Two of Thompson’s largest primary care practices recently added a clinical pharmacist to their teams.
Kevin Heacock works closely with providers at Canandaigua Family Practice and Victor Family Practice to ensure patients have the best possible plans for their individual needs. He sees patients in person but also consults with them via phone, video, and the electronic medical portal.
These appointments are provided at no charge to the patient or to their insurance. Benefits include:
- More frequent follow-up between visits with the provider
- Ensuring the medications the patient is taking are safe and effective
- Extra time to address any questions/concerns the patient may have related to medications
According to a Mayo Clinic presentation to the American College of Health Executives, embedding a pharmacist within a primary care practice can be beneficial to providers because the pharmacist can help alleviate administrative burdens in addition to improving patient health outcomes. The concept is supported by the American Medical Association.
Karina Anderson, director of Practice Management for Thompson, said the health system piloted the initiative in Canandaigua before expanding to Victor. She added of Heacock, “He is our proof of concept.”
For information about Thompson’s primary care practices, including those accepting new patients, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/PrimaryCare.