There are many ways that a competent and efficient LTC pharmacist can impact your long-term facility’s service levels and bottom line.
What is an LTC pharmacist?
An LTC pharmacist has the clinical knowledge to improve benchmarking, develop new formularies and advocate drug-related initiatives, to name a few. But the key responsibility of a pharmacist is to collaborate on and troubleshoot a resident’s medication strategy with the long-term care facility, iAdvance Senior Care says. S/he prepares medications by reviewing and interpreting the doctor’s orders, detects therapeutic incompatibilities between drugs and controls medications by monitoring drug therapies or advising interventions. These are just a few of the many responsibilities a pharmacist carries out for long-term care facilities.
How do I find one?
You can find the right LTC pharmacist when you sign a contract with a reliable and trustworthy supplier of pharmacy services. Make sure you do your homework before you choose one, though. Pick a firm with plenty of experience and has an excellent reputation in the field. The longer the company has been around, the better. That’s an indication that it has the resources, processes, team, technologies and vision to provide your organization with what it needs.
What do I look for?
Aside from reputation and experience, consider the inventory of the pharmacy. Can the company provide you with the medical equipment you need? What about diabetic supplies, home health products and more? Find out so you can determine whether the pharmacy is right for your facility or not.
Any other tips I should know?
Don’t rush into the selection process. Consider your options carefully. Check out the range of services that the pharmacy can provide. What about the pharmacists? Are they available 24/7? Emergencies don’t happen on schedule. You’ll want to make sure you choose a pharmacy that can deliver what you need when you need it.
