Geily Ward & Joanne Pauyo interview the nation's first Concierge Pharmacist, Ken Sternfeld, RPh., host of the PGX4RX Podcast.

Concierge pharmacists are working directly in physicians’ offices to personalize chronic care medication management for patients.   In response to the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ call for ongoing chronic care management, concierge pharmacy network RXVIP Concierge is targeting this component in its business model and delivering chronic care medication services at the point of care.   Concierge pharmacists’ services can produce better patient outcomes, lower health care costs, and improve Medicare Star Ratings, according to RXVIP director of new business development Ken Sternfeld, RPh.   In this concierge pharmacy model, pharmacists pay a visit to the physician’s office 1 day a week and meet with patients to discuss their medications. These pharmacists will review and evaluate drug interactions, dosing, adverse effects, and adherence. Patients will also be encouraged to make lifestyle changes if necessary.   The concierge pharmacists will also handle prescription drug refills and look for generic or cost-saving alternatives, including co-pay assistance programs for patients. Additionally, the pharmacists can educate and assist patients with enrolling in Medicare Part D plans. Patients also have around-the-clock access to the pharmacists.   “The response to having what amounts to a personal pharmacist available 24/7 has been nothing short of spectacular,” Sternfeld states “It is truly a paradigm shift when you consider the challenges at a retail pharmacy of getting any meaningful one-on-one time with a pharmacist.”   More than 90% of patients who were offered the opportunity to see a pharmacist one-on-one at a recent event did so, Sternfeld said.   As interest in concierge medicine and personalized care continues to grow, Sternfeld believes patients will appreciate the time pharmacists make to evaluate their medication regimen and help improve outcomes.   In terms of lowering health care costs, Sternfield pointed to the large portion of patients who are readmitted to the hospital because of poor medication management. He believes RXVIP concierge pharmacists can make an impact on these patients, as better outcomes can lead to reduced prescription medication costs and hospitalizations. “Cost savings will be measurable in every collaborative practice relationship we develop going forward,” Sternfeld said.

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