Earlier this year, we introduced you to a new option designed to offer a more holistic approach to caring for older adults, The Parkview Advantage Clinic (PAC).
Led by Carol Garrean, MD, PPG – Internal Medicine, and Eileen Muzzillo, MD, PPG – Internal Medicine, PAC delivers a more comprehensive, team-based approach to navigating the complexities that often come with managing multiple chronic medical conditions, as well as the changes that accompany aging. In this post, we take a closer look at the role of Pharmacy at PAC.
Medication Management
Alicia Owen, PharmD, pharmacist, Parkview Advantage Clinic, is there to enhance patient care in relation to medications.
During a PAC visit, Alicia works with patients to:
- Make sure their medication list is up to date.
- Provide education around what they’re taking and how they should be taking it.
- Discuss any obstacles to their medication regimen.
“I’m there to set them up for success,” Alicia said. “If they’re having an issue with affordability of a medication, for example, which we see with some of the name-brand drugs, we can discuss alternative medications or maybe medication assistance. Then I can review these options with their provider to find something more affordable.”
Working with PAC patients, Alicia finds that education and counseling are key pieces to medication compliance. “A lot of times, patients tell me they aren’t taking their medications the way they’re supposed to, usually because they don’t understand why that medication is so important. So, I make sure they understand what it is for and why they need to take it. This is also true for medications that are more complex to prepare and administer, like injectables. I take the time to sit down and walk through it with them, so they get the right dose and administer it correctly.”
Once patients understand the importance of their medications, and how to take it properly, they usually are more agreeable and walk away with a better outlook on their medication regimen.
Who is PAC for?
PAC is a good option for senior patients who have been diagnosed with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, etc.
PAC accepts Medicare Advantage, MR UHC, MR Humana, MR Anthem and MR Aetna insurance. To make an appointment, please call 260-425-5600.
