Caring for Patients: Five Roles of the Specialty Pharmacist

By:Rachel Anderson, PharmD, CSP, Clinical Program Manager

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At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, everything we do starts with the well-being of our patients. For those starting a specialty medication for a rare disease or chronic condition, our 300+ specialty pharmacists are available to answer questions and guide patients throughout their journey. The specialty pharmacist plays significant roles in the overall management of the patients we are fortunate to serve. Here are some examples:

 

• Empathetic approach to care. Specialty pharmacists show compassion, empathy, and understanding for patients, especially when they may face chronic, complex, or life-altering diagnoses. It is important to help ensure all patients receive complete and comprehensive care so they can achieve the most positive healthcare outcomes possible.
 

• Managing medications. Medication therapy management for patients involves medication-specific and disease state counseling, emphasizing the importance of medication adherence, guiding patients in preventing and managing adverse effects, and monitoring for any potential drug interactions. 
 

• Educating patients. Teaching patients about their potential risks for disease complications is important and may encourage adherence to prescribed medications and keeping scheduled follow up appointments with their prescriber. 
 

• Connecting patients to resources. Specialty pharmacists may also help point patients in the right direction for additional resources, or for patient or caregiver education and support. We are also available 24/7 for patients’ questions or concerns regarding therapy. 
 

• Helping lower costs. Specialty drugs are often associated with higher costs and specialty pharmacies can help patients explore all options to find the most affordable care. This search includes reaching out to various drug foundations and supporting patients in applying for copay assistance or other pharmacy-related financial assistance programs when available. 
 

Working together with other healthcare providers, specialty pharmacists can help ensure patients achieve the most optimal outcomes both clinically and financially. 

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