Implementing Point-of-Care Testing in Community Pharmacy: Regulations, Logistics, and Reimbursement

A panelist discusses how implementing point-of-care testing in community pharmacies can be a significant revenue driver while creating a destination point for patients to receive health care services, especially in areas with limited access to providers.

A panelist discusses how obtaining a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver is an essential regulatory step for pharmacies to perform point-of-care testing, followed by credentialing with payers to receive reimbursement for these services.

A panelist discusses how transforming pharmacy staff roles by training technicians to handle clinical programs such as point-of-care testing creates a more efficient workflow system, similar to how physicians work with nurses.

A panelist discusses how medical billing for point-of-care testing represents a significant revenue opportunity for pharmacies. Further, though the process will be initially unfamiliar, pharmacists should learn and control it rather than outsourcing it.

A panelist discusses how implementing point-of-care testing can help create a formal structure for pharmacists to be recognized as providers who can help reduce health care costs by offering accessible care options.

A panelist discusses how medication synchronization programs are essential for implementing point-of-care testing by making half of prescription volume nonurgent, allowing pharmacists to delegate work and free up time for clinical services.

A panelist discusses how developing relationships with legislators and presenting data on health care cost savings can help pass legislation supporting pharmacist-provided clinical services, including point-of-care testing.

A panelist discusses how point-of-care testing can increase pharmacy revenue through the tests themselves and related OTC product recommendations, and by attracting new patients who were not previously customers.

With more than half the population struggling to access medical care, community pharmacies are emerging as unexpected heroes in the health care delivery system.