News & Events
2015 Forum on Aging
& Annual Meeting
March 3 - 4, 2015
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
2015 Spring Conference
& Trade Show
May 4-5, 2015
LeadingAge Indiana
More Details
Industry Resources
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Resources
Connect with Us
Follow us on LinkedIN
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If the United States health care system was considered a disease state, it would be the 3rd leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. It is estimated that 400,000 people die each year due to the US health care system, with 52% or 208,000 be attributed to preventable medication errors or adverse drug events. So, who is working to prevent medication related adverse effects and death among these patients?
"Any symptom in an elderly patient should be considered a drug side-effect until proven otherwise." -- J. Gurwitz et al. Brown University”
As independent, board Certified Geriatric Pharmacists, our goal is to provide innovative and comprehensive person-centered care which promotes our patients’s ability to achieve their highest attainable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. We look forward to ensuring our patients “age in place” and experience better health related outcomes through our comprehensive medication therapy management program.
What is a consultant pharmacist?
The primary focus of a consultant pharmacist is to review and manage medication treatments for our patients. We, as consultant pharmacists, ensure these medications are a safe and effective form of therapy on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to prevent or correct any medication related errors that might interfere with the health of our patients. We also focus on facility processes and procedures that ensure quality compliance.
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Pharmacy Benefits
Why would a pharmacy use an independent consultant pharmacist?
Utilizing an independent consultant will help you to grow your business by acting as an extension of your pharmacy and its services, allowing you to expand your service offering without monopolizing your time or expenses. By establishing a relationship with your pharmacy, CTS can ensure your business model is upheld through the superior services we provide to your customers.
- Grow your business reach and volume
- Implement proven methods and standardized procedures
- Decrease inventory cost through formulary management
- Reduce human resource expenses
- Advance your image as an industry leader
By outsourcing your consulting needs, pharmacies can also eliminate the administrative costs of employing additional staff and the daily expenditures needed to effectively carry out the services of the trade.
Learn more about how we'll help you extend your service offering and grow your business. Or contact us now and we'll schedule a time for a visit!
What happens when you outsource your consulting?
When you outsource your consulting needs, your pharmacy will...
- reduce expenses (turn fixed costs into variable costs)
- increase nursing facility saturation and market share (we are your advocate in the facility)
- improve efficiencies (allow you to focus on script volume and reimbursement)
Learn more about our services. Or contact us now and we'll schedule a time for a visit!
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Senior Care Benefits
Why do senior care communities need independent consultant pharmacists?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) encourages long-term care facilities to consider employing independently licensed consultant pharmacist who are not affiliated with the facility’s provider pharmacy to perform the auditing and oversight functions required by federal regulations. Doing so would ensure there is no conflict of interest amongst the dispensing pharmacy, the consultant, and senior care provider, thus providing optimal care for the patient.
Click here to get more information about the proposed CMS rule and the options you have.
We take our consulting to the next level by participating in facility meetings, creating positive relationships with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), and offering solution-based individualized programs to enhance patient care.
- Individualized Medication Regimen Review
- Immediate Evaluation of Resident Change in Condition
- Statistical Analysis of Outcomes Data
- Behavioral Health Management Participation
- Care Plan Participation
- Quality Assessment & Assurance Participation
- Educational Programs for Residents, Family, & Staff
- Health & Wellness Clinics/Fairs
- Vaccination Certified
We are cutting edge consultants ahead of the ACO or Pay for Performance Model already collecting, improving, and reporting data (see the numbers here) about diabetes, heart failure, COPD, and antipsychotic use. The collection, improvement, and reporting of data has propelled some of our facilities to be the hospital's first choice for patient discharge.
"It has been a privilege to work with the team at CTS. They are leading national efforts to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications across the continuum of senior care. Each patient is treated with respect, as an individual, and given the chance to age in place." - Lauri Thomas, Health Care Excel, Indiana's Quality Improvement Organization
Learn more about how we'll help you improve the quality of life for your patient and become the preferred senior care provider in your area. Or contact us now and we'll schedule a time for a visit!
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Independent Patient Benefits
Do you take prescription medications, vitamins or herbal supplements?
If so... this information is for you! Medications are a double-edged sword - they have many benefits, but they also have risks. At CTS, our passion is to ensure quality medication management and better health outcomes for each patient. Are your medications compatible with one another? Are there more cost-effective options available? Would you like to improve your quality of life? Our consultant pharmacists can provide the answers.
"I can't believe I didn't know about this service sooner! The pharmacist at CTS spoke with my doctor, decreased the amount of medication I take, saved me money and helped my doctor choose a medication that would help with my constant back and knee pain. I feel great, and I can't help but thank my new pharmacist." - George K, 63 years young
CTS pharmacists will provide a complete, one-on-one analysis of your medications to:
- Confirm that your combination of prescription, supplemental, and herbal medications are helpful - not harmful
- Ensure medication therapy is optimal and based upon current clinical practice standards
- Improve the cost effectiveness of your medication regimen
- Suggest the best therapy options based on cutting-edge clinical trials
Learn more about how the process works. Or contact us now and we'll schedule a time for a visit!
TOPWhat is a medication-related problem?
An event or situation involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with an optimum outcome for a specific patient.
Medication-related problems can be categorized EIGHT ways:
1. Untreated conditions
The patient has a medical condition that requires drug therapy but is not receiving a drug for that condition.
2. Drug use without indication
The patient is taking a medication for no medically valid condition or reason.
3. Improper drug selection
The patient’s medical condition is being treated with the wrong drug or a drug that is not the most appropriate for the special needs of the patient.
4. Subtherapeutic dosage
The patient has a medical condition that is being treated with too little of the correct medication.
5. Overdosage
The patient has a medical problem that is being treated with too much of the correct medication.
6. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
The patient has a medical condition that is the result of an adverse drug reaction or adverse effect. In the case of older adults, ADRs contribute to already existing geriatric problems such as falls, urinary incontinence, constipation, and weight loss.
7. Drug interactions
The patient has a medical condition that is the result of a drug interacting negatively with another drug, a food, or a laboratory test result.
8. Failure to receive medication
The patient has a medical condition that is the result of not receiving a medication due to economic, psychological, sociological, or pharmaceutical reasons.
This information comes from The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists publication "Seniors at Risk: Designing the System to Protect America's Most Vulnerable Citizens from Medication-Related Problems".
News & Events
2015 Forum on Aging
& Annual Meeting
March 3 - 4, 2015
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
2015 Spring Conference
& Trade Show
May 4-5, 2015
LeadingAge Indiana
More Details
Industry Resources
Keys to Success
Resources
