Community-based retail pharmacy’s role in collaborative healthcare

Key areas for value-based care integration

1. Medication Therapy Management (MTM)

Programs like MTM have been shown to reduce adverse drug events and allow pharmacists to provide detailed medication reviews, pharmacotherapy consults, and anticoagulation management. With 79% of Americans trusting pharmacists as care providers, pharmacies are an ideal setting for these services.

2. Food Is Medicine initiatives

Programs under the Food Is Medicine initiative help prevent and manage chronic diseases by promoting healthier food choices. Retail pharmacists can play a vital role in identifying eligible patients and connecting them to resources like dietary counseling and grocery discounts.

3. Preventive screenings

According to the Wolters Kluwer Pharmacy Next Consumer survey, 62% of consumers trust pharmacists to provide vaccinations, such as flu shots. Pharmacies are becoming one-stop shops for preventive care. Services like point-of-care testing for strep throat, A1C levels, and hepatitis C are increasingly offered, improving access to care while supporting early intervention strategies.

These services directly align with the broader goals of value-based care, which prioritizes reducing hospital readmissions and improving long-term health outcomes.

What is a community-centric approach?

A community-centric pharmacy goes beyond traditional roles to serve as a holistic health hub. By addressing broader patient needs—whether through referrals, cost consultations, or health equity initiatives—pharmacies can build deeper connections with their communities.

Benefits of a community-centric model

• Destigmatization: Patients often feel more comfortable discussing sensitive conditions like behavioral health, obesity, or HIV with their trusted pharmacist, especially when compared to other healthcare providers.
• Cost consultations: Pharmacists can assist patients in navigating drug costs and access through rebates, discount programs, and alternative treatment options.
• Health equity: Understanding and leveraging community resources—like free screenings, food vouchers, and transportation—can improve care access for diverse populations.

By positioning themselves as trusted, accessible partners in health, retail pharmacies create lasting relationships that drive patient loyalty and promote holistic wellness.

Technology’s role in value-based care

The integration of technology is vital to supporting the pharmacy industry’s evolution. From leveraging artificial intelligence for drug interaction warnings to using advanced health data platforms for analytics, technology helps optimize both patient outcomes and operational efficiency in pharmacies.

Pharmacies can adopt tools tailored for systemic changes in care delivery, such as customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, electronic health records (EHR), and even mobile applications to connect with patients directly. These solutions empower pharmacists to track patient progress, monitor chronic conditions, and deliver data-driven, personalized care.

Solutions like the UpToDate® and Medi-Span® offerings from Wolters Kluwer meet these critical needs by providing continuously updated clinical decision support, rigorously reviewed drug data, and patient education resources. By embedding such tools within day-to-day operations, pharmacies can equip their teams to address complex clinical scenarios quickly and accurately, ultimately enhancing care quality and the patient experience.

Furthermore, fully interoperable solutions from Wolters Kluwer promote collaboration between pharmacies, healthcare providers, and community agencies. With the ability to securely share data and align on patient treatment plans, these platforms strengthen continuity of care and position pharmacies as vital contributors to the future of healthcare.

The Reimbursement Challenge

Despite their increasing role in healthcare delivery, reimbursement for pharmacist-provided services remains inconsistent. While 41 states now mandate some form of payment for pharmacists' clinical services, gaps still exist in achieving widespread financial recognition for their contributions.

“Without reimbursement infrastructure, providing these valuable services can place significant strain on pharmacies,” says Garry Marshall, Senior Director of Pharmacy Strategy at Wolters Kluwer. “Expanding the role of the pharmacist requires systemic support and legislative changes to ensure long-term sustainability, allowing pharmacists to stay afloat while delivering top-tier care.”

Federal recognition of pharmacy services as reimbursable care would provide the financial footing necessary to enable greater adoption of patient-centric models.

Pharmacy adoption of collaborative care models

Collaboration is key. Pharmacies must form relationships with local healthcare providers, social services, and even non-healthcare organizations to address barriers to care, such as insurance complications and health literacy challenges.

To adopt this approach, pharmacy teams should focus on education—cultivating knowledge about local resources—and building libraries of referral materials. By partnering with nearby clinics, food banks, or even transportation services, pharmacies can create a truly integrated care network for their communities.

A new era for retail pharmacy

Retail pharmacists are redefining their roles to meet evolving consumer expectations and healthcare requirements. By expanding into value-based care, adopting community-centric strategies, and harnessing technology, pharmacies can position themselves as critical players in collaborative healthcare.

To explore these strategies in greater detail, download our ebook, “Community-based retail pharmacy’s role in collaborative healthcare,” and learn how to adapt your pharmacy for long-term success in today’s value-based care era.