Awareness and perceptions of advanced practice pharmacists among health care providers in New Mexico

Polypharmacy in older surgical patients: practical steps for managing perioperative medications

“…After additional training and licensure, the pharmacist clinician has prescriptive authority under an individualized protocol approved by a supervising physician. This special licensure for advanced practice pharmacists requires a board approved 60-hour physical assessment course in addition to completion of 150 patient contact hours and 300 individual patient contacts, while under the supervision of a physician or another provider with prescriptive authority 31. Pharmacists clinicians develop detailed protocols (approved by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy and the New Mexico Medical Board), in collaboration with providers, which allows the pharmacist clinician to independently guide treatment decisions within his or her scope without spending additional time contacting and waiting for responses from providers.…”

“…This special licensure for advanced practice pharmacists requires a board approved 60-hour physical assessment course in addition to completion of 150 patient contact hours and 300 individual patient contacts, while under the supervision of a physician or another provider with prescriptive authority. 31 Pharmacists clinicians develop detailed protocols (approved by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy and the New Mexico Medical Board), in collaboration with providers, which allows the pharmacist clinician to independently guide treatment decisions within his or her scope without spending additional time contacting and waiting for responses from providers. Even though several barriers exist for pharmacist clinicians, such as lack of awareness of the role, billing, and limited reimbursement, pharmacist clinicians have a successful history of providing effective and safe medication management in many outpatient clinics such as anticoagulation, diabetes, hypertension, and nephrology clinics and have the potential to be an effective addition to a busy PAC.…”

Comment: Pharmacists Have the Stats but No Provider Status—Now May Be Our Moment

“…2 However, despite increasing evidence of widespread support of pharmacists as providers, reimbursement challenges have been identified as a barrier to wider use of PhCs. 3,4 Legislation in NM passed in 2020 requires reimbursement by Medicaid and commercial insurance for PhC provided clinical services that are commensurate with other providers. Lack of reimbursement from Medicare remains a challenge as Medicare compromises 15% of the state’s population many of whom may benefit from PhC services.…”