This program offers GPs the opportunity of referring patients with complex medication needs for a home visit with an accredited pharmacist to improve their medication management.
The general practitioner is a key component of the process and can claim for undertaking the service with the MBS Item Number 900.
A GP referral is essential and the patient should satisfy any one of the following risk factors:
• Currently taking 5 or more regular medicines
• Taking more than 12 doses of medication a day
• Significant changes made to medication regimen in the last 3 months
• Medication with a narrow therapeutic index or medications requiring therapeutic monitoring
• Symptoms suggestive of an adverse drug reaction
• Sub-therapeutic response to treatment with medicines
• Suspected non-compliance or inability to manage medication related therapeutic devices
• Patients having difficulty managing their own medicines because of literacy or language difficulties, dexterity problems or impaired sight, confusion/dementia or other cognitive difficulties
• Attending a number of different doctors, both general practitioners and specialists
• Recent discharge from a facility/hospital ( in the last 4 weeks)
• Other medication problems
At the home visit, the accredited pharmacist interviews the patient about their use and understanding of their medication. Over the counter and complementary medicines are also included. A report is then sent to the general practitioner. This is reviewed with the patient at a subsequent visit and any improvements to medication management are agreed on.
For further information please refer to our Resources page.
Useful websites:
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Medicare item 900 information |
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Pharmacy Guild website |