ChecKmeds NC Program Description

ChecKmeds NC contracts with Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care™ to offer free Medication Therapy Management services to all Medicare Prescription Drug Plan recipients ages 65 and older in North Carolina. Through ChecKmeds NC, specially trained Personal Pharmacists are identified in communities throughout North Carolina.

Among the services available:

Medication Checkup:
The ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will meet with the patient to review all medications, including over-the-counter medicine and supplements. This will help identify any duplications or conflicts and help to organize the medication schedule.

Drug Information:
When starting with a new medication, the ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will:

• Talk with the patient about its purpose and correct use.
• Follow-up to make sure the drug is working right and not causing any problems.

ChecKmeds NC reimburses participating pharmacists who conduct comprehensive medication therapy reviews on eligible patients' first visits, and on follow-up consultations. The goal of ChecKmeds NC is to identify and educate participants at risk for adverse health events as a result of taking multiple medications. The services are to be provided in a semiprivate/private setting.

Depending on the individual needs of the patient, services may include:

• Patient-specific services provided directly by a network pharmacist.
• Identification of Medicare Prescription Drug Plan participants who should receive Medication Therapy Management services.
• Face-to-face interaction between the patient and the pharmacist, independent of medication dispensing.
• Comprehensive Medication Review to identify, resolve and prevent medication-related problems. Pharmacists will:
  • Counsel patients regarding the clinical appropriateness, dosing regimen, adverse events, and potential problems with concomitant medications
  • Monitor and evaluate patient response to therapy, including safety and effectiveness
  • Formulate a medication treatment plan
  • Provide verbal education and training designed to enhance patient understanding and compliance with his/her medication regimen
  • Document the care delivered and communicate essential information to the patient's other primary care providers

This is a voluntary program open to all NC pharmacists, in all practice settings, who strive to improve patient health care.

Getting started is easy. Patients can simply call the customer service line at 1-866-922-6247 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or use the "Pharmacist Finder" feature at www.getoutcomes.com to find the ChecKmeds NC Pharmacists in their area.