In the United States, pharmacists’ ability to prescribe medications is limited and varies significantly by state, with most lacking the broad legal right to prescribe like doctors. However, their role in medication management has expanded through various mechanisms.
Many states allow pharmacists to prescribe under Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) with physicians, enabling them to initiate, modify, or discontinue drug therapy for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes based on established protocols.
Some states have further expanded pharmacists’ roles through Advanced Practice Pharmacist (APP) licenses, with California, New Mexico, and Oregon, for example, having particularly progressive laws allowing specially trained pharmacists to prescribe independently in specific situations.
All states permit pharmacists to prescribe and administer vaccines under state protocols, and some allow them to prescribe certain medications like contraceptives, naloxone, and smoking cessation therapies under standing orders. Additionally, pharmacists may have expanded prescribing authority during public health crises or emergencies.
All pharmacists are highly trained medication experts dedicated to ensuring your safety and health. Independent pharmacists, who aren’t part of large corporate chains, often have more flexibility to provide personalized care, tailored to your specific needs. They access specialized databases, keep up with the latest trends, and offer invaluable advice on medication management.
By working closely with their clients, these independent pharmacists frequently observe when new medications are prescribed to address side effects of others, making them well-equipped to raise concerns and suggest alternatives when necessary.
Like many doctors, independent pharmacists are also expanding their scope of practice. Some are integrating nutrition so that they can recommend therapeutic supplements. Others are practicing functional medicine or functional medicine health coaching. We are witnessing the birth of a new paradigm within pharmacy where pharmacists are not just dispensing medications but actively contributing to a broader, more personalized approach to health and wellness.
How understanding truth #11 improves your life
Recognizing the value of your pharmacist, particularly those in independent pharmacies, can significantly enhance your healthcare experience.
Independent pharmacists have the flexibility to offer personalized care, going beyond just filling prescriptions to truly understanding and optimizing your medication regimen.
This can include Medication Therapy Management (MTM). An MTM is intended as a service for thorough review of medications. It’s the perfect place to bring your MedInfo Finder report. If you were to take your MedIinfo Finder report with you, it would give you and your pharmacist more comprehensive information about your meds, from both allopathic and functional medicine perspectives.
You can request an MTM (private consultation) with any pharmacist, including those in independent pharmacies.
The cost of MTM ranges from $75 to $100 (at the time of this ebook), and it is often covered by insurance, including Medicare.
The billing codes for these services are:
● 99605: Initial Visit (up to 15 minutes) – Used for the first MTM session with a new patient.
● 99606: Follow-Up Visit (up to 15 minutes) – Used for subsequent MTM sessions with an existing patient.
● 99607: Additional Time (each extra 15 minutes) – Used for any additional 15-minute increments beyond the initial or follow-up session.
Here are the sources referenced in Truth #11
Pharmacy First – getting the most from your pharmacist
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