What do you expect from your pharmacist? How would you define quality when you choose a community pharmacy? Because these questions are so important and so difficult to answer, the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative (WPQC) has established a community pharmacy quality credentialing process.
The process starts with a definition of quality. WPQC has identified key “best practices” for community pharmacies. To be credentialed for quality with WPQC, a pharmacy needs demonstrate that they follow all of the best practices on a consistent basis.
Examples of these best practices include:
For you, this means when you use a WPQC credentialed pharmacy, you will benefit from the best practices available in providing top quality pharmacy care. In addition to dispensing your medications in the safest way possible, your pharmacist will take an active role in understanding and managing all of your medications and medical conditions.
Search pharmacies currently participating in WPQC.
In addition to quality credentialing, WPQC pharmacies can provide a variety of services to members with a Unity drug benefit. These services, listed below, are available without a copayment.
Medication device instruction:
If you are using a blood glucose meter, asthma peak flow meter or inhaler, or other device to help you take or monitor your medications, your pharmacist can teach you how to use the device correctly.
Cost effectiveness assistance:
Your pharmacist can help you identify opportunities to save money by switching to lower copayment medications.
Adherence assistance:
Your pharmacist has techniques for assisting you to take your medications as prescribed.
Dose / dosage form / duration change intervention:
Your pharmacist will work with the prescriber of your medications to adjust dose, dosage form or the duration of your regimen based on your age, ability to metabolize the medication and drug interactions.
Therapeutic duplication intervention:
If you are taking 2 different medications that do the same thing, your pharmacist will work with the prescriber to determine if both are necessary.
Stop or Start Medication
You may be taking unnecessary medications. Or, based on the treatment guidelines for your medical condition, you may have a need for a specific medication that you are not taking. Your pharmacists can work with you and your prescriber to have you stop or start taking medications as appropriate.
Medication therapy management
If you are taking many medications to treat more than one chronic medical condition, you may be eligible to receive comprehensive medication therapy management services. Check with your WPQC pharmacist for details and to see if you qualify.
All of these services are available to Unity members with prescription drug benefits. Best of all, they are provided without paying a copayment!
Learn More
For more information about the Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative pharmacy credentialing criteria, visit www.pswi.org/professional/wpqc.htm.
