Buckeye Health Plan launches new program that expands pharmacist’s role in patient care (2024)

Today, the Ohio Pharmacists Association joins Buckeye Health Plan in announcing the launch of the first phase of a new program that expands the role of pharmacists in direct patient care to improve the health outcomes of people living with chronic diseases, especially for Ohio’s most vulnerable populations. The program kicks off at two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Cleveland-based Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON) and Cincinnati-based Primary Health Solutions, along with The Christ Hospital also located in Cincinnati.

Through the program – which seeks to utilize recent OPA-backed law changes in Ohio that elevate the role of the pharmacist – physicians and participating pharmacists will work closely with patients living with chronic conditions like diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. The pharmacists will provide consultation, monitor medication and adjust as needed, demonstrate medical equipment, order lab tests, and provide preventative care including vaccinations.

"This program expands healthcare access by increasing the level of care pharmacists can provide at a place where members are already going," said Steve Province, President and CEO of Buckeye Health Plan. "This offers more access, more help and more support to those who often need it the most. We believe in the added value this program provides to our members so much that we’re reimbursing pharmacists participating in the program for this expanded role."

The goal of the program is to improve health outcomes for patients through a collaborative care model. "Involving our pharmacists as part of an integrated care team provides knowledgeable reinforcement to our physicians, resulting in better adherence on the part of the patient, and ultimately better health outcomes," said Dr. Anita Watson, MD, Medical Director at NEON.

Buckeye’s confidence in this program has also led to additional conversations and pharmacy partnership discussions.

"We find that our members view pharmacists as trusted healthcare providers, and those participating in this program really value the positive impact that pharmacists can have on their lives and health outcomes," said Meera Patel-Zook, RPh, Senior Director of Pharmacy at Buckeye Health Plan.

Given the expected increase in need for primary care services due to the country’s growing aging population and increasing costs of chronic disease management, programs like this may be key to addressing the increased demand on the health system.

"Pharmacists have the training and skills to do so much more than fill prescriptions, and this new initiative will allow pharmacists to demonstrate their value in today’s evolving healthcare framework. This program will raise the bar for how pharmacy benefits and pharmacist-provided care are delivered in Ohio," said Stuart Beatty, PharmD, Director of Strategy and Practice Transformation with the OPA and Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at The Ohio State University. "The Ohio Pharmacists Association is proud to work with Buckeye Health Plan on this program to elevate the standard of care for their Ohio members."

By tapping the expertise of pharmacists, Buckeye Health Plan’s new program begins realigning pharmacy to increase the focus on the care and well-being of the patient.

"Participating pharmacists are excited about this program. Patients see their pharmacists more regularly than their physicians. This offers more opportunities for education and consultation," said OPA member Michael Sreshta, RPh. M.S. CDE, Director of Pharmacy, Certified Diabetes Educator with NEON. "We know our patients and have a relationship with them. This new program allows us to become a stronger part of their integrated healthcare team."

In addition to improving patient outcomes, the program also seeks to elevate the standard of care for Buckeye members. "This new initiative from Buckeye Health Plan charts a new course for pharmacy care delivery to their members that increases provider collaboration, enhances service offerings, and puts an invigorated focus on the outcome of the patient," said Antonio Ciaccia, OPA Director of Government & Public Affairs.