Community Chat

[wismiss]

I used to live near a city of about 350,000 and my PCP and specialists were from this city.  I moved to my present location (a town of about 10,800).  When I lived near the larger city, I never heard of pharmacotherapy, but here I move to this small town and there are four at the local clinic.  

I was having problems with my blood sugars and visited the pharmacotherapist.  He now has my blood sugars under control and my last A1C was 6.5.

Do you have these specialists in your city?

[Kachina624]

@wismiss    Never heard of this speciality.  What is their function?

[Sushismom]

Just about any pharmacist is an expert in pharmacotherapy.

ETA: Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs.

[Teddie]

I have never heard of this occupation. What do they do? And wow, @wismiss , getting your A1C down to 6.5 is excellent! I’m curious what their  recommendations were, since I’m in the same situation. 

[noodleann]

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@Sushismom wrote:

Just about any pharmacist is an expert in pharmacotherapy.

ETA: Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs.

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Around here they're just called dealers. 

[depglass]

Is this a state licensing issue?  My store offers "counseling" but I can read directions so I rarely avail myself unless a drug is brand new to me.

[Teddie]

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@noodleann wrote:

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@Sushismom wrote:

Just about any pharmacist is an expert in pharmacotherapy.

ETA: Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs.

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Around here they're just called dealers. 

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@noodleann  Care to elaborate? 

[wismiss]

Pharmacotherapists are pharmacists with specialized training in the management of medicines. A pharmacotherapist works with other members of your healthcarel team to ensure the medicine you take is effective, safe, and affordable for you.

• Pharmacotherapy is ideal for management of:
  
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease (including high blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart failure)
  • Blood thinners
  • Lung disease (like asthma or COPD)
  • Tobacco cessation (single and group sessions)
  • Chronic pain or long-term opioid use
  • And multiple other conditions
• Pharmacotherapy can also help with the following situations related to medicines:
  
  • Side-effects and intolerances
  • Drug timing and interactions
  • Insurance problems or costly medicines
  • Multiple medicines or “polypharmacy”
  • Reducing medicines or “de-prescribing”
  • Personal testing for how genes and drugs interact

Visits with a pharmacotherapist focus on the results and benefits of your medications. Find peace of mind as you discuss concerns you may be experiencing with a medication expert.

Most insurance plans recognize the benefit of Pharmacotherapy visits and offer the same coverage as a primary care visit.

If you are interested in making an appointment, please discuss with your primary care provider how a pharmacotherapist will fit into your care team.

[noodleann]

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@Teddie wrote:

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@noodleann wrote:

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@Sushismom wrote:

Just about any pharmacist is an expert in pharmacotherapy.

ETA: Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of disease through the administration of drugs.

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Around here they're just called dealers. 

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@noodleann  Care to elaborate? 

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Nope.

[willdob3]

@wismiss 

Id never heard of it so you know I had to Google it!

”Pharmacotherapy ensures the safe, appropriate and economical use of medications as part of interprofessional treatment teams in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health systems.”

Sounds like a pharmacotherapist works to make sure any drugs being prescribed are the safest ones for the patient. Can they prescribe medications?

It sounds like it is helping with your blood sugar. That is so important! I hope you have continued success.