Expanding community-based healthcare
The retail pharmacy was expanding its care role within the local community well before playing a crucial part during the COVID-19 pandemic. And this influence is continuing: A 2023 Wolters Kluwer consumer survey indicated 58% of Americans are likely to visit a local pharmacy as a first step with a non-emergency issue, and 81% say they trust a pharmacist, nurse, or nurse practitioner to diagnose minor illnesses and prescribe medications.
Since retail pharmacies have footprints within communities, they have the opportunity to become a “one-stop-shop” for health and wellness services, such as providing immunizations and screenings, and supporting chronic disease management. New initiatives like Test to Treat can provide opportunities for pharmacies to support the community with non-emergency issues, like influenza and Strep A, alleviating local emergency rooms and primary care providers to manage chronic or emergency challenges. As the wider industry faces challenges with healthcare deserts and primary care provider (PCP) burnout, retail pharmacies can provide spaces for key care services that impact local patient populations.
Leveling up value-based care
Expanding the community focus can also support value-based care initiatives. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expects all Medicare beneficiaries will be in value-based care programs and models by 2030, and retail pharmacies are set up to play a critical role in this transformation away from volume-based to care-centric outcomes. When they’re viewed as a critical role within the care ecosystem, they can use their community presence to screen for non-emergency care, reduce readmissions, and educate on medication management.
Local retail pharmacies have an engagement opportunity that can directly improve the outcomes of their patient population. Initiatives like Food is Medicine provide an opportunity to impact long-term health costs, including the 90% of healthcare that is spent on medical care for chronic diseases. With a regular presence in the community, they can support front-line initiatives and help identify social determinants that may be impacting patients’ long-term health.
Chronic care management of diabetes
With diabetes cases increasing, local retail pharmacies can play a role in supporting condition management and medication adherence. As of 2021, the Center for Disease Control estimated that 11.6% of the US population had diabetes and another 97.6 million adults had prediabetes. Initiatives like Test to Treat could support A1C testing, and pharmacists can help communicate the importance of a low-carb diet and provide consumer education content directly from workflows. Pharmacists can help equip patients with nutritional information, provide resources to support changes in diet and exercise, and consult on long-term health improvements and chronic care management.
Additionally, organizations like the American Pharmacists Association offer certificate training programs to help equip pharmacists with skills to provide diabetes care, evaluate and adjust drug therapy regimens, and consult patients about lifestyle interventions.
