Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is teaming up with physician organizations and pharmacists across the state to ensure patients comply with their medication plans.
“This initiative aims to broaden the relationships between physicians and pharmacists, creating additional care coordination for the patient,” says Dr. David Share, senior vice president of value partnerships at Blue Cross.
The Michigan Pharmacists Transforming Care and Quality program starts with 10 organizations across the state, including the University of Michigan Health System. Clinical pharmacists will work with medical home practices within the participating organizations by reviewing patients’ medical plans, working with physicians to make medication changes, and helping patients to understand how to safely use the medications.
“Initially, pharmacists will focus on patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol,” says Hae Mi Choe, director of pharmacy innovations and partnerships at the University of Michigan Health System and the director of the initiative. “Participating pharmacists will work with patients to address their medication concerns, identify any barriers to treatment, and empower them to carry out their medication plan.”
After the first year is complete, nearly 50 physician organizations that plan on participating in the program will be phased in over the next three to four years.
