The Role of the Community Pharmacist
Do you know the pharmacist who fills your monthly maintenance medications and the antibiotics you need when you are ill? Some people go to the drive-thru windows of large national chains and interact with the pharmacy tech who assists the pharmacist, while others go to their community pharmacy and often have direct interaction with the pharmacist.
Establishing a Relationship
It can be important to establish a professional relationship with your pharmacist. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, more than 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy and people visit their community pharmacist 12 times more frequently than their primary care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 50% of the U.S. population uses at least one prescription medication a month, and approximately 40% of adults throughout the country are managing two or more chronic conditions.
“Building a relationship with your community pharmacist can lead to an improved understanding of your medications,” said Michelle Bennett, Pharm D, BCPS, System Director, Retail Pharmacy for Penn Highlands Healthcare. “In addition, pharmacists are available to provide personalized advice and can help identify potential issues with drug interactions and side effects which ultimately result in better health outcomes.”
The Role of the Pharmacist
Pharmacists are essential members of the health care team. They play many roles that include:
- Dispensing medications – receiving and verifying prescriptions from providers; preparing and dispensing medications; providing instructions on proper use.
- Patient counseling and education – educating patients of dosage, side effects and interactions; counseling people on health conditions and managing disease; and advising patients on over-the-counter medications and other health-related products.
- Medication review and monitoring – assessing patients’ medication histories and identifying potential interactions; monitoring for adverse reactions and recommending medications as needed; and providing follow-up care to ensure patients are taking their prescription medications according to the providers’ instructions.
- Drug information and research – staying current on the latest medication research; and educating providers about new drugs and therapies.
"Patients who use the Penn Highlands Community Pharmacy in their region benefit because the pharmacy has access to their medical records within our health system which enables greater collaboration between the pharmacists and the providers,” said Michelle.
Penn Highlands Community Pharmacies offer convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania – many adjacent to or in close proximity to Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals. Each retail pharmacy is staffed by teams of experienced pharmacists who offer outstanding continuity of care. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/pharmacy.