic. The pharmacist initiated or modified patient care plans in collaboration with primary care physicians and maintained care plans for 336 (32.8%) of 1023 patients enrolled in the continuity clinic. Clinical outcomes were positive in 88.3% of patient visits, with 95.7% attendance at the PCC clinic and 95% physician acceptance of pharmacist recommendations. Average reductions of 2.4 prescriptions/patient and 6.9 doses/day were achieved. Actual and potential cost avoidance totaled $54,730.56, with actual and potential savings realized compared with dollars spent at a ratio of 5.8:1. The pharmacist provided value-added services and contributed to decreased costs associated with care.